Tom Weijnen

Guidelines for analysing and reporting EQ-5D outcomes

The EQ-5D is used in different fields of research, each field with its own scientific traditions. These traditions are reflected in different methods of analysis, application, and presentation. The particular interest of a researcher may determine whether 1 or more of the 3 parts (descriptive system, VAS, index) of the EQ-5D will be applied. This chapter presents an overview of the major types of application of the EQ-5D. First, 3 fields of research are discussed, each orientated to a particular research question. Second, the 3 main types of study design are outlined. Third, guidelines for the collection of EQ-5D data are presented. Fourth, guidelines for analysing and reporting EQ-5D outcomes are presented for each of these different research strategies.

A comparison of EQ-5D time trade-off values obtained in Germany, The United Kingdom and Spain

EQ-5D has been valued using a standardised TTO by general population samples in 3 different European countries: Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom (Badia et al, 2001; Claes et al,1999; Dolan, 1997). This has created an opportunity to compare TTO values for health states between countries. These types of comparisons are rare and those submitted or publicised are bilateral (Badia et al, 2001; Claes et al, 1999). Moreover, such comparisons do not usually involve the general public (Bleichrodt & Johannesson 1997) and tend to use VAS instead of TTO. For this reason, little is known about variations in health state valuations between countries using TTO. Hence it is not known if the results of decision analyses and cost-effectiveness analyses involving utility measurement in 1 country can be generalised to other countries. It would thus be helpful if more were known about international differences in TTO values. In this chapter, we report on the mutual efforts of several research groups within the EuroQol Group to make an international comparison of TTO values. On the basis of this comparison, general guidelines are formulated for the exchangeability of TTO value sets between different countries.

Comparison of EQ-5D VAS valuations: analysis of background variables

Preference-based instruments for measuring HRQoL of life have been developed in different countries and applied in empirical research in a much wider range of countries. A major concern in this context has been whether the valuations (values or utility weights) elicited for the instrument in 1 country are applicable in another, that is, whether the valuations in terms of the relative values/utilities of different health states are similar or not. If they are, an instrument that has been valued in country A can be applied in country B without having to carry out a very cumbersome and expensive process of eliciting the valuations in country B. However, if the valuations differ, the use of an instrument with valuations from country A in country B, for example in the evaluation of health interventions, may lead to different results and a different order of preference among the interventions from those should valuations from country B have been available.

Construction of the EQ-net VAS and TTO databases

One of the objectives of the EQ-net project was to create an integrated database containing valuation data gathered previously in different European countries and in different studies. This database would enable secondary cross-national and comparative data analysis to be undertaken.

Development of a questionnaire to assess the quality of care in Dutch dialysis centers from the patient’s perspective

This study aimed to develop and test a questionnaire in order to assess the quality of care in Dutch dialysis centers from the patient’s perspective. The questionnaire is referred to as the Quality of Care in Dialysis centers Questionnaire. Focus group sessions were organized and the results were transformed into a 68-item test version of the Quality of Care in Dialysis centers Questionnaire. Factor analyses and item reduction were performed to construct the Quality of Care in Dialysis centers Questionnaire. The questionnaire has four dimensions: doctors, nurses, other staff members and facilities; with eight descriptive items plus one item to measure satisfaction per dimension. A visual analog scale was added to determine overall satisfaction. The Quality of Care in Dialysis centers Questionnaire is used in Dutch dialysis centers. Further research should be conducted to establish preference weights per dimension on the basis of the visual analog scale scores.

PHP17: A EUROPEAN HEALTH STATUS INDEX BASED ON PREFERENCES OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC

with the introduction of generic lovastatin, atorvastatin was launched and appeared to benefit from the decline in A&P of lovastatin, as did pravastatin. CONCLUSION: Evidence exists in each of the three markets reviewed to support the hypothesis for two of the three therapeutic classes investigated. There appeared to be a trend toward a significant increase in growth in competitive branded compounds in both the SSRI and statin markets following introduction of the first generic drug.