Using the OPUF approach to create a value set for the EQ-HWB-S: An exploratory feasibility study [version 2; peer review: 1 approved, 1 approved with reservations]

Objectives

The EQ-HWB-S (EQ Health and Wellbeing Short version) is a new generic measure of health, social care and carer related quality of life, specifically developed to generate utility values. However, its nine dimensions pose a challenge for creating value sets using traditional elicitation techniques, such as time trade-off. A promising alternative method, called Online elicitation of Personal Utility Functions (OPUF) has recently been proposed. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of using OPUF to create a value set for the EQ-HWB-S.

Methods

We adapted the OPUF tool for the EQ-HWB-S, and piloted it in convenience samples from the UK and Germany. We then conducted an explorative valuation study in both countries in March 2023. We recruited a total of 658 respondents, in four samples: UK (n = 328) and German (n = 110) general population, and German rheumatic disease (n = 110) and diabetes (n = 110) patients. Feasibility was assessed based on completion times, data quality, logical consistency, and respondents’ feedback. A demo version of the English OPUF survey is available at: https://valorem.health/eqen-demo Results Median completion times ranged from 11 to 16 minutes across samples. The OPUF approach yielded well-ordered value set coefficients in all four samples, with precision comparable to a larger EQ-VT study (n = 520). Pain, mobility, and daily activities were the three most important dimensions across all samples. The OPUF-derived UK value set differed from the EQ-VT pilot value set in relative dimension weights, intermediate level positions, and overall scaling.

Conclusion

The OPUF approach was feasible for creating value sets for the EQ-HWB-S in four relatively small samples, including two patient groups. While further validation is needed, OPUF may offer a viable alternative or supplement to traditional valuation techniques for eliciting health state preferences, particularly in settings with limited resources or when eliciting preferences from specific groups.