Assessment of physicians’ awareness on the diagnosis and management of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: development and validation of a questionnaire

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction represents a significant clinical and social challenge requiring a personalized approach to diagnosis and treatment. Physicians' awareness of the diagnosis and management of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is a key factor determining the quality of medical care. The characteristics of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction require physicians to have specialized diagnostic skills, such as assessment of diastolic function and structural changes of the heart, including the use of natriuretic peptides and echocardiography. This study aimed to develop and validate a questionnaire assessing physicians’ awareness of issues related with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The study involved a systematic literature review, expert evaluation, and pilot testing of the questionnaire with 151 physicians. The developed questionnaire comprises 18 questions covering professional practice, diagnostic criteria, use of biomarkers, prevention and education, as well as patient challenges and adherence. The reliability and validity of the questionnaire were confirmed through statistical methods. The study highlights the importance of specialized educational programs to enhance knowledge and improve medical care for patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The findings offer valuable insights for optimizing the diagnosis and management of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, reducing hospitalization rates, and improving patient quality of life.