Experience-Based Swedish TTO and VAS Value Sets for EQ-5D-5L Health States

Summary, in English

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Although value sets for the five-level version of the generic health-related quality-of-life instrument EQ-5D are emerging, there is still no value set available in the literature based on time trade-off valuations made by individuals experiencing the valued health states. The aim of this study was to estimate experience-based value sets for the EQ-5D-5L for Sweden using time trade-off and visual analogue scale valuation methods.

METHODS: In a large, cross-sectional, population-based, self-administered postal health survey, the EQ-5D-5L descriptive system, EQ visual analogue scale and a time trade-off question were included. Time trade-off and visual analogue scale valuations of the respondent's current health status were used in statistical modelling to estimate a single-index value of health for each of the 3125 health states. Ordinary least-squares and generalised linear models were estimated with the main effect within each of the five dimensions represented by 20 dummy variables reflecting the additional decrement in value for levels 2-5 when the severity increases by one level sequentially beginning from having no problem. Interaction variables representing the occurrence of severity levels in at least one of the dimensions were tested: severity level 2 or worse (N2); severity level 3 or worse (N3); severity level 4 or worse (N4); severity level 5 (N5).

RESULTS: A total of 896 health states (28.7% of the 3125 possible EQ-5D-5L health states) were reported by the 25,867 respondents. Visual analogue scale (n = 23,899) and time trade-off (n = 13,381) responders reported valuations of their currently experienced health state. The preferred regression models used ordinary least-squares estimation for both time trade-off and visual analogue scale values and showed consistency in all coefficients after combining certain levels. Levels 4 and 5 for the dimensions of mobility, self-care and usual activities were combined in the time trade-off model. Including the interaction variable N5, indicating severity level 5 in at least one of the five dimensions, made it possible to distinguish between the two worst severity levels where no other dimension is at level 5 as this coefficient is applied only once. In the visual analogue scale regression model, levels 4 and 5 of the mobility dimension were combined. The interaction variables N2-N4 were included, indicating that each of these terms reflect a statistically significant decrement in visual analogue scale value if any of the dimensions is at severity level 2, 3 or 4, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Time trade-off and visual analogue scale value sets for the EQ-5D-5L are now available for Sweden. The time trade-off value set is the first such value set based on experience-based time trade-off valuation. For decision makers with a preference for experience-based valuations of health states from a representative population-based sample, the reported value sets may be considered fit for purpose to support resource allocation decision as well as evaluating population health and healthcare performance.

• Author: Kristina Burström; Fitsum Sebsibe Teni; Ulf-G Gerdtham; Reiner Leidl; Gert Helgesson; Ola Rolfson; Martin Henriksson
• Department/s: Centre for Economic Demography; Health Economics; Department of Economics; EpiHealth: Epidemiology for Health
• Publishing year: 2020-08
• Language: English
• Pages: 839-856
• Publication/Series: PharmacoEconomics
• Volume: 38
• Issue: 8
• Links: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40273-020-00905-7
• Document type: Journal article
• Publisher: Adis International
• Topic: Health Care Service and Management, Health Policy and Services and Health Economy
• Status: Published
• Research group: Health Economics
• ISBN/ISSN/Other: ISSN: 1179-2027