The importance of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in assessing health-related QoL has been increasingly recognized, but their implementation remains inconsistent in clinical practice. A systematic review published on April 13, 2026 on Health Quality of Life Outcomes has synthesized the available evidence on the impact of pulmonary arterial hypertension on patients’ QoL measured by PROMs.
The authors state that pulmonary arterial hypertension management has traditionally prioritised survival and disease progression, but that a broader, more holistic approach is essential. Understanding patients’ fears, limitations and expectations — and addressing their physical, emotional and social needs as a whole — is as important as treating the disease itself. The ultimate goal of pulmonary arterial hypertension management, they argue, is not only to extend life but to enhance its quality, enabling patients to live as fully as possible despite the challenges of a chronic and limiting condition.
A total of 3271 studies were retrieved; 44 met inclusion criteria. PROMs like SF-36 (14 studies), SF-12 (2), CAMPHOR (9), EQ-5D (7), and EmPHasis-10 (13) were utilized. Findings highlight a dichotomy in QoL outcomes, with significant physical impairments but relatively preserved mental health scores.
The relatively preserved mental health in patients, despite significant physical impairments, points to an opportunity to build on this psychological resilience through targeted interventions such as resilience training and social support, alongside physical therapies. Addressing physical limitations — particularly in physical functioning and general health — remains a priority for improving overall quality of life.
The authors also note that disease-specific quality of life questionnaires are more sensitive and relevant than generic tools, as they are designed to capture the particular symptoms, functional limitations and psychological burden associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
To conclude, the authors advocate for integrating PROMs into clinical assessments and standardizing methodologies.
Citation
Carmona-Segovia, A.D., Morales-Asencio, J.M., Escribano-Subías, P. et al. Quality of life in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Health Qual Life Outcomes (2026). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12955-026-02516-w
Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12955-026-02516-w