A Scoring Algorithm for Deriving Utility Values from the Neuro-QoL for Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Health Economics
• Psychometrics
• Neurology

Background:

• The Neuro-QoL is a standardized measure for health-related quality of life in neurological conditions, including multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Item response theory (IRT) methodology underpins the Neuro-QoL item banks, ensuring calibrated measurement across constructs.
• Economic modeling requires utility values, which are preference-based health state valuations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a preference-based scoring algorithm for the Neuro-QoL to derive health utilities.
• To enable the use of Neuro-QoL data in economic evaluations for multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment.

Main Methods:

• Six Neuro-QoL domains relevant to MS were selected and used to define health states for a UK-based utility elicitation study.
• A general population sample and individuals with MS provided valuations for these health states.
• The Neuro-QoL Utility Scoring System (NQU) was developed using multi-attribute utility theory and validated with MS participant data.

Main Results:

• The NQU yielded mean scores of 0.94 (SD=0.06) for the general population and 0.82 (SD=0.13) for the MS sample.
• The NQU demonstrated known-groups validity, distinguishing between MS subgroups based on disability levels.
• Convergent validity was confirmed through strong correlations with the EQ-5D-5L (0.66) and Health Utilities Index Mark 3 (0.63).

Conclusions:

• The Neuro-QoL Utility Scoring System (NQU) provides a method to derive utilities from Neuro-QoL data in MS patient samples.
• The NQU expands options for quantifying outcomes in cost-utility analyses for MS.
• This facilitates informed resource allocation decisions for multiple sclerosis treatments.