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Society for Vascular Medicine

VEINES-QOL/ Sym Questionnaire

Purpose

The Venous Insufficiency Epidemiological and Economic Study – Quality of Life/Symptoms (VEINES-QOL/Sym) questionnaire is a tool used to assess the quality of life in patients with chronic venous disorders. It comprises 26 items divided into five domains: physical symptoms, social function, psychological well-being, pain, and cosmetic concerns.

Significance of VEINES- QOL

VEINES-QOL/Sym questionnaire assesses the quality of life in patients suffering from chronic venous disease (CVD). The questionnaire provides valuable insights into CVD beyond clinical symptoms. It focuses on patient-centered complaints secondary to CVD.  It is also used extensively in research as a standardized tool for measuring health-related quality of life outcomes.  The VEINES-QOL/Sym questionnaire allows advanced understanding of impact of CVD on patients’ lives, which helps navigate clinical decision process.

Pros and Cons of VEINES-QOL/Sym:

Pros:

  • Comprehensive Assessment of the impact of venous disorders on quality of life.
  • Patient-Centered providers understanding of personal challenges due to CVD.
  • Standardized tool that has been validated across multiple research studies.
  • Research tool that is widely used in clinical research studies and trial.
  • Clinical decision aide that healthcare providers to provide patient centered care.

Cons:

  • Scoring complexity and application of the results may require further understanding.
  • Subjective to the patient’s perception as it is a self-reported questionnaire.
  • May need translations into other languages.

Interpretation of VEINES-QOL/Sym Questionnaire

The questionnaire responses are rated on 2-point to 7-point response scales of intensity, frequency, or agreement. Two summary scores can be computed from the questionnaire:

  • VEINES-QOL Summary Score:Provides an estimate of the overall impact of CVD on the patient’s quality of life.
  • VEINES-Sym Summary Score:Measures symptom severity.

These summary scores are transformed to T scores (mean, 50; standard deviation, 10) for easy interpretation. A computerized scoring program is also available as a tablet-based VEINES-QOL/Sym.

How to Use VEINES-QOL/Sym Questionnaire 1

INSTRUCTIONS

HOW TO ANSWER:

Answer every question by marking the answer as indicated. If you are unsure about how to answer a question, please give the best answer you can.

Below are some questions about your views about your legs. This information will help keep track of how you feel and how well you are able to do your usual activities.

Please write today’s date: __ / _ / __ (day/month/year)

Thank you for your help.

Please return this questionnaire to us by mail using the envelope provided or give it to your

doctor.

VEINES-QOL/Sym in Comparison with Other Similar Tools:

VEINES-QOL/Sym questionnaire provides patient-centered perspective for assessing the quality of life. Other venous scores may have varied focus on clinical severity, anatomical pathology or functional impairment.

 

References

  1. Lamping, D. L., Schroter, S., Kurz, X., Kahn, S. R., & Abenhaim, L. (2003). Evaluation of outcomes in chronic venous disorders of the leg: Development of a scientifically rigorous, patient-reported measure of symptoms and quality of life. Journal of Vascular Surgery, 37(2), 410-419. https://doi.org/10.1067/mva.2003.152
  2. Méan, M., Limacher, A., Kahn, S. R., & Aujesky, D. (2014). The VEINES-QOL/Sym questionnaire is a reliable and valid disease-specific quality of life measure for deep vein thrombosis in elderly patients. Quality of Life Research, 23(9), 2463-2471. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-014-0704-x
  3. Albernaz, L. F., Albernaz, D. T. S., Zignani, F. R., et al. (2024). A comparison of tablet-based and paper-based venous insufficiency epidemiologic and economic study quality of life/symptom questionnaire for assessment of chronic venous disease. Phlebology, 39(1), 37-43. https://doi.org/10.1177/02683555231208511