OBJECTIVES : Despite recent advances, current IPF therapies fail to halt progression and have limited impact on QoL. Hospitalization due to IPF is common. We studied real-world burden of IPF on QoL (EQ-5D), hospitalization, work impairment and healthcare visits.

METHODS : A large cross-sectional survey was conducted in France, Germany, Japan and the USA; 244 physicians reported data on 1,249 patients with IPF, 739 of whom provided self-reported data.

RESULTS : EQ-5D health utility values in IPF were worse than moderate‑to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and similar to non-small cell lung cancer, based on comparative real-world data. Those on treatment (84.7%) consulted a healthcare professional more than those untreated (8.5 vs 5.2 visits/year); 33% and 10% made ≥10 visits/year, respectively, largely for routine check-ups and repeat prescriptions. Hospitalization was more common when disease was perceived as severe by physicians, but 5–17% of patients with mild functional impairment were still hospitalized in the last year. Work productivity was impaired by 28%, 45%, 40% and 34% in France, Germany, Japan and USA, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS : Data show the marked burden of IPF on QoL, work productivity and healthcare resource use, highlighting the need for optimization of current management.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS : This study was funded by Galapagos NV (Mechelen, Belgium). Writing support from Hannah Mace MPharmacol, CMPP (Aspire Scientific Ltd, Bollington, UK) was funded by Galapagos NV.