title: The use of health related quality of life measurement in cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy practice: an exploratory study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) recommends health related quality of life (HRQL) measurement with all cardiovascular and pulmonary patients. The current pattern of use of HRQL measurement among cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapists is unknown.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pattern of use of HRQL measurement among cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapists.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study used a semi-structured interview format within the context of 3 focus groups.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eleven physical therapists participated in this study and all were members of the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Section of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Participants participated in a conference call and were provided a question tree to guide discussion.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Several primary themes emerged, including decreased knowledge, barriers, and poor indicators of patient status. In addition, several subthemes developed including lack of familiarity, lack of use, administrative and cost limitations, inappropriateness of tool for patient population, correlation between function and quality of life, and suggestions for future outcome measures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A lack of familiarity and use of HRQL measurement and barriers to their use were established. In addition, ideas for future research on HRQL measurements with specific patient populations in physical therapy practice were defined.
authors.affiliation: Widener University, Chester, PA.
authors.forename: Kristin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lefebvre
authors.forename: Terri
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: Kim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Herbertson
authors.forename: Aliah
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Keirsey
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wnorowski
authors.forename: Kerstin M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Palombaro