EQ-VAS Scores Research Articles

Healthcare Utilization and Health Related Quality of Life in Persons with Von Willebrand Disease

Healthcare Utilization and Health Related Quality of Life in Persons with Von Willebrand Disease

EQ-5D-5L Slovenian population norms

BackgroundThe study aims to present Slovenian EQ-5D-5L population norms for different age and gender subgroups that can be used as reference values in future studies concerning health status. The secondary aim is to compare those norms with population norms from some other countries in Europe and elsewhere.MethodsThe cross-sectional survey was conducted between November 2019 and February 2020 via online panel. 1071 adults aged 18+ were included in the survey. The general population was sampled using quota sampling in terms of age, gender, and NUTS2 region. In the study, the EQ-5D-5L Slovenian online version was used. Descriptive statistics was used to present health status by age groups and genders for the EQ-5D-5L descriptive system, EQ VAS and the EQ-5D-5L index score. The latter was derived from Slovenian EQ-3D-3L tariff, transformed to five levels using the crosswalk methodology.ResultsThe mean EQ VAS score in the Slovenian population was 79.9, mean utility index was 0.808. 28.2% of the population did not have problems on any dimension and 3.9% of the population had problems on all dimensions. Persons residing in Western Slovenia had, on average, 0.016 higher utility score, compared to Eastern Slovenia. Effect of gender was not significant. Age was negatively associated with both utility index and EQ VAS score. Education was positively correlated to health status. Problems on dimensions were generally increasing with age, except for anxiety/depression dimension, where youngest group (ages 18–29) reported more anxiety/depression compared to older counterparts. Self-reported anxiety/depression was more pronounced in women.ConclusionsSimilarly to other countries, the health generally deteriorates with age, except for the anxiety/depression dimension where the share of respondents reporting no problems was lowest in the youngest age group. The open question for the future remains, whether population norms from this online sample differ significantly from the actual EQ-5D-5L health status data of the Slovenian general population.

Characterization of health-related quality of life based on the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire in head-and-neck cancer patients undergoing modern radiotherapy

ABSTRACT Background: Patient-reported quality of life in cancer patients is becoming increasingly important, especially for head-and-neck (H&N) cancers, which are at risk of experiencing severe treatment-related toxicities. Therefore, we sought to characterize the peritherapeutic HRQOL of contemporary patients using the well-validated EQ-5D-5 L questionnaire. Methods: All patients receiving radiotherapy for H&N cancers between July 2019 and November 2019 at the University of Freiburg Medical Center who completed the first two follow-ups were included. Results: All 49 patients completed the questionnaires at all time points of data collection, yielding 196 total questionnaires. The mean EQ-5D-5 L index score of the overall population before radiotherapy, after radiotherapy, and three and six months following radiotherapy was 0.837 (standard deviation, SD 0.17), 0.828 (SD 0.16), 0.855 (SD 0.15), and 0.856 (SD 0.14) respectively. The respective mean EQ VAS scores were 63.88 (SD 20.72), 63.67 (SD 21.81), 63.67 (SD 21.81), and 65.20 (SD 22.41) respectively. The respective changes of the HI and EQ VAS score over time for this cohort were not significant (Friedman test p = 0.273, p = 0.618). Conclusion: Despite the known therapy-related toxicities, no significant permanent deterioration of HRQOL in this cohort was observed.

The impact of diabetes mellitus on health-related quality of life in Saudi Arabia

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of different demographic, clinical and social factors on diabetic patients' quality of life (QOL). Research design and methodsA cross sectional study conducted on patients with type 2 diabetes who attended King Abdulaziz University Hospital outpatient clinics between February and March 2017. The patients were asked about sociodemographic data including age, sex, educational level, exercise history and marital status in addition to clinical data such as duration of diabetes, presence of comorbidities as well as medication history. The patients' QOL were assessed using EQ-5D-5L Arabic version. Results131 participants were included in the study with a median age 55 years old. Forty five percent of participants were male. Regarding EQ-5D scores, there were significant correlation with gender, exercise, hypertension, heart disease, marital status, educational level and duration of diabetes while there was a significant difference in EQ-VAS scores with respect to heart disease, level of education and duration of diabetes. ConclusionMore attention needs to be given to the assessment of the QOL of diabetic patients and assessing the effect of different treatment modalities on improvement of patients’ QOL.

Health-related quality of life measured using EQ-5D in patients with lymphomas.

This study aimed to estimate the health preference-based index scores of the population of patients with lymphoma using the EQ-5D in China. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted to examine the health and well-being of patients with lymphoma in China. Their health-related quality of life (HRQoL; using the EQ-5D), demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, and health conditions were assessed. The data were analyzed using Pearson's χ2 test, analysis of variance, and binary logistic and Tobit regression models. A total of 3261 patients (sex: men = 58.5%, age: < 30years = 9.5% and > 60years = 24.6%) participated in the study. The mean EQ-5D-5L index and EQ-VAS scores were 0.83 and 68.8, respectively. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that women reported more pain-related problems than men did. Unemployed participants were substantially more likely to report health problems on all the five dimensions of the EQ-5D than their employed counterparts. The Tobit regression model revealed that respondents who were older, unemployed, with low income, received chemotherapy, and with short durations reported a low index score. Using the EQ-5D, the preference-based scores of different subpopulations of patients with lymphoma may support economic evaluation by promoting the simultaneous consideration of both the reasonable use of resources and satisfactory achievement of health outcomes.

Efficacy and Safety of Blood Stasis Based Herbal Medicine for Patients with Traffic Accident : A Prospective Observational Study

Background: Blood stasis (BS) is commonly used for pattern identification in traumatic injuries, including traffic accidents (TAs). Various studies have identified the efficacy of Korean medicine treatments for TA patients, but studies focusing on the BS-based herbal medicine (BSHM), including Tongdo-san (TDS), are rare.&lt;br/&gt;Methods: This was a single-center, prospective observational study, conducted from August 24th, 2018 to December 27th, 2018, which included 40 TA patients. Participants underwent routine Korean medicine treatments including acupuncture, electronic moxibustion, cupping, physical therapy, and herbal medicine. In the herbal medicine treatment, participants took BSHM with more than 3 days including taking TDS. The primary outcome measures were the scores from a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) and numerical rating scale (NRS). Secondary outcome measures included scores from EuroQol-5 dimension (EQ-5D) and EQVAS questionnaires, the BS and cold/heat indices, and safety assessments.&lt;br/&gt;Results: There were significant improvements in the VAS, NRS, EQ-5D, EQ-VAS scores, and BS index after treatment. In the sub-analysis, VAS, NRS, EQ-5D, and EQ-VAS scores were higher in groups with a higher BS index. The moderate and severe BS index groups showed more improvement than the minor BS index group, and there was a significant difference in the EQ-5D scores. There was no significant differences observed in cold/heat index groups scores.&lt;br/&gt;Conclusion: BS is associated with TA-related symptoms. BSHM, including TDS, may significantly reduce BS, pain, and discomfort.

EQ-5D-3L health status and health state utilities of the oldest-old (85 +) in Germany: results from the AgeCoDe-AgeQualiDe study.

To describe health status and health state utilities measured by the EQ-5D-3L in a population-based sample of individuals aged 85 + in Germany, and to analyze associations with basic socio-demographic variables. Cross-sectional data from follow-up wave 7 (n = 761) of the German AgeCoDe Study were used. The EQ-5D-3L questionnaire was used to record problems in five health dimensions, its visual analogue scale (EQ VAS) was used to record self-rated health status, and the German EQ-5D-3L index was used to derive health state utilities. Mean age of respondents was 88.9years (SD 2.9; range 85 to 100), 67.4% were female. 81.9% reported problems in at least one of the EQ-5D dimensions, with 15.3% reporting extreme problems. Most frequent were problems with pain/discomfort (64.8%), followed by mobility (62.5%), usual activities (42.6%), self-care (28.2%), and anxiety/depression (20.5%). Mean EQ VAS score was 62.4 (SD 18.8), and mean EQ-5D index was 0.77 (SD 0.24). Multiple regression analysis showed associations of problem frequency in various EQ-5D dimensions with age, gender, living situation, marital status, and education. The EQ VAS score was negatively associated with age (β = - 0.56; p < 0.05) and female gender (β = - 3.49; p < 0.05). The EQ-5D index was negatively associated with not living in the community (β = - 0.10; p < 0.001) and being single (β = - 0.09; p < 0.05). The results show a substantially impaired health status of the oldest-old population. The data can be used for comparing health status of population groups as well as for health economic models.

The effect of oral sildenafil therapy on health-related quality of life in adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension related to uncorrected secundum atrial septal defect: a quasi experimental study

BackgroundAssessment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are often measured as an important patient-reported outcome (PRO) in clinical studies. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a common complication of atrial septal defect (ASD). This study aimed to compare the HRQoL of PAH related uncorrected secundum ASD at pre and post therapy with oral sildenafil therapy.MethodsWe conducted quasi experimental study at Sardjito General Hospital Yogyakarta since April 2016 to August 2017. Adults with PAH related uncorrected secundum ASD, listed on Congenital Heart Disease and Pulmonary Hypertension (COHARD-PH) registry, and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited as subject. Interview was done at pre and 12 weeks post oral sildenafil therapy 3 × 20 mg using the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire. Statistical analysis was done using Wilcoxon test and paired T-test to determine the differences of EQ-5D utility and EQ-VAS score at pre and post therapy.ResultsA total of 18 adult patients with PAH related to uncorrected secundum ASD were enrolled in this study (83.33% female; mean age 38.72 ± 10.81 years old). The most frequent reported problems pre therapy were pain/discomfort (83%) and anxiety/depression (78%). Wilcoxon test showed the median of EQ-5D utility score were increased after sildenafil therapy (before = 0.604, after = 0.664; Z = − 2703; p:0.007), respectively. Meanwhile, the paired T-test results showed an increase of EQ-VAS mean difference 6.67 ± 8.75 (p:0.005; 95% CI 2.32–11.02) after sildenafil therapy.ConclusionThe administration of oral sildenafil therapy 3 × 20 mg during 12 weeks in adult patients with PAH related uncorrected secundum ASD gives better HRQoL.

Validity of EQ-5D-5L, Skindex-16, DLQI and DLQI-R in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa.

Numerous generic, skin- and disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures are available for patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Yet, robust psychometric evidence is lacking in many aspects of these outcome measures. We sought to determine convergent and known-groups validity of multiple generic and skin-specific HRQoL measures and to identify predictors of impaired HRQoL in patients with HS. Between 2017 and 2019, a multicentre cross-sectional study was carried out involving 200 consecutive HS patients. HRQoL outcomes included the EQ-5D-5L, EQ visual analogue scale (EQ VAS), Skindex-16, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and DLQI-Relevant (DLQI-R). Disease severity was graded by HS-Physician's Global Assessment (HS-PGA) scale and the Modified Sartorius scale (MSS). Overall, 77%, 56%, 51%, 46% and 28% reported problems in the pain/discomfort, usual activities, anxiety/depression, mobility and self-care dimensions of EQ-5D-5L. Mean ± SD EQ VAS, DLQI and DLQI-R scores were 64.29 ± 22.68, 11.75 ± 8.11 and 12.19 ± 8.33, respectively. Skindex-16 responses indicated that the emotional burden of HS (64.55 ± 29.28) far exceeded those of functioning (49.40 ± 34.70) and physical symptoms (46.74 ± 29.36). EQ-5D-5L, EQ VAS, DLQI, DLQI-R and Skindex-16 total scores had moderate or strong correlations with each other (range: |0.487| to |0.993|), weak or moderate correlations with HS-PGA (|0.350| to |0.433|) and weak correlations with MSS (|0.324| to |0.389|). DLQI-R slightly outperformed DLQI both in terms of convergent and known-groups validity. Being female, lower education level, more severe disease and genital involvement were associated with worse HRQoL (P < 0.05). This study provides high-quality evidence that among skin-specific outcomes, the DLQI, DLQI-R and Skindex-16, and among generic instruments, the EQ-5D-5L are suitable to be used in HS patients. In future research, we recommend the use of existing well-validated HRQoL tools instead of developing new measures for each study. The development of composite measures that combine physician- and patient-reported outcomes is not supported by evidence in HS. [Correction added on 25 July 2020, after first online publication: in the Abstract section, the ± signs were missing and have been added to this version.].

Parameters used in the control of ventricular rate in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation

Purpose. To analyze the possibility of using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hsTnI), N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), tissue hemodynamics parameters, echocardiographic data and the quality of life for selection of the individual regimen for ventricular rate (VR) control drug therapy in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods. The study included 120 patients aged &gt;60 years old with the diagnosis of permanent AF, who gave the informed consent. Patients were randomized into 2 groups according to the target range of VR at rest: 60-79 bpm (first group, n=60) and 80-100 bpm (second group, n=60). Patients in both groups were prescribed a selective beta1 -adrenoceptors blocker bisoprolol for VR control. The following parameters were determined before randomization and after 6 months of VR control in the target ranges: atrial and ventricular remodeling with transthoracic echocardiography; biochemical markers hsTnI and NT-proBNP; the tissue hemodynamics by the mean flow velocity (Vm) and the value of the pulsatility index (PI) using high-frequency ultrasound Doppler flowmetry; the patients’ quality of life with the “Atrial Fibrillation Effect on QualiTy-of-life (AFEQT) Questionnaire” and the “EQ-5D-5L” system with a scale EQ-VAS.Results. VR at rest after 6 months was 70±3 and 88±4 bpm (p1, p2˂0.001) in the first and second groups, respectively (p1 - comparing the initial and achieved values, p2 - values of the first and second groups). The level of hsTnI significantly decreased in both groups, but it was more pronounced in the 60-79 bpm range group (p˂0.001). Spearman’s correlation coefficients between the degree of decrease in VR and decrease in the level of hsTnI were 0.45 (p˂0.001) and 0.44 (p˂0.001) in the first and second groups, respectively. AFEQT and EQ VAS scores of quality of life improved after 6 months in both groups: the increase in the total AFEQT score in the first group -56.2±17.0% (M±SD), in the second - 42.6±15.3% (p˂0.001); EQ VAS values also increased, but differences between groups were not significant (p=0.078). In both the first and second groups, a strong positive correlation was found between the degree of decrease in VR and increase in the total score of the AFEQT questionnaire. The tendency toward an increase in Vm and a decrease in PI observed in both groups was more pronounced in the group with VR of 80-100 bpm, where Vm increased by more than 10% (p1, p2˂0.001). Changes in NT-proBNP under the influence of therapy for the reported observation period did not reach statistical significance in both groups (p1 =0.092, p2 =0.063). There was no significant dynamics of echocardiographic parameters of myocardial remodeling.Conclusion. The degree of chronic myocardial damage caused by arrhythmia (estimated by hsTnI), as well as the tissue hemodynamic parameters Vm and PI, can be the basis for individualized selection of the target VR range. This approach will allow to find a balance between cardioprotection and improvement of tissue blood flow. In creating the algorithm of selecting the target VR for patients older than 60 years with permanent AF, it is advisable to use such parameter as the degree of the initial VR change and quality of life data from the “AFEQT Questionnaire”.

EQ-5D-Y-5L as a patient-reported outcome measure in psychiatric inpatient care for children and adolescents \u2013 a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPsychiatric disorders have a major individual and societal impact. Until now, the association between health-related quality of life and physical disorders has been far more investigated than the association with psychiatric disorders. Patient-reported outcome measures makes it possible to capture the patient perspective to improve treatments and evaluate treatment outcomes. The aim of this study is to measure health-related quality of life with the EQ-5D-Y-5L among patients in child and adolescent psychiatric inpatient care and to test the instrument’s psychometric properties in terms of feasibility and construct validity.MethodsData were collected at the child and adolescent psychiatric inpatient facility in Region Stockholm. A questionnaire including the EQ-5D-Y-5L instrument, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire with an impact supplement and a self-rated health question, was administered for self-completion using paper and pencil, with an interviewer present. The Chi-square test was used to investigate differences in proportion of reported problems in the EQ-5D-Y-5L dimensions and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for differences in mean EQ VAS scores. Feasibility was assessed by investigating proportion of missing and ambiguous answers and Spearman’s and Pearson’s correlation were used to examine construct validity.ResultsIn total 52 adolescents participated in the study and the majority were girls. The most common diagnosis at admission was depressive episode/recurrent depressive disorder. All participants reported problems on at least one dimension. Most problems were reported in the dimension ‘feeling worried, sad or unhappy’, where 64% reported severe or extreme problems. Mean EQ VAS score was 29.2. Feasibility was supported and construct validity indicated as some of the hypothesised correlations between the EQ-5D-Y-5 L and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire were found, however, for ‘doing usual activities’ and ‘having pain or discomfort’ the correlations were weaker than hypothesised.ConclusionsThis is the first study where the newly developed EQ-5D-Y-5L instrument has been used in psychiatric inpatient care for youth. Participants reported problems in all severity levels in most of the EQ-5D-Y-5L dimensions; mean EQ VAS score was considerably low. Feasibility of the EQ-5D-Y-5L was supported, however other psychometric properties need to be further tested in a larger sample.

Conventional and retrospective change in health-related quality of life of trauma patients: an explorative observational follow-up study

BackgroundWithin trauma care measurement of changes in health-related quality of life (HRQL) is used in understanding patterns of recovery over time. However, conventionally-measured change in HRQL may not always reflect the change in HRQL as perceived by the patient. Recall bias and response shift may contribute to disagreement between conventional and retrospective change in HRQL. This study aimed to measure conventional and retrospective change of HRQL and assess to which extent recall bias and response shift contribute to disagreement between these two in a heterogeneous sample of adult trauma patients.MethodsA sample of trauma patients (≥18 years) who attended the Emergency Department and were admitted to an Intensive Care unit or ward of one of ten Dutch hospitals received postal questionnaires 1 week (T1) and 3 months (T2) post-injury. At T1 and T2 participants completed the EQ-5D-3 L and EQ-VAS for their current health status. At T2 participants also filled out a recall and then-test regarding their health status at T1. The responses were used to assess conventional and retrospective change, recall bias and response shift. Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to examine conventional and retrospective change on a group level. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to examine individual agreement between conventional and retrospective change. Uni- and multivariate linear regression analysis were used to investigate the association between background factors and recall bias and response shift.ResultsThe EQ-5D-3 L, recall and then-test were completed by 550 patients. Mean EQ-5D-3 L summary score improved from 0.48 at T1 to 0.74 at T2. Mean EQ-VAS score improved from 56 at T1 to 73 at T2. Retrospective change was significantly higher than conventional change (EQ-5D-3 L: Z = -5.2, p < 0.05; EQ-VAS Z = -2.1, p < 0.05). Pairwise comparisons showed that agreement between conventional and retrospective change was fair (EQ-5D-3 L: ICC = 0.49; EQ-VAS: ICC = 0.48). For EQ-5-3 L response shift was significantly higher than recall bias (Z = − 4.5, p < 0.05). Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), severe injury and/or posttraumatic stress symptoms were more susceptible to recall bias and response shift.ConclusionsWe conclude that, compared to recall bias, response shift contributed more to the disagreement between conventional and retrospective change in EQ-5D-3 L summary score and EQ-VAS. Predictable subgroups of trauma patients were more susceptible to recall bias and response shift.

PIH74 EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO FIRST-HAND SMOKE, SECOND-HAND SMOKE AND THIRD-HAND SMOKE ON QUALITY OF LIFE IN PREGNANT WOMEN: A NATIONAL-BASED STUDY

Tobacco smoking is considered as one of the major global public health issues, especially in developing countries. Nowadays, pregnant women are suffering from the harm from second-hand smoke (SHS) and third-hand smoke (THS) exposure due to high rates of husband smoking, which are associated with several adverse clinical outcomes of pregnant women such as spontaneous abortion and postpartum depression. A national based cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the associations between different types of tobacco exposure and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in pregnant women from different regions in China. A web-based questionnaire was asked during participation in prenatal examination. HRQoL was measured using the EuroQoL five-dimension-five-level (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire and demographic data were collected. 16,811 pregnant women were included and 51.8% of them were in different types of tobacco exposure. Significant difference in EQ-VAS scores were detected between non-tobacco exposure and tobacco exposure groups [First-hand smoke (FHS) (p=0.002), SHS (p<0.01) and THS (p<0.01)]. Moreover, increased amounts of SHS and THS exposure could result in lower HRQoL of pregnant women (p=0.039 and p=0.007 respectively). Approximately half of pregnant women were under the influence of different types of tobacco exposure. Compared to non-tobacco exposure, FHS, SHS and THS had negative impact on the HRQoL of pregnant women. Deleterious effect of tobacco exposure on HRQoL of pregnant women was in dose-response relationship. Tobacco exposure is common and severe health problem causing economic burden. Government need to make more relevant policies to limit not only FHS and SHS exposure but also THS exposure, which was ignored in the past.

Agreement Among Paper and Electronic Modes of the EQ-5D-5L.

IntroductionWhile the EQ-5D-5L has been migrated to several electronic modes, evidence supporting the measurement equivalence of the original paper-based instrument to the electronic modes is limited.ObjectivesThis study was designed to comprehensively examine the equivalence of the paper and electronic modes (i.e., handheld, tablet, interactive voice response [IVR], and web).MethodsAs part of the foundational work for this study, the test–retest reliability of the paper-based, UK English format of the EQ-5D-5L was assessed using a single-group, single-visit, two-period, repeated-measures design. To compare paper and electronic modes, three independent samples were recruited into a three-period crossover study. Each participant was assigned to one of six groups to account for order effects. Descriptive statistics, mean differences (i.e., split-plot analysis of variance [ANOVA]), and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated.ResultsThe test–retest results showed mean differences near zero and ICC values > 0.90 for both the index and the EQ VAS scores. For the electronic comparisons, mean difference confidence intervals (CIs) for the EQ-5D index scores and EQ VAS scores reflected equivalence of the means across all modes, as the CIs were wholly contained inside the equivalence interval. Further, the ICC 95% lower CIs for the index and EQ VAS scores showed values above the thresholds for denoting equivalence across all comparisons in each sample. No significant mode-by-order interactions were present in any ANOVA model.ConclusionsOverall, our comparisons of the paper, screen-based, and phone-based formats of the EQ-5D-5L provided substantial evidence to support the measurement equivalence of these modes of data collection.

Health-related quality of life measured using the EQ-5D\u20135\u2009L: population norms for the capital of Iran

ObjectivesEQ-5D is the most commonly used generic preference-based health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measure. The current study aimed at estimating the HRQoL index scores using EQ-5D-5 L measure in the capital of Iran; moreover, identifying some determinants of the HRQoL.MethodsA sample of 3060 subjects was selected by a stratified random sampling method from the general adult population of Tehran. Face-to-face interview was conducted to fill out the questionnaire, in this cross-sectional survey. EQ-5D-5 L utility score were estimated using an interim value set, based on a crosswalk methodology. Additionally, the relationships between HRQoL and sociodemographic characteristics were tested by generalized linear model, using STATA version 13.ResultsThe mean ± standard deviation utility and EQ-VAS scores were 0.79 ± 0.17 and 71.72 ± 19.37. The utility scores ranged 0.61 ± 0.19 in > 69 year-old females to 0.88 ± 0.12 in < 30 year-old males. In mobility, self-care, and usual activity dimensions, most of the respondents reported “no problems” (70.47, 90.62, and 76.34%, respectively). However, in anxiety/depression and pain/discomfort dimensions, most of the respondents had problems (53.23 and 54.03%, respectively). Females had lower utility score than males; the utility score reduced with age increase; the educational level lead to higher utility scores; and the utility scores of individuals without spouse (divorced or widowed) were lower than those of the married individuals and never married ones.ConclusionsThe current study reported HRQoL norm data for the general adult population in the capital of Iran; these data could be very useful for policy making and economic evaluations. A significant percentage of people in Tehran reported anxiety/ depression, which highlights the risk of psychological problems. Effective interventions are needed to increase their HRQoL, especially for the vulnerable groups of the community.

Supporting patients with long-term conditions in the community: Evaluation of the Greater Manchester Community Pharmacy Care Plan Service.

The Greater Manchester Community Pharmacy Care Plan (GMCPCP) service provided tailored care plans to help adults with one or more qualifying long-term condition (hypertension, asthma, diabetes and COPD) to achieve health goals and better self-management of their long-term conditions. The service ran between February and December 2017. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the service on patient activation, as measured by the PAM measure (primary outcome). Secondary outcomes included quality of life (EQ-5D-5L, EQ-VAS), medication adherence (MARS-5), NHS resource use and costs, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, HDL cholesterol ratio levels and body mass index (BMI). A before and after design was used, with follow-up at 6-months. A questionnaire was distributed at follow-up and telephone interviews with willing participants were used to investigate patient satisfaction with the service. The study was approved by the University of Manchester Research Ethics Committee. Quantitative data were analysed in SPSS v22 (IBM). A total of 382 patients were recruited to the service; 280 (73%) remained at follow-up. Ten patients were interviewed and 43 completed the questionnaire. A total of 613 goals were set; mean of 1.7 goals per patient. Fifty percent of goals were met at follow-up. There were significant improvements in PAM, EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS scores and significant reductions in systolic blood pressure, BMI and HDL cholesterol ratio at follow-up. Mean NHS service use costs were significantly lower at follow-up; with a mean decrease per patient of £236.43 (±SD £968.47). The mean cost per patient for providing the service was £203.10, resulting in potential cost-savings of £33.33 per patient (SD±874.65). Questionnaire respondents reported high levels of satisfaction with the service. This study suggests that the service is acceptable to patients and may lead to improvements in health outcomes and allows for modest cost savings. Limitations of the study included the low response rate to the patient questionnaire.

How do EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L compare in a Swedish total hip replacement population?

Background and purpose — To better detect small changes in postoperative outcome following total hip replacement (THR), the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register (SHAR) has decided to change from the EQ-5D-3L (3L) to the EQ-5D-5L (5L). To enable comparison of results obtained with use of the 2 versions of EQ-5D, transferal of results between the questionnaires used is necessary. We assessed the measurement properties of the EQ-5D-5L compared with the EQ-5D-3L, preoperatively and 1-year postoperatively in a Swedish THR population.Patients and methods — Patients eligible for elective THR during 2015 in Western Sweden were invited to the study. With a 2-week separation, the 3L and 5L questionnaires were administered to patients before and 1 year after surgery. Comparing the 2 versions of the EQ-5D, we investigated redistribution of responses, ceiling and floor effects, EQ VAS correlations (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, rs), and EQ VAS scores for different severity levels by dimension (univariable ordinary least square regression).Results — The additional severity levels of the 5L version were frequently used on both measurement occasions (preoperative mobility 5%, self-care 17%, usual activities 20%, pain 5% and anxiety 3%, postoperative mobility 6%, self-care 5%, usual activities 8%, pain 9%, and anxiety 5%). Ceiling effects of the 3L version diminished overall by 7% using the 5L version. The correlations between the 2 EQ VAS scores obtained with the 3L and 5L instruments were strong both pre- (rs = 0.71) and postoperatively (rs = 0.87). Estimated EQ VAS scores for different levels of severity were consistent for all dimensions except for the mobility dimension of the preoperative 5L version and the anxiety dimension in the postoperative 5L version.Interpretation — Our findings support that the 5L has a higher resolution than the 3L version regarding description of health-related quality of life in patients undergoing THR in Sweden. The EQ VAS scores for different levels of severity agree well between the EQ-5D versions. This could potentially be used to develop a crosswalk value set for transforming 3L to 5L responses in this patient group.

Assessment of quality of life among chronic kidney disease patients undergoing hemodialysis in Sanglah General Hospital, Denpasar from April-May 2017 using EQ-5D-5L questionnaire

Introduction: Hemodialysis or renal function replacement therapy is routine medical care for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Many problems arise among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing hemodialysis, including physical, psychological, social and family relationships. Those will affect patient’s quality of life (QOL).Method: A cross-sectional study performed from April-May 2017 in Sanglah General Hospital Denpasar using EuroQol 5 (EQ-5D-5L) Questionnaire to assess the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL). All of CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis in Sanglah General Hospital Denpasar that matched the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited to this study.Results: There were 46 patients participated in this study. Overall, 37 (86.05%) were male and divided into four age groups. The reported HRQOL as measured by means of EQ-5D-5L Index Value and EQ-VAS (Visual Analog Scale) Score was 0.71 ± 0.22 and 75.7 ± 0.635, respectively. The median of EQ-5D-5L Index Value and EQ-VAS Score was 0.71 [0.63-0.84] and 75 [70-80].Conclusion: This study provided associations between sociodemographic characteristics and their HRQOL. Healthcare providers should be aware of low HRQOL among patients with female gender, elderly patients and unemployed patients to improve their quality of life.

Buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty for radiation-induced urethral strictures: an evaluation using the extended Urethral Stricture Surgery Patient-Reported Outcome Measure (USS PROM)

ObjectivesTo evaluate objective treatment success and subjective patient-reported outcomes in patients with radiation-induced urethral strictures undergoing single-stage urethroplasty.Patients and methodsMonocentric study of patients who underwent single-stage ventral onlay buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty for a radiation-induced stricture between January 2009 and December 2016. Patients were characterized by descriptive analyses. Kaplan–Meier estimates were employed to plot recurrence-free survival. Recurrence was defined as any subsequent urethral instrumentation (dilation, urethrotomy, urethroplasty). Patient-reported functional outcomes were evaluated using the validated German extension of the Urethral Stricture Surgery Patient-Reported Outcome Measure (USS PROM).ResultsOverall, 47 patients were available for final analyses. Median age was 70 (IQR 65–74). Except for two, all patients had undergone pelvic radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Predominant modality was external beam radiation therapy in 70% of patients. Stricture recurrence rate was 33% at a median follow-up of 44 months (IQR 28–68). In 37 patients with available USS PROM data, mean six-item LUTS score was 7.2 (SD 4.3). Mean ICIQ sum score was 9.8 (SD 5.4). Overall, 53% of patients reported daily leaking and of all, 26% patients underwent subsequent artificial urinary sphincter implantation. Mean IIEF-EF score was 4.4 (SD 7.1), indicating severe erectile dysfunction. In 38 patients with data regarding the generic health status and treatment satisfaction, mean EQ-5D index score and EQ VAS score was 0.91 (SD 0.15) and 65 (SD 21), respectively. Overall, 71% of patients were satisfied with the outcome.ConclusionThe success rate and functional outcome after BMGU for radiation-induced strictures were reasonable. However, compared to existing long-term data on non-irradiated patients, the outcome is impaired and patients should be counseled accordingly.

Platelet-Rich Plasma for Sport-Active Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: Limited Return to Sport.

Objective To evaluate a cohort of sport-active patients suffering from cartilage degeneration and OA, in terms of clinical outcome and return to sport (RTS) after platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injective treatment. Design This study included forty-seven sport-active patients ≤50 years old with unilateral symptomatic knee cartilage degeneration or OA. Patients received 3 PRP injections and were prospectively evaluated at baseline and then at 2, 6, 12, and 24 months follow-up by IKDC subjective EQ-VAS, and Tegner scores. Furthermore, patients were asked about their RTS, in terms of return to any sport level or to their activity level before symptoms onset. Results IKDC subjective score improved significantly at all follow-ups, changing from 59.2 ± 13.6 to 70.6 ± 13 at 12 months and to 76.7 ± 12.5 at 24 months (p < 0.0005). A similar outcome was observed with the EQ-VAS score. Tegner score improved from 3.6 ± 1.4 to 4.8 ± 0.9 at 24 months (p < 0.0005). A similar outcome was observed with the EQ-VAS score. Tegner score improved from 3.6 ± 1.4 to 4.8 ± 0.9 at 24 months (p < 0.0005). A similar outcome was observed with the EQ-VAS score. Tegner score improved from 3.6 ± 1.4 to 4.8 ± 0.9 at 24 months (p < 0.0005). A similar outcome was observed with the EQ-VAS score. Tegner score improved from 3.6 ± 1.4 to 4.8 ± 0.9 at 24 months (Conclusions Sport-active patients affected by knee OA can benefit from PRP injections, with pain and function improvement over time. However, results are less satisfactory in terms of RTS since only half can achieve the same sport level as before the onset of symptoms. Patients undergoing PRP treatment should be made aware of their low chances to go back to high-impact sport activities.