Can The EQ-5D Detect Meaningful Change? A Systematic Review
Nalin Payakachat1, Mir M Ali2, J Mick Tilford3,2
1Division of Pharmaceutical Evaluation and Policy, Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham Street, Slot #522, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA. npayakachat@uams.edu.
Pharmacoeconomics
|June 5, 2015
Summary
The EQ-5D is responsive in many health conditions, but not all. For conditions with mixed evidence, use it alongside other measures for accurate effectiveness estimates.
Area of Science:
- Health Economics
- Health Technology Assessment
- Patient-Reported Outcomes
Background:
- The EQ-5D is a widely used generic instrument for measuring health utilities in economic evaluations.
- It is recommended for health technology assessment by NICE.
- Understanding EQ-5D responsiveness is crucial for accurate economic evaluations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize evidence on the responsiveness of the EQ-5D.
- To assess its ability to detect meaningful health status changes in clinical research and economic evaluations.
Main Methods:
- Searched multiple databases (EuroQol, PubMed, PsychINFO, EconLit) for relevant studies up to August 2014.
- Excluded studies using only the EQ-VAS.
- Conducted a narrative synthesis of evidence on EQ-5D responsiveness across various conditions.
Main Results:
- 145 studies were included, covering 56 conditions.
- The EQ-5D demonstrated responsiveness in 25 conditions (45%), with varying magnitudes.
- Mixed evidence of responsiveness was found in 27 conditions (48%).
Conclusions:
- The EQ-5D is suitable for economic evaluations in conditions with proven responsiveness.
- For conditions with mixed evidence, consider using EQ-5D with condition-specific measures.
- Future research should focus on the new EQ-5D version for conditions with mixed responsiveness.