ResQ Family: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection in Infants and Quality of Life of Families—Study Protocol of a Multi-Country Family Cohort Study

(1) Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in infants not only affects the child itself, but also their families. Nevertheless, information on the overall impact is scarce. A comprehensive caregiver-specific approach covering essential (health) dimensions and relevant stakeholders was initiated under the ResQ Family study conducted in Germany, France, Italy and Sweden. The primary objective is to investigate the health-related quality of life of parents and/or caregivers of children (<24 months) hospitalised for RSV. (2) Each participant completes an online questionnaire disseminated via social media and printed material in hospitals. Using the PedsQL(TM) FIM as well as further self-designed questions, parent and patient characteristics as well as potential stressors and preventive factors are recorded at baseline and after six weeks. Multivariate regression models with health-related quality of life as main outcome parameter will be conducted. (3) The study is currently in the recruitment process. A full analysis will be performed once the data collection phase is complete. First results are to be expected in late 2023. (4) Publishing the results in the form of scientific papers but also non-scientific (information) material will help us raise awareness for RSV and the importance of prevention among healthcare professionals, patient representatives and decision-makers.