EQ 5D 5L User Guide 2015

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EQ-5D-5L User Guide

Basic information on how to use the EQ-5D-5L instrument

Prepared by

Mandy van Reenen / Bas Janssen

Version 2.1

April 2015

Table of contents

1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. . 4

1.1. THE EUROQOL GROUP .................................................................................................... 4

1.2. EQ-5D ........................................................................................................................... 4

1.2.1. EQ-5D-3L ................................................................................................................. 4

1.2.2. EQ-5D-5L ................................................................................................................. 5

1.3. WHAT IS A HEALTH STATE? .............................................................................................. 9

2. SCORING THE EQ-5D-5L DESCRIPTIVE SYSTEM .......................................................... 10

3. SCORING THE EQ VAS ..................................................................................................... 11

4. CONVERTING EQ-5D-5L STATES TO AN INDEX VALUE ............................................... 12

4.1. THE EQ-5D-5L CROSSWALK PROJECT ........................................................................... 12

4.2. CROSSWALK VALUE SETS FOR THE EQ-5D-5L ................................................................ 12

5. ORGANISING EQ-5D-5L DATA ......................................................................................... 14

6. PRESENTING EQ-5D-5L RESULTS .................................................................................. 15

6.1. HEALTH PROFILES ......................................................................................................... 15

6.2. EQ VAS ...................................................................................................................... 17

6.3. EQ-5D-5L INDEX VALUE ................................................................................................ 17

7. EQ-5D PRODUCTS ............................................................................................................ 19

7.1. EQ-5D-5L TRANSLATIONS AND OTHER FORMATS ............................................................ 19

7.2. OTHER EQ-5D PRODUCTS ............................................................................................ 19

7.2.1. EQ-5D-3L Translations and formats ....................................................................... 19

7.2.2. EQ-5D-Y Translations ............................................................................................ 19

7.3. TRANSLATION PROCESS ................................................................................................ 20

7.4. HOW TO OBTAIN EQ-5D-5L? ......................................................................................... 20

8. FAQS .................................................................................................................................. 21

8.1. GENERAL ..................................................................................................................... 21

8.2. REGISTRATION ............................................................................................................. 23

8.3. COPYRIGHT .................................................................................................................. 23

9. REFERENCES AND PUBLICATIONS ............................................................................... 24

9.1. KEY EUROQOL GROUP REFERENCES ............................................................................. 24

9.2. REFERRING TO THE EQ-5D-5L INSTRUMENT IN PUBLICATIONS .......................................... 24

9.3. EQ-5D BOOKS ............................................................................................................. 25

Page | 4

1. Introduction

This guide has been developed in order to give users basic information on how to use the EQ-5D-5L version.

Topics include administering the instrument, setting up a database for data collected using EQ-5D-5L as well

as information about how to present the results. Also included are several frequently asked questions

dealing with common issues regarding the use of EQ-5D-5L and a list of currently available EuroQol

products.

1.1. The EuroQol Group

 The EuroQol Group is a network of international multidisciplinary researchers devoted to the

measurement of health status. Established in 1987, the EuroQol Group originally consisted of

researchers from Europe, but nowadays includes members from North America, Asia, Africa, Australia,

and New Zealand. The Group is responsible for the development of EQ-5D, a preference based

measure of health status that is now widely used in clinical trials, observational studies and other health

surveys.

 The EuroQol Group has been holding annual scientific meetings since its inception in 1987.

 The EuroQol Group can be justifiably proud of its collective scientific achievements over the last 20

years. Research areas include: valuation, EQ-5D use in clinical studies and in population surveys,

experimentation with the EQ-5D descriptive system, computerized applications, interpretation of EQ-5D

ratings and the role of EQ-5D in measuring social inequalities in self-reported health.

 The EuroQol website (www.euroqol.org) contains detailed information about EQ-5D, guidance for users,

a list of available language versions, EQ-5D references and contact details.

1.2. EQ-5D

EQ-5D is a standardised measure of health status developed by the EuroQol Group in order to

provide a simple, generic measure of health for clinical and economic appraisal1.

Applicable to a wide range of health conditions and treatments, it provides a simple descriptive profile and a

single index value for health status that can be used in the clinical and economic evaluation of health care as

well as in population health surveys. EQ-5D is designed for self-completion by respondents and is ideally

suited for use in postal surveys, in clinics, and in face-to-face interviews. It is cognitively undemanding,

taking only a few minutes to complete. Instructions to respondents are included in the questionnaire.

1.2.1. EQ-5D-3L

The EQ-5D 3 level version (EQ-5D-3L) was introduced in 1990. The EQ-5D-3L essentially consists of 2

pages - the EQ-5D descriptive system (page 2) and the EQ visual analogue scale (EQ VAS) (page 3). The

EQ-5D-3L descriptive system comprises the following 5 dimensions: mobility, self-care, usual activities,

1 EuroQol Group. EuroQol-a new facility for the measurement of health-related quality of life. Health Policy 1990;16:199-208

Page | 5

pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. Each dimension has 3 levels: no problems, some problems, extreme

problems. The respondent is asked to indicate his/her health state by ticking (or placing a cross) in the box

against the most appropriate statement in each of the 5 dimensions. The EQ VAS records the respondent’s

self-rated health on a vertical, visual analogue scale where the endpoints are labelled ‘Best imaginable

health state’ and ‘Worst imaginable health state’. This information can be used as a quantitative measure of

health outcome as judged by the individual respondents.

The EQ-5D-3L has now been translated into more than 170 languages and is used worldwide. However

ceiling effects have been reported, particularly when used in general population surveys but also in some

patient population settings. In order to address these criticisms, and encouraged by demand from clinicians

and other users, the EuroQol Group decided to explore ways of improving the EQ-5D’s measurement

properties.

1.2.2. EQ-5D-5L

In 2005, a Task Force was established within the EuroQol Group to investigate methods to improve the

instrument’s sensitivity and to reduce ceiling effects. After much discussion, the Task Force decided that

there should be no change in the number of dimensions for a new version of EQ-5D. However, previously

published studies by EuroQol Group members showed that experimental 5-level versions of EQ-5D could

significantly increase reliability and sensitivity (discriminatory power) while maintaining feasibility and

potentially reducing ceiling effects. The Group therefore decided that the new version of the EQ-5D should

include five levels of severity in each of the existing five EQ-5D dimensions and that it would be called the

EQ-5D-5L (Figure 1)2. The existing EQ-5D was renamed the EQ-5D-3L.

The EQ-5D-5L still consists of 2 pages – the EQ-5D-5L descriptive system (page 2) and the EQ Visual

Analogue scale (EQ VAS) (page 3). The descriptive system comprises the same 5 dimensions as the EQ-

5D-3L (mobility, self care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression). However, each dimension

now has 5 levels: no problems, slight problems, moderate problems, severe problems, and extreme

problems. The respondent is asked to indicate his/her health state by ticking (or placing a cross) in the box

against the most appropriate statement in each of the 5 dimensions. This decision results in a 1-digit number

expressing the level selected for that dimension. The digits for 5 dimensions can be combined in a 5-digit

number describing the respondent’s health state. It should be noted that the numerals 1-5 have no

arithmetic properties and should not be used as a cardinal score. During the development of the EQ-

5D-5L, the opportunity was also taken to improve some of the wording in the dimensions to enhance

consistency and facilitate understanding. For example, the old wording of ‘confined to bed’ to indicate the

upper extreme in the EQ-5D-3L has been replaced with ‘I am unable to walk about’ which is more consistent

with the wording within the Mobility dimension and with the extreme levels on other dimensions.

The EQ VAS records the respondent’s self-rated health on a 20 cm vertical, visual analogue scale with

endpoints labelled ‘the best health you can imagine’ and ‘the worst health you can imagine’. This information

can be used as a quantitative measure of health as judged by the individual respondents. The instructions

2 Herdman M, Gudex C, Lloyd A, Janssen MF, Kind P, Parkin D, Bonsel G, Badia X. Development and preliminary testing of the new

five-level version of EQ-5D (EQ-5D-5L). Quality of Life Research.

Page | 6

for the EQ VAS task have been changed and simplified in the EQ-5D-5L. The EuroQol Group had received

feedback over the years that respondents sometimes found it difficult to draw a line from the box to the scale.

It was also cumbersome for administrators to record their scores. The EQ-5D-5L now asks respondents to

simply ‘mark an X on the scale to indicate how your health is TODAY’ and then to ‘write the number you

marked on the scale in the box below’. This should make the task easier for both respondents and users.

Page | 7

Figure 1: EQ-5D-5L (UK English sample version)

Under each heading, please tick the ONE box that best describes your health TODAY

MOBILITY

I have no problems in walking about 

I have slight problems in walking about 

I have moderate problems in walking about 

I have severe problems in walking about 

I am unable to walk about 

SELF-CARE

I have no problems washing or dressing myself 

I have slight problems washing or dressing myself 

I have moderate problems washing or dressing myself 

I have severe problems washing or dressing myself 

I am unable to wash or dress myself 

USUAL ACTIVITIES (e.g. work, study, housework, family or leisure activities)

I have no problems doing my usual activities 

I have slight problems doing my usual activities 

I have moderate problems doing my usual activities 

I have severe problems doing my usual activities 

I am unable to do my usual activities 

PAIN / DISCOMFORT

I have no pain or discomfort 

I have slight pain or discomfort 

I have moderate pain or discomfort 

I have severe pain or discomfort 

I have extreme pain or discomfort 

ANXIETY / DEPRESSION

I am not anxious or depressed 

I am slightly anxious or depressed 

I am moderately anxious or depressed 

I am severely anxious or depressed 

I am extremely anxious or depressed 

Page | 8

• We would like to know how good or bad your health is TODAY.

• This scale is numbered from 0 to 100.

• 100 means the best health you can imagine.

0 means the worst health you can imagine.

• Mark an X on the scale to indicate how your health is TODAY.

• Now, please write the number you marked on the scale in the box below.

YOUR HEALTH TODAY =

Page | 8

• We would like to know how good or bad your health is TODAY.

• This scale is numbered from 0 to 100.

• 100 means the best health you can imagine.

0 means the worst health you can imagine.

• Mark an X on the scale to indicate how your health is TODAY.

• Now, please write the number you marked on the scale in the box below.

YOUR HEALTH TODAY =

Page | 9

1.3. What is a health state?

Each of the 5 dimensions comprising the EQ-5D descriptive system is divided into 5 levels of perceived

problems:

Level 1: indicating no problem

Level 2: indicating slight problems

Level 3: indicating moderate problems

Level 4: indicating severe problems

Level 5:indicating extreme problems

A unique health state is defined by combining 1 level from each of the 5 dimensions.

A total of 3125 possible health states is defined in this way. Each state is referred to in terms of a 5 digit

code. For example, state 11111 indicates no problems on any of the 5 dimensions, while state 12345

indicates no problems with mobility, slight problems with washing or dressing, moderate problems with doing

usual activities, severe pain or discomfort and extreme anxiety or depression.

Page | 10

2. Scoring the EQ-5D-5L descriptive system

The EQ-5D-5L descriptive system should be scored, for example, as follows:

This example identifies the health state ‘12345’.

NB: There should be only ONE response for each dimension

NB: Missing values can be coded as ‘9’.

NB: Ambiguous values (e.g. 2 boxes are ticked for a single dimension) should be treated as missing

values.

Mobility



Self



Usual Activities

I have some problems with performing my usual activities

(e.g. work, study, housework, family or leisure activities)



Pain/Discomfort



By placing a tick in one box in each group, please indicate whic

statements best describe your health today.

Under each heading, please tick the ONE box that best describes your

health TODAY

MOBILITY

I have no problems in walking about



I have slight problems in walking about



I have moderate

problems in walking about 

I have severe problems in walking about



I am unable to walk about



SELF

-CARE

I have no problems washing or dressing myself



I have slight problems washing or dressing myself



I have moderate problems washi

ng or dressing myself 

I have severe problems washing or dressing myself



I am unable to wash or dress myself



USUAL ACTIVITIES

(e.g. work, study, housework,

family or leisure activities)

I have no problems doing my usual activities



I hav

e slight problems doing my usual activities 

I have moderate problems doing my usual activities



I have severe problems doing my usual activities



I am unable to do my usual activities



PAIN / DISCOMFORT

I have no pain or discomfort



I have slight pain or discomfort



I have moderate pain or discomfort



I have severe pain or discomfort



I have extreme pain or discomfort



ANXIETY / DEPRESSION

I am not anxious or depressed



I am slightly anxious or depressed



I am moderately anxious or depressed



I am severely anxious or depressed



I am extremely anxious or depressed



Levels of perceived

problems are coded as

follows:



















Level 1 is

coded as

a ‘1’

Level 2 is

coded as

a ‘2’

Level 3 is

coded as

a ‘3’

Level 4 is

coded as

a ‘4’

Level 5 is

coded as

a ‘5’

Page | 11

3. Scoring the EQ VAS

The EQ VAS should be scored, for example, as follows:

NB: Missing values should be coded as ‘999’.

NB: If there is a discrepancy between where the respondent has placed the X and the number he/she has

written in the box, administrators should use the number in the box.

For example this

response should be

coded as 77

Page | 12

4. Converting EQ-5D-5L states to an index value

EQ-5D-5L health states, defined by the EQ-5D-5L descriptive system, may be converted into a

single index value3. The index values, presented in country specific value sets, are a major

feature of the EQ-5D instrument, facilitating the calculation of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs)

that are used to inform economic evaluations of health care interventions. Studies that directly

elicit preferences from general population samples to derive value sets for the EQ-5D-5L are

under development in a number of countries; however, these studies will take time to complete

and for results to be disseminated.

4.1. The EQ-5D-5L Crosswalk Project

In the interim, the EuroQol Group coordinated a study4 that administered both the 3-level and 5-

level versions of the EQ-5D, in order to develop a “crosswalk” between the EQ-5D-3L value sets

and the new EQ-5D-5L descriptive system, resulting in crosswalk value sets for the EQ-5D-5L. A

total of 3691 respondents completed both the 3L and 5L across 6 countries: Denmark, England,

Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and Scotland. Different subgroups were targeted, and in most

countries, a screening protocol was implemented to ensure that a broad spectrum of levels of

health would be captured across the dimensions of EQ-5D for both the 5L and 3L descriptive

systems.

Several methods were consequently tested to optimize the link function between the two

descriptive systems. The crosswalk link function resulting from this exercise can be used to

calculate index values for EQ-5D-5L, based on the existing value sets for the EQ-5D-3L. Value

sets have been derived for EQ-5D-3L in several countries using visual analogue scale (VAS)

technique or time trade-off (TTO) valuation techniques. The list of currently available value sets

with the number of respondents and valuation technique applied is presented in table 1. Most of

the EQ-5D-3L value sets have been obtained using a representative sample of the general

population, thereby ensuring that they represent the societal perspective. For anyone working

with EQ-5D-3L data, an essential guide to the Group’s available value sets can be found in:

EuroQol Group Monograph series: Volume 2: EQ-5D value sets: inventory, comparative review

and user guide, published by Springer (see section 9.3 for more information).

4.2. Crosswalk value sets for the EQ-5D-5L

EQ-5D-5L value sets are available for each country that performed a valuation study for the EQ-

5D-3L (table 1). By using the crosswalk link function and the individual responses to the EQ-5D-

5L descriptive system, index values for the EQ-5D-5L can be calculated. Documents containing

information on the crosswalk project, tables of values for all 3125 health states and the ‘EQ-5D-5L

Crosswalk Index Value Calculator’ can be downloaded from the EuroQol website. The SAS and

SPSS syntax files can be ordered from the EuroQol Office.

3 Many different terms are in use for these index values, such as preference weights, preference-based values, utilities,

QALY weights, etc. Here, we use the term 'index value'.

4Van Hout B, Janssen MF, Feng YS, Kohlmann T, Busschbach J, Golicki D, Lloyd A, Scalone L, Kind P, Pickard AS.

Interim scoring for the EQ-5D-5L: mapping the EQ-5D-5L to EQ-5D-3L value sets. Value in Health.

Page | 13

Table 1: List of available value sets for the EQ-5D-3L (references available on the website)

Country

Valuation method

Belgium

722

EQ-5D VAS

Denmark

1686

EQ-5D VAS

Denmark 1332 TTO

Europe

8709

EQ-5D VAS

Finland

1634

EQ-5D VAS

France

443

VAS/TTO

Germany 339 EQ-5D VAS

Germany

339

TTO

Japan

621

TTO

Netherlands

309

TTO

New Zealand 1360 EQ-5D VAS

Slovenia

733

EQ-5D VAS

Spain

300

EQ-5D VAS

Spain

1000

TTO

Thailand 1324 TTO

3395

EQ-5D VAS

3395

TTO

4048

TTO

Zimbabwe 2440 TTO

Page | 14

5. Organising EQ-5D-5L data

Data collected using EQ-5D-5L can be entered in a database according to the following schema:

Variable

name

SEX

AGE

EDU

COUNTRY

YEAR

MOBILITY

Variable

description

patient

number

1=Male

2=Female

9=Missing

value

999=Missing

value

1=Low

2=Medium

3=High

9=Missing

value

Country

where data

was

collected

Year in

which data

was

collected

1=No problems,

2=Slight problems

3=Moderate

problems

4=Severe problems

5=Unable to

9=Missing value

Data row 1

1001

2011

Data row 2

1002

2011

Variable

name

SELFCARE

ACTIVITY

PAIN

ANXIETY

STATE

EQ_VAS

Variable

description

1=No problems

2=Slight

problems

3=Moderate

problems

4=Severe

problems

5=Unable to

9=Missing value

1=No problems

2=Slight

problems

3=Moderate

problems

4=Severe

problems

5=Unable to

9=Missing value

1=No pain

2=Slight pain

3=Moderate

pain

4=Severe pain

5=Extreme pain

9=Missing

value

1=Not anxious

2=Slightly anxious

3=Moderately

anxious

4=Severely

anxious

5=Extremely

anxious 9=Missing

value

5 digit code

for EQ-5D-5L

999=Missing

value

Data row 1

41325

Data row 2

21111

Page | 15

6. Presenting EQ-5D-5L results

Data collected using EQ-5D-5L can be presented in various ways. A basic subdivision can be

made according to the structure of the EQ-5D-5L:

1. Presenting results from the EQ-5D-5L descriptive system as a health profile

2. Presenting results of the EQ VAS as a measure of overall self-rated health status

3. Presenting results from the EQ-5D-5L index value

The way results can be presented is determined both by the data and by what message you, as a

researcher, wish to convey to your audience.

6.1. Health profiles

One way of presenting data as a health profile is by making a table with the frequency or the

proportion of reported problems for each level for each dimension. These tables can be broken

down to include the proportions per subgroup, such as age, before vs. after treatment, treatment

vs. comparator, etc.

Sometimes it is more convenient to dichotomise the EQ-5D-5L levels into 'no problems' (i.e. level

1) and 'problems' (i.e. levels 2 to 5), therefore changing the profile into frequencies of reported

problems. This can be the case, for example, in a general population survey where the numbers

of reported problems are low. Tables 2 and 3 are examples of how to present EQ-5D-5L data in

tabulated form.

Table 2: Percentage of a general population sample reporting levels 1 to 5 by dimension and by age group

AGE GROUPS

EQ-5D DIMENSION 18-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70+

TOTAL

MOBILITY

Level 1 95,2% 90,7% 87,2% 67,8% 78,9% 47,1% 86,0%

Level 2 4,4% 8,1% 10,1% 18,6% 14,1% 41,2% 10,2%

Level 3 0,4% 0,6% 2,1% 10,2% 4,2% 5,9% 2,7%

Level 4 0,0% 0,6% 0,5% 3,4% 2,8% 5,9% 1,1%

Level 5 0,0% 0,0% 0,0% 0,0% 0,0% 0,0% 0,0%

SELF-CARE

Level 1 98,0% 96,9% 97,3% 91,5% 91,5% 88,2% 95,9%

Level 2 0,4% 1,9% 2,7% 6,8% 8,5% 5,9% 3,0%

Level 3 0,8% 1,2% 0,0% 0,8% 0,0% 5,9% 0,7%

Level 4 0,4% 0,0% 0,0% 0,0% 0,0% 0,0% 0,1%

Level 5 0,4% 0,0% 0,0% 0,8% 0,0% 0,0% 0,2%

USUAL

ACTIVITY

Level 1 66,5% 64,6% 54,3% 37,3% 50,7% 41,2% 57,1%

Level 2 30,7% 29,8% 36,7% 41,5% 39,4% 41,2% 34,5%

Level 3 1,6% 5,0% 8,5% 14,4% 7,0% 17,6% 6,6%

Level 4 0,8% 0,6% 0,5% 6,8% 2,8% 0,0% 1,7%

Level 5 0,4% 0,0% 0,0% 0,0% 0,0% 0,0% 0,1%

Page | 16

AGE GROUPS

EQ-5D DIMENSION 18-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70+

TOTAL

PAIN /

DISCOMFORT

Level 1 79,3% 75,2% 75,0% 78,0% 78,9% 94,1% 77,5%

Level 2 16,3% 19,3% 19,7% 17,8% 15,5% 0,0% 17,5%

Level 3 2,8% 4,3% 4,3% 2,5% 5,6% 5,9% 3,7%

Level 4 1,2% 1,2% 1,1% 1,7% 0,0% 0,0% 1,1%

Level 5 0,4% 0,0% 0,0% 0,0% 0,0% 0,0% 0,1%

ANXIETY /

DEPRESSION

Level 1 92,4% 85,1% 83,5% 65,3% 84,5% 82,4% 84,0%

Level 2 6,8% 9,3% 11,7% 19,5% 9,9% 11,8% 10,7%

Level 3 0,0% 4,3% 3,2% 11,9% 4,2% 5,9% 3,8%

Level 4 0,4% 1,2% 1,6% 3,4% 1,4% 0,0% 1,4%

Level 5 0,4% 0,0% 0,0% 0,0% 0,0% 0,0% 0,1%

Table 3: Frequency of reported problems for a general population sample by dimension and age group

AGE GROUPS

EQ-5D DIMENSION 18-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 TOTAL

MOBILITY No problems 239 146 164 80 56 8 693

Problems 12 15 24 38 15 9 113

SELF-CARE No problems 246 156 183 108 65 15 773

Problems 5 5 5 10 6 2 33

USUAL ACTIVITY No problems 167 104 102 44 36 7 460

Problems 84 57 86 74 35 10 346

PAIN / DISCOMFORT No problems 199 121 141 92 56 16 625

Problems 52 40 47 26 15 1 181

ANXIETY /

DEPRESSION

No problems 232 137 157 77 60 14 677

Problems 19 24 31 41 11 3 129

In addition to presenting the results in tabulated form, you can also use graphical presentations.

Two (or three) dimensional bar charts can be used to summarise the results in a single graph

(see Figure 2). Figure 2 shows the sum of the proportion of reported levels 2 to 5 for each of the 5

EQ-5D-5L dimensions for 3 different age groups. Older people reported more problems on all

dimensions but the effect of age was strongest for mobility and weakest for anxiety/depression.

Figure 2: Profile of the population (% reporting problem

Page | 17

6.2. EQ VAS

In order to present all aspects of the EQ VAS data, you should present both a measure of the

central tendency and a measure of dispersion. This could be the mean values and the standard

deviations or, if the data are skewed, the median values and the 25th and 75th percentiles. An

example is presented in table 4.

Table 4: EQ VAS values by age – mean + standard deviation and median + percentiles

AGE GROUPS

EQ VAS

18-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70+ TOTAL

Mean 85,7 84,3 83,7 79,7 86,1 79,0 84,0

- Std Dev 10,1 12,6 13,3 14,0 11,1 22,6 12,6

Median 88,0 89,0 88,0 80,5 90,0 80,0 86,0

- 25th 80,0 80,0 75,0 73,3 79,0 73,5 80,0

- 75th 93,0 91,0 93,8 90,0 95,0 92,0 92,0

You can present a graphical representation of the data by using bar charts, line charts, or both

(see figure 3). Figure 3 shows the mean EQ VAS scores reported by men, women and both for 7

different age groups. Mean EQ VAS scores are seen to decrease with increasing age. Also, men

in all age groups reported higher EQ VAS scores than women.

Figure 3: Mean population EQ VAS scores by age group and sex

6.3. EQ-5D-5L index value

EQ-5D-5L index values can be presented in much the same way as EQ VAS data, i.e. using both

a measure of central tendency and a measure of dispersion. These can be mean values and

standard deviations (or standard errors, or 95% confidence intervals) or again, if the data are

skewed, median values and the 25th and 75th percentiles. Tables 5 and 6 and figures 4 and 5

show 2 examples of how to present EQ-5D-5L index value results. Table 5 and figure 4 present

the results from a study in which the effect of a treatment on health status is investigated. Table 6

and figure 5 show results for a patient population and 3 subgroups.

Page | 18

Table 5: EQ-5D-5L index values before and after treatment

EQ-Index Before treatment After treatment

Mean 0,59 0,76

- Std error 0,012 0,015

Median 0,60 0,70

- 25th 0,50 0,65

- 75th 0,70 0,80

N 120 110

Table 6: EQ-5D-5L index values for the total patient population and the 3 subgroups

EQ-Index All patients Subgroup 1 Subgroup 2 Subgroup 3

Mean 0,66 0,45 0,55 0,90

- Std error 0,010 0,013 0,015 0,010

Median 0,55 0,40 0,55 0,95

- 25th 0,50 0,30 0,50 0,80

- 75th 0,70 0,50 0,60 1,00

N 300 100 75 125

Figure 4: EQ-5D-5L index values before and after treatment: mean values and 95% confidence intervals

Figure 5: Mean EQ-5D-5L index values and 95% confidence intervals for the total patient population and 3

subgroups.

Page | 19

7. EQ-5D Products

7.1. EQ-5D-5L Translations and other formats

The EQ-5D-5L self-complete paper version is currently available in more

than 120 different language versions. Likewise, although the EQ-5D-5L was

primarily designed as a pen-and-paper, self-complete instrument, it is now

available in alternative formats and modes of administration, and in multiple

translations:

 PDA



Telephone

 Proxy paper



Web

 Tablet

If you want to know whether an EQ-5D-5L version exists for your country, please

consult the EuroQol website.

7.2. Other EQ-5D Products

7.2.1. EQ-5D-3L Translations and formats

The EQ-5D-3L (EQ-5D 3 level) self-complete paper version is currently

translated in more than 170 language versions. Likewise, although the EQ-5D-

3L was also primarily designed as a pen-and-paper self-complete instrument, it is

now available in alternative formats and modes of administration, and in multiple

translations e.g.:

 Face-to-face and proxy

paper



Tablet

 IVR



Telephone

 PDA



Web

If you want to know whether an EQ-5D-3L language version exists for your

country, please consult the EuroQol website.

7.2.2. EQ-5D-Y Translations

The EQ-5D-Y is an EQ-5D-3L self complete youth version has been

developed specifically for children and adolescents aged 8-15 years (or

respectively 8-18 years; see Youth User Guide). At present, this version is

available in more than 30 different languages. Likewise, although the EQ-5D-Y

was primarily designed as a pen-and-paper, self-complete instrument, it is now

available in the following alternative formats:

 PDA



Tablet

 Proxy paper

Page | 20

7.3. Translation process

All translation/adaptations of the EQ-5D-5L are produced using a standardized translation

protocol that conforms to internationally recognized guidelines. These guidelines aim to ensure

equivalence to the English ‘source’ version and involve a forward/backward translation process

and cognitive debriefing. Only the EuroQol Office can give permission for a translation to be

performed and translations can only be stamped as official if they are performed in cooperation

with EuroQol reviewers.

7.4. How to obtain EQ-5D-5L?

If you require a version that is not available, please first check with the EuroQol Office to ascertain

whether the version is in progress. If the version is not in progress and you are interested in

getting the version (or versions) translated, the policy of the EuroQol Research Foundation is that

you use a specialist agency to carry out the work. The EuroQol Office will refer you to their

preferred agencies who cooperate with the Foundation regularly and are aware of our

requirements. Please note that copyright of all translations remains with the Foundation.

Page | 21

8. FAQs

8.1. General

Is the EQ-5D-5L instrument validated?

The EQ-5D-5L has been validated in a diverse

patient population in 6 countries, including 8

patient groups with chronic conditions

(cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease,

depression, diabetes, liver disease,

personality disorders, arthritis, stroke) and a

student cohort. Redistribution of responses

from the EQ-5D-3L to EQ-5D-5L was

validated for all dimensions and all levels. The

measurement properties of EQ-5D-5L were

superior to the EQ-5D-3L in terms of

feasibility, ceiling effects, discriminatory power

and convergent validity. Reliability and

responsiveness remain to be assessed for the

EQ-5D-5L.

Can the EQ-5D-5L now be used instead of

the EQ-5D-3L?

Yes, the EQ-5D-5L can be used instead of the

EQ-5D-3L but please bear in mind that

currently there are no value sets available that

are directly elicited from representative

general population samples.

For the purpose of comparing EQ-5D results

with previous research based on the EQ-5D-

3L, or when used in longitudinal research

based on the EQ-5D-3L, it is advised to use

the EQ-5D-3L, or both the EQ-5D-3L and EQ-

5D-5L

For what period of time does EQ-5D-5L

record health status?

Self-reported health status captured by EQ-

5D-5L relates to the respondent’s situation at

the time of completion. No attempt is made to

summarise recalled health status over the

preceding days or weeks, although EQ-5D-3L

has been tested in recall mode. An early

decision taken by the EuroQol Group

determined that health status measurement

ought to apply to the respondent’s immediate

situation - hence the focus on ‘your health

today’.

Can I use only the EQ-5D-5L descriptive

system or only the EQ VAS?

We cannot advise this. EQ-5D-5L is a 2-part

instrument so if you only use one part you

cannot claim to have used EQ-5D-5L in your

publications.

How long should the EQ VAS be?

Officially, for paper versions, the EQ VAS

scale should be 20 cm. All methodological and

developmental work has been carried out

using this length. To ensure that you print the

correct length, make sure your paper size is

set at A4 and the box in your printing

instructions labelled ‘scale to paper size’ is set

at ‘no scaling’.

Can I publish our study using EQ-5D?

Yes, you are free to publish your results. If you

are reproducing the EQ-5D-5L, we request

that you use the sample version of EQ-5D-5L.

Also, please include the copyright statement

stated in the footer of the specific EQ-5D-5L

language version.

What is the difference between the EQ-5D-

5L descriptive system, the EQ VAS and the

EQ-5D index values?

The descriptive system can be represented as

a health state, e.g. health state 21143

represents a patient who indicates slight

problems on the mobility dimension, no

Page | 22

problems on the self-care and usual activities

dimensions, severe pain or discomfort, and

moderate problems on the anxiety/depression

dimension. These health states can be

converted to a single index value using the

crosswalk link function based on the existing

value sets for the EQ-5D-3L described in

Section 4 above. These EQ-5D-3L value sets

are based on VAS or TTO valuation

techniques, and reflect the opinion of the

general population. The EQ VAS self-rating

records the respondent’s own assessment of

their health status and are therefore not

representative of the general population.

Since, the EQ VAS scores are anchored on

100 = the best health you can imagine and 0 =

the worst health you can imagine these scores

are not suitable for QALY calculations,

whereas the value sets are anchored on

11111 = 1 and dead = 0 and can therefore be

used in QALY calculations.

What is the difference between the VAS

and TTO techniques?

The difference between the TTO- and VAS-

based value sets is that the techniques used

to elicit the values on which the models are

based differ. In the TTO task, respondents are

asked to imagine that they will live in a certain

health state (e.g. 33333) for 10 years and

have to specify the amount of time they would

be willing to give up to live in full health

instead (i.e. 11111). For example, someone

might find 8 years in 11111 equivalent to 10

years in 33333. The VAS technique on the

other hand, asks people to indicate where, on

a vertical thermometer-like scale ranging from

best imaginable health to worst imaginable

health, they think a health state should be

positioned.

General population value sets vs. patient

population value sets

If you want to undertake a utility analysis you

will need to use a value set. Generally

speaking, utility analysis requires a general

population-based value set (as opposed to a

patient-based set). The rationale behind this is

that the values should reflect the preferences

of local taxpayers and potential receivers of

healthcare. Additionally, patients tend to rate

their health states higher than the general

population because of coping or other factors,

and may therefore underestimate their need

for healthcare. EQ-5D-5L value sets are

therefore based on general population values.

Multinational clinical trials

Information relating to EQ-5D-5L health states

gathered in the context of multinational trials

may be converted into a single index value

using the crosswalk link function based on the

available EQ-5D-3L value sets as described in

Section 4 above. There are different options

available to do this using appropriate value

sets-however the choice depends on the

context in which the information will be used

by researchers or decision makers. In cases

where data from an international trial are to be

used to inform decision makers in a specific

country, it seems reasonable to expect

decision makers to be interested primarily in

value sets that reflect the values for health

states in that country. So for example, if

applications for reimbursement of a drug are

rolled out from country to country, country-

specific value sets should be applied and

reported in each pharmaco-economic report.

This is no different from the requirement to

use country specific costs. In the absence of a

country-specific value set, the researcher

should select another set of values for a

population that most closely approximates that

Page | 23

country. Sometimes however, information

about index values ('utilities') is required to

inform researchers or decision makers in an

international context. In these instances, one

value set applied over all health states data is

probably more appropriate. The decision

about which value set to use will also depend

on whether the relevant decision making body

in each country specifies any requirements or

preferences in regard to the methodology

used in different contexts (e.g. TTO, standard

gamble (SG), VAS or discrete choice

modelling (DCM)). These guidelines are the

topic of an on-going, international debate but

the EuroQol website is planning to provide a

summary of health care decision-making

bodies internationally together with their stated

requirements regarding the valuation of health

states. Detailed information on valuation

protocols together with guidelines on which

value set to use and tables of all available

value sets has been published by Springer in:

EuroQol Group Monograph series: Volume 2:

EQ-5D value sets: inventory, comparative

review and user guide’ (see section 9.3 for

more information).

8.2. Registration

I am not conducting a study but would like

to use the EQ-5D to measure routine

clinical outcomes or to set-up a registry.

Do I still need to register?

Yes. You can only obtain EQ-5D versions by

completing the EQ-5D Registration Form.

8.3. Copyright

Is the EQ-5D-5L a copyrighted instrument?

Yes. Please note that without the prior written

consent of the EuroQol Office, you are not

permitted to i.e. use, reproduce, alter,

amend, convert, translate, publish or make

available in whatever way (digital, hard-copy

etc.) the EQ-5D-5L and related proprietary

materials. The EuroQol Research Foundation

stresses that any and all copyrights in the EQ-

5D, its (digital) representations, and its

translations exclusively vest in the EuroQol

Research Foundation. EQ-5D™ is a trade

mark of the EuroQol Research Foundation.

Page | 24

9. References and Publications

9.1. Key EuroQol Group references

1. The EuroQol Group (1990). EuroQol-a new facility for the measurement of health-related

quality of life. Health Policy 16(3):199-208.

2. Brooks R (1996). EuroQol: the current state of play. Health Policy 37(1):53-72.

3. Dolan P (1997). Modeling valuations for EuroQol health states. Med Care 35(11):1095-108.

4. Roset M, Badia X, Mayo NE (1999). Sample size calculations in studies using the EuroQol

5D. Qual Life Res 8(6):539-49.

5. Greiner W, Weijnen T, Nieuwenhuizen M, et al. (2003). A single European currency for EQ-

5D health states. Results from a six country study. Eur J Health Econ; 4(3):222-231.

6. Shaw JW, Johnson JA, Coons SJ (2005). US valuation of the EQ-5D health states:

development and testing of the D1 valuation model. Med Care; 43(3): 203-220.

7. Herdman M, Gudex C, Lloyd A, Janssen MF, Kind P, Parkin D, Bonsel G, Badia X.

Development and preliminary testing of the new five-level version of EQ-5D (EQ-5D-5L).

Quality of Life Research.

8. van,Hout B., Janssen,M.F., Feng,Y.S., Kohlmann,T., Busschbach,J., Golicki,D., Lloyd,A.,

Scalone,L., Kind,P., Pickard,A.S. Interim scoring for the EQ-5D-5L: mapping the EQ-5D-5L

to EQ-5D-3L value sets. Value in Health. 2012 Jul-Aug;15(5):708-15

9. The development of new research methods for the valuation of EQ-5D-5L. European Journal

of Health Economics. Volume 14, Issue 1 Supplement, July 2013.

9.2. Referring to the EQ-5D-5L instrument in publications

When publishing results obtained with the EQ-5D-5L, the following references can be used:

1. The EuroQol Group (1990). EuroQol-a new facility for the measurement of health-related

quality of life. Health Policy 16(3):199-208.

2. Brooks R (1996). EuroQol: the current state of play. Health Policy 37(1):53-72.

3. Herdman M, Gudex C, Lloyd A, Janssen MF, Kind P, Parkin D, Bonsel G, Badia X.

Development and preliminary testing of the new five-level version of EQ-5D (EQ-5D-5L).

Quality of Life Research.

4. Janssen MF, Pickard AS, Golicki D, Gudex C, Niewada M, Scalone L, Swinburn P,

Busschbach J. Measurement properties of the EQ-5D-5L compared to the EQ-5D-3L across

eight patient groups: a multi-country study

If you used the crosswalk value sets for the EQ-5D-5L in your study you can also include a reference

to the publication regarding that crosswalk value set. The appropriate reference is:

1. van,Hout B., Janssen,M.F., Feng,Y.S., Kohlmann,T., Busschbach,J., Golicki,D., Lloyd,A.,

Scalone,L., Kind,P., Pickard,A.S. Interim scoring for the EQ-5D-5L: mapping the EQ-5D-5L to

EQ-5D-3L value sets. Value in Health. 2012 Jul-Aug;15(5):708-15

Page | 25

9.3. EQ-5D Books

Self-Reported Population Health: An International Perspective based on EQ-

5D. Eds. Szende A, Janssen MF, Cabases J. Springer, 2014.

This book captures up-to-date and expanded information of EQ-5D self-reported

health and index values. EQ-5D population norms and cross-country analyses are

provided from representative national surveys of 20 countries and additional regional

surveys. The book can be obtained from Springer at www.springeronline.com and is

also available as open-access book.

The EuroQol Group after 25 years, Brooks R. Springer, 2013.

This book describes the history of the institutional and administrative framework

within which the EuroQol Group operated. It also presents how the EQ-5D's

descriptive system was determined, how translation and language issues were

handled, and how valuations were provided. The book and e-book can be obtained

from Springer at www.springeronline.com.

EQ-5D value sets: Inventory, comparative review and user guide. Eds. Szende

A, Oppe M, Devlin N. EuroQol Group Monographs Volume 2. Springer, 2006.

This book provides an essential guide to the use of the EuroQol Group’s value sets

for anyone working with EQ-5D data and can be obtained from Springer at

www.springeronline.com.

EQ-5D concepts and methods: a developmental history. Eds Kind P, Brooks R,

Rabin R. Springer, 2005.

This book is a collection of papers representing the collective intellectual enterprise

of the EuroQol Group and can be obtained from Springer at

www.springeronline.com.

The Measurement and valuation of health status using EQ-5D: A European

perspective. Eds Brooks R, Rabin R, de Charro F. Kluwer Acacemic

Publishers, 2005

This book reports on the results of the European Union-funded EQ-net project which

furthered the development of EQ-5D in the key areas of valuation, application and

translation. The book can be obtained from Springer at www.springeronline.com.

Page | 25

9.3. EQ-5D Books

Self-Reported Population Health: An International Perspective based on EQ-

5D. Eds. Szende A, Janssen MF, Cabases J. Springer, 2014.

This book captures up-to-date and expanded information of EQ-5D self-reported

health and index values. EQ-5D population norms and cross-country analyses are

provided from representative national surveys of 20 countries and additional regional

surveys. The book can be obtained from Springer at www.springeronline.com and is

also available as open-access book.

The EuroQol Group after 25 years, Brooks R. Springer, 2013.

This book describes the history of the institutional and administrative framework

within which the EuroQol Group operated. It also presents how the EQ-5D's

descriptive system was determined, how translation and language issues were

handled, and how valuations were provided. The book and e-book can be obtained

from Springer at www.springeronline.com.

EQ-5D value sets: Inventory, comparative review and user guide. Eds. Szende

A, Oppe M, Devlin N. EuroQol Group Monographs Volume 2. Springer, 2006.

This book provides an essential guide to the use of the EuroQol Group’s value sets

for anyone working with EQ-5D data and can be obtained from Springer at

www.springeronline.com.

EQ-5D concepts and methods: a developmental history. Eds Kind P, Brooks R,

Rabin R. Springer, 2005.

This book is a collection of papers representing the collective intellectual enterprise

of the EuroQol Group and can be obtained from Springer at

www.springeronline.com.

The Measurement and valuation of health status using EQ-5D: A European

perspective. Eds Brooks R, Rabin R, de Charro F. Kluwer Acacemic

Publishers, 2005

This book reports on the results of the European Union-funded EQ-net project which

furthered the development of EQ-5D in the key areas of valuation, application and

translation. The book can be obtained from Springer at www.springeronline.com.

Page | 25

9.3. EQ-5D Books

Self-Reported Population Health: An International Perspective based on EQ-

5D. Eds. Szende A, Janssen MF, Cabases J. Springer, 2014.

This book captures up-to-date and expanded information of EQ-5D self-reported

health and index values. EQ-5D population norms and cross-country analyses are

provided from representative national surveys of 20 countries and additional regional

surveys. The book can be obtained from Springer at www.springeronline.com and is

also available as open-access book.

The EuroQol Group after 25 years, Brooks R. Springer, 2013.

This book describes the history of the institutional and administrative framework

within which the EuroQol Group operated. It also presents how the EQ-5D's

descriptive system was determined, how translation and language issues were

handled, and how valuations were provided. The book and e-book can be obtained

from Springer at www.springeronline.com.

EQ-5D value sets: Inventory, comparative review and user guide. Eds. Szende

A, Oppe M, Devlin N. EuroQol Group Monographs Volume 2. Springer, 2006.

This book provides an essential guide to the use of the EuroQol Group’s value sets

for anyone working with EQ-5D data and can be obtained from Springer at

www.springeronline.com.

EQ-5D concepts and methods: a developmental history. Eds Kind P, Brooks R,

Rabin R. Springer, 2005.

This book is a collection of papers representing the collective intellectual enterprise

of the EuroQol Group and can be obtained from Springer at

www.springeronline.com.

The Measurement and valuation of health status using EQ-5D: A European

perspective. Eds Brooks R, Rabin R, de Charro F. Kluwer Acacemic

Publishers, 2005

This book reports on the results of the European Union-funded EQ-net project which

furthered the development of EQ-5D in the key areas of valuation, application and

translation. The book can be obtained from Springer at www.springeronline.com.

EuroQol Research Foundation

Marten Meesweg 107

3068 AV Rotterdam

The Netherlands

Tel: +31 (0)88 4400190

Email: userinformationservice@euroqol.org

www.euroqol.org

EQ 5D 5L User Guide 2015

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