Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: Although guidance exists for the analysis of EQ-5D data, implementation in practice often relies on bespoke spreadsheets and scripts, limiting reproducibility and comparability across studies. We developed eq5dsuite, an open-source R package with a companion web-based interface that provides a unified framework for EQ-5D valuation and descriptive analyses. Its application is demonstrated using real-world patient outcomes data.
METHODS: eq5dsuite supports valuation of EQ-5D-3L, EQ-5D-5L, and EQ-5D-Y-3L responses using published country-specific value sets and established crosswalk methods. The package provides a structured set of functions for analysing EQ-5D profiles, EQ-5D values, and EQ-VAS data, implementing analyses recommended in published guidance in a consistent and reproducible manner. To illustrate its functionality, the package was applied to publicly available English NHS PROMs data to examine pre- and post-operative outcomes among hip replacement patients and to compare baseline health status between patients undergoing knee replacement and groin hernia repair. A companion Shiny application provides equivalent functionality through a graphical user interface.
RESULTS: Among hip replacement patients, problems before surgery were most frequently reported in the pain/discomfort, usual activities, and mobility dimensions. Mean EQ-5D values increased from 0.365 before surgery to 0.793 after surgery, while mean EQ-VAS scores increased from 65.5 to 77.0. In a separate baseline comparison, pre-operative knee replacement patients reported lower mean EQ-5D values than groin hernia patients (0.404 vs 0.788), consistent with greater impairment across most dimensions among knee replacement patients.
CONCLUSIONS: eq5dsuite provides a standardised framework for valuation and descriptive analysis of EQ-5D data within reproducible analytical workflows. Equivalent implementations in Stata and Excel allow the framework to be applied in settings where R is not routinely used, facilitating consistent and reproducible reporting of EQ-5D outcomes in health economics and outcomes research.