The short form 6 dimensions (SF-6D): development and evolution

This paper considers the development and evolution of the short-form 6 dimensions (SF-6D), a generic preference-weighted measure consisting of a health classification with accompanying value set that was developed from one of the widest used health related quality of life measures, the SF-36 health survey. This enabled health state utility values to be directly generated from SF-36 and SF-12 data for a range of purposes, including to produce quality adjusted life years for use in economic evaluation of healthcare interventions across a range of different conditions and treatments. This paper considers the rationale for the development of the measure, the development process, performance and how the SF-6D has evolved since its conception. This includes the development of an updated version, SF-6D version 2 (SF-6Dv2), which was generated to deal with some criticisms of the first version, and now includes a standalone version for inclusion in studies without relying on use of SF-36 or SF-12. Valuation methods have also evolved, from standard gamble in-person interviews to online discrete choice experiment surveys. International work related to the SF-6Dv1 and SF-6Dv2 is considered. We also consider recommendations for use, highlighting key psychometric evidence and reimbursement agency recommendations.