METHODS: We used an iterative design approach to adapt the PUF method, previously proposed by Devlin et al., for the EQ-5D-5L and for use as a standalone online tool. The valuation consists of three steps: level rating, dimension weighting, and anchoring. We conducted three iterative rounds of qualitative interviews to get feedback on the tasks and then piloted the tool in a sample of 50 participants from the UK.

RESULTS: On average, it took participants about 10 minutes to go through all tasks. Their responses indicated a good level of engagement. The two most important EQ-5D dimensions were Pain/Discomfort and Mobility. For 46 (92%) participants, we were able to construct a personal utility function. The results revealed that health state preferences differ considerably between individuals.

CONCLUSIONS: We successfully piloted the OPUF tool and showed that it can be used to derive a social as well as personal utility functions for the EQ-5D-5L. Even though the development of the online tool is in an early stage, there are potential avenues for further research. With some further abstraction, the OPUF tool could provide a modular software platform for creating valuation tools for any health descriptive system.