Abstract
BackgroundGeneric preference-based measures were criticized for being inappropriate in some conditions. One solution is to include “bolt-on” dimensions describing additional specific health problems. ObjectivesThis study aimed to develop bolt-on dimensions to the EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D) and assess their impact on health state values. MethodsBolt-on dimensions were developed for vision problems, hearing problems, and tiredness. Each bolt-on dimension had three severity levels to match the EQ-5D. Three “core” EQ-5D states across a range of severity were selected, and each level of a bolt-on item was added, resulting in nine states in each condition. Health states with and without the bolt-on dimensions were valued by 300 members of the UK general public using time trade-off in face-to-face interviews, and mean health state values were compared using t tests. Regression analysis examined the impact of the bolt-on variants and the level of the bolt-on items after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. ResultsBolt-on dimensions had an impact on health state values of the EQ-5D; however, the size, direction, and significance of the impact depend on the severity of the core EQ-5D state and of the bolt-on dimension. Regression analysis demonstrated that after controlling for possible differences in sociodemographic characteristics between the groups, there were no significant differences in health state values between the three bolt-on dimensions but confirmed that the impact depended on the severity of the EQ-5D health state and the levels of bolt-on dimensions. ConclusionsThe impact of a bolt-on dimension on the EQ-5D depends on the core health state and the level of the bolt-on dimension. Further research in this area is encouraged.
Highlights
Generic preference-based measures of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) are commonly used for evaluating the impact of health conditions and their treatments
The two exceptions were that people valuing the vision bolt-on reported fewer vision problems (P 1⁄4 0.04) and the no bolt-on and tiredness bolt-on groups reported more experience in caring for others (P o 0.01)
Each of the bolt-on dimensions had a significant impact on values for EQ-5D health states
Summary
Generic preference-based measures of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) are commonly used for evaluating the impact of health conditions and their treatments. Generic measures, including the EuroQol fivedimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D), have been criticized for being insensitive or failing to capture important aspects of health [1,2] When this arises, it leads to the challenge of how best to obtain health state preference data, if there is a need to estimate quality-adjusted life-years. Regression analysis demonstrated that after controlling for possible differences in sociodemographic characteristics between the groups, there were no significant differences in health state values between the three bolt-on dimensions but confirmed that the impact depended on the severity of the EQ-5D health state and the levels of bolt-on dimensions.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
