A UK value set for the EQ-5D-5L

Objectives

A UK EQ-5D-5L value set is urgently required to enable the latest version of EQ-5D to inform policy, including evidence submitted to NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) as part of health technology assessments. This paper presents the EQ-5D-5L UK value set generated from preference data elicited using the time trade-off (TTO) technique with a representative sample of the UK public.

Methods

In-person and videoconference interviews were undertaken using the composite TTO method for 102 health states with a representative sample of UK adults (age 18 years and over) across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Data quality was rigorously and independently assessed throughout the study. TTO data was modelled using a range of models with the value set being selected as the preferred model using predefined criteria.

Results

Data quality standards were achieved. 1200 interviews were conducted, 1102 (91.8%) via videoconference and 98 (8.2%) in-person. The sample was representative for age, sex, ethnicity and socioeconomic groups and proportionally representative for the four nations (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). TTO values highlighted by participants as ones they would reconsider were excluded. The value set was generated using a random effects Tobit model. The dimensions of anxiety/depression and usual activities have greater relative impact on utilities than in UK EQ-5D-3L, though worst state value is comparable.

Conclusion

The study collected good-quality data from a representative sample of the UK public, modelled the data appropriately and transparently, to generate a UK EQ-5D-5L value set suitable for informing policy.