An EQ-5D Multilayered Measure of Health-Related Quality of Life: Is There Relevance and Need for It?
Author(s)
Rebecca Addo, BSc, MPH, PhD.
Research Fellow, CHERE, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia.
Research Fellow, CHERE, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia.
OBJECTIVES: The EQ-5D descriptive system is limited by its inability to capture all relevant aspects of health and disability in certain conditions. To address these limitations, the addition of condition specific ‘bolt-on’ are being explored with the aim of improving the measurement, sensitivity, content validity and relevance of EQ-5D in specific disease contexts. An alternative approach proposed to address these limitations is to develop EQ-5D as a multi-level hierarchical instrument, where dimension specific modules (items) (DSM)) will be developed and nested below each of the existing five core dimensions. This study explores the relevance and appropriateness of developing an EQ-5D-DSM instrument using mobility dimension as a case study..
METHODS: The first part of this study was a targeted literature search to identify existing items from other instruments measuring mobility or overlapping constructs. The identified items were used to develop a ‘mock mobility-DSM’. The second part of the study seeks to understand, from the perspective of key prospective users, the relevance, and expectations from an EQ-5D-DSM instrument. This will be done via semi-structured interviews, guided by the developed ‘mock mobility-DSM’ with key international stakeholders from industry, government, academia, etc. Data will be thematically analyzed
RESULTS: Many items were identified measuring mobility, some of which had overlapping construct such as physical functioning or ability, independent living. These items had different response levels and scoring algorithms. A mobility DSM will ensure that items measuring different aspects of mobility are captured and measured with one instrument. This is especially important for conditions with mobility as key measure of health-related-quality-of-life. Findings from the stakeholder interviews will provide evidence on the expectations of key prospective users of a DSM to establish the relevance of investing in its development and likely usage
CONCLUSIONS: There is relevance for an EQ-5D-DSM. Input from key stakeholders will ensure that it is fit for purpose.
METHODS: The first part of this study was a targeted literature search to identify existing items from other instruments measuring mobility or overlapping constructs. The identified items were used to develop a ‘mock mobility-DSM’. The second part of the study seeks to understand, from the perspective of key prospective users, the relevance, and expectations from an EQ-5D-DSM instrument. This will be done via semi-structured interviews, guided by the developed ‘mock mobility-DSM’ with key international stakeholders from industry, government, academia, etc. Data will be thematically analyzed
RESULTS: Many items were identified measuring mobility, some of which had overlapping construct such as physical functioning or ability, independent living. These items had different response levels and scoring algorithms. A mobility DSM will ensure that items measuring different aspects of mobility are captured and measured with one instrument. This is especially important for conditions with mobility as key measure of health-related-quality-of-life. Findings from the stakeholder interviews will provide evidence on the expectations of key prospective users of a DSM to establish the relevance of investing in its development and likely usage
CONCLUSIONS: There is relevance for an EQ-5D-DSM. Input from key stakeholders will ensure that it is fit for purpose.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-09, ISPOR Real-World Evidence Summit 2025, Tokyo, Japan
Value in Health Regional, Volume 49S (September 2025)
Code
RWD49
Topic Subcategory
Distributed Data & Research Networks
Disease
SDC: Musculoskeletal Disorders (Arthritis, Bone Disorders, Osteoporosis, Other Musculoskeletal)