The HERC Database of Mapping Studies: A 2025 Update of a Live Systematic Review of Studies Predicting EQ-5D From Other Patient-Reported Outcome Measures
Author(s)
Kristian Mallon, BSc, MPhil, MSc1, Rositsa Koleva-Kolarova, BSc, MSc, PhD2, Richeal Maria Burns, MSc PhD1, yaling yang, PhD3, Helen Dakin, MSc DPhil2.
1Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland, 2Health Economics Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom, 3University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
1Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland, 2Health Economics Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom, 3University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
OBJECTIVES: The Health Economics Research Centre (HERC) Database of Mapping Studies was established in 2013. It comprises a live systematic review of studies developing mapping algorithms predicting EQ-5D. Mapping (or cross-walking) non-preference-based measures to preference-based measures allows retrospective estimation of utility scores, supporting the use of existing clinical data in cost-utility analyses.
METHODS: Studies were included in the database if they conducted statistical mapping to predict EQ-5D utilities or responses from any source instrument and reported the estimated algorithms in sufficient detail to allow other researchers to use them to predict EQ-5D in other studies. The original searches conducted in December 2012 were updated nine times between July 2013 and February 2025. The database records key characteristics of each study: author, year, sample size, source and target instruments, disease, model type, and validation methods.
RESULTS: As of 2025, the HERC Database includes over 279 mapping studies across a wide range of clinical areas, including cancer, infectious diseases, cardiovascular disease, digestive system diseases, central nervous system disorders, and musculoskeletal disorders. Around 17 studies were published in 2023, 13 in 2024, and 2 in 2025. The database includes studies mapping from 113 different source instruments. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression remains the most frequently applied model (81%), though more recent studies have adopted advanced techniques such as beta regression, mixture models, and machine learning to potentially improve prediction accuracy.
CONCLUSIONS: The HERC Database of Mapping Studies provides a convenient and timely resource for identifying mapping studies. As interest in real-world data increases, the database remains an important resource for economic evaluations and health technology assessment. Ongoing updates and expansion of the database, and particularly the inclusion of validation performance and newer modelling approaches will enhance its applicability and relevance for future economic evaluations.
METHODS: Studies were included in the database if they conducted statistical mapping to predict EQ-5D utilities or responses from any source instrument and reported the estimated algorithms in sufficient detail to allow other researchers to use them to predict EQ-5D in other studies. The original searches conducted in December 2012 were updated nine times between July 2013 and February 2025. The database records key characteristics of each study: author, year, sample size, source and target instruments, disease, model type, and validation methods.
RESULTS: As of 2025, the HERC Database includes over 279 mapping studies across a wide range of clinical areas, including cancer, infectious diseases, cardiovascular disease, digestive system diseases, central nervous system disorders, and musculoskeletal disorders. Around 17 studies were published in 2023, 13 in 2024, and 2 in 2025. The database includes studies mapping from 113 different source instruments. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression remains the most frequently applied model (81%), though more recent studies have adopted advanced techniques such as beta regression, mixture models, and machine learning to potentially improve prediction accuracy.
CONCLUSIONS: The HERC Database of Mapping Studies provides a convenient and timely resource for identifying mapping studies. As interest in real-world data increases, the database remains an important resource for economic evaluations and health technology assessment. Ongoing updates and expansion of the database, and particularly the inclusion of validation performance and newer modelling approaches will enhance its applicability and relevance for future economic evaluations.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
MSR199
Topic
Economic Evaluation, Health Technology Assessment, Methodological & Statistical Research
Disease
Generics