Validation and comparison of EuroQoL-5 dimension (EQ-5D) and Short Form-6 dimension (SF-6D) among stable angina patients

Psychometric performance of EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2 in patients with lymphoma in China

AIM

To assess and compare the measurement properties of EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2 among lymphoma patients in China.

METHODS

A face-to-face survey of Chinese lymphoma patients was conducted at baseline (all types) and follow-up (diffuse large B-cell). EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2 health utility scores (HUSs) were calculated using the respective Chinese value sets. Ceiling effect was assessed by calculating the percentage of respondents reporting the optimal health state. Convergent validity of EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2 was assessed using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient (r) with QLQ-C30 as a calibration standard. Known-groups validity of the two HUSs was evaluated by comparing their scores of patients with different conditions; and their sensitivity was further assessed in the known-groups using relative efficiency (RE). Test-retest reliability and responsiveness was tested using ICC and standardized response mean (SRM), respectively.

RESULTS

Altogether 200 patients were enrolled at baseline and 78 were followed up. No ceiling effect was found for SF-6Dv2 compared to 24.5% for EQ-5D-5L. Correlation between the two HUSs and with QLQ-C30 score was strong (r > 0.5). Each dimension of EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2 had moderate or greater correlations with similar dimensions of QLQ-C30 (r > 0.35). Both EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2 could only a minority known-groups, and the latter may have better sensitivity. EQ-5D-5L had better test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.939); while both of them were responsive to patients with worsened and improved clinical status.

CONCLUSIONS

EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2 were found to have good convergent validity and responsiveness, while EQ-5D-5L had better test-retest reliability and higher ceiling effect. Not enough evidence indicates which of the two measures has better known-group validity and sensitivity.

Factors associated with the quality of life of Chinese parents who have lost their only child

This study used the three-level EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) to assess the quality of life (QOL) of Chinese Shidu parents (who have lost their only child) and conducted an in-depth investigation into the factors affecting their QOL using non-parametric tests and the Tobit regression model. A total of 651 Shidu parents were enrolled in this study. The questionnaire included a general information survey, the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15), the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), and the three-level EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L). The results revealed that approximately 60% of Shidu parents reported no problems in all five dimensions. Pain and discomfort were the most frequently reported problems among Shidu parents, affecting 23.35% of participants. The Tobit regression model revealed that GDS-15 scores, marital status, education, and self-reported health status were significantly associated with EQ-5D scores. Additionally, SSRS scores, GDS-15 scores, and self-reported health status were significantly associated with EQ-VAS scores. Based on the study's findings, relevant recommendations were proposed.

Functional and perceptive differences between conventional and advanced ankle foot orthoses in community ambulators post-limb trauma: the injuries managed with advanced bracing of the lower extremity (IM ABLE) study

Introduction

Many military service members and civilians suffer from lower extremity trauma. Despite recent advancements in lower limb bracing technology, it remains unclear whether these newer advanced braces offer improved comfort and functionality compared to conventional options. The IDEO (Intrepid Dynamic Exoskeletal Orthosis), a type of "advanced" orthosis was developed to assist in maintaining high functional performance in patients who have experienced high-energy lower extremity trauma and underwent limb salvage surgeries.

Methods

A cross-sector multi-site initiative was completed to study the efficacy of advanced ankle foot orthoses (AFO) for lower limb trauma and injury compared to a conventional AFO. Following fitting, training, and accommodation, the subjects were assessed in each AFO system for mobility, self-reported function, safety and pain, and preference.

Results

They preferred the advanced over the conventional AFO and the mobility and exertion perception improved with the advanced AFO with no difference in pain or overall health status scores.

Discussion

Thus, an advanced AFO is an option for trauma affecting the lower limb. Long-term studies are required to better understand the accommodation and learning process of using an advanced AFO.

Comparative performance and mapping algorithms between EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2 among the Chinese general population

OBJECTIVES

To explore the comparative performance and develop the mapping algorithms between EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2 in China.

METHODS

Respondents recruited from the Chinese general population completed both EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2 during face-to-face interviews. Ceiling/floor effects were reported. Discriminative validity in self-reported chronic conditions was investigated using the effect sizes (ES). Test-retest reliability was evaluated using intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman plots in a subsample. Correlation and absolute agreements between the two measures were estimated with Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and ICC, respectively. Ordinary least squares (OLS), generalized linear model, Tobit model, and robust MM-estimator were explored to estimate mapping equations between EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2.

RESULTS

3320 respondents (50.3% males; age 18-90 years) were recruited. 51.1% and 12.2% of respondents reported no problems on all EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2 dimensions, respectively. The mean EQ-5D-5L utility was higher than SF-6Dv2 (0.947 vs. 0.827, p < 0.001). Utilities were significantly different across all chronic conditions groups for both measures. The mean absolute difference of utilities between the two tests for EQ-5D-5L was smaller (0.033 vs. 0.043) than SF-6Dv2, with a slightly higher ICC (0.859 vs. 0.827). Fair agreement (ICC = 0.582) was observed in the utilities between the two measures. Mapping algorithms generated by the OLS models performed the best according to the goodness-of-fit indicators.

CONCLUSIONS

Both measures showed comparable discriminative validity. Systematic differences in utilities were found, and on average, the EQ-5D-5L generates higher values than the SF-6Dv2. Mapping algorithms between the EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2 are reported to enable transformations between these two measures in China.

Psychometric performance of EQ-5D-5L and SF-6DV2 in measuring health status of populations in Chinese university staff and students

AIMS

To compare measurement properties of EQ-5D-5L and SF-6DV2 in university staff and students in China.

METHODS

A total of 291 staff and 183 undergraduates or postgraduates completed the two instruments assigned in a random order. The health utility scores (HUS) of EQ-5D-5L and SF-6DV2 were calculated using the respective value sets for Chinese populations. The agreement of HUSs was examined using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland-Altman plot. Convergent validity of their HUSs and similar dimensions were assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Known-group validity of the HUSs and EQ-VAS score was assessed by comparing the scores of participants with and without three conditions (i.e., disease, symptom or discomfort, and injury), as well as number of any of the three conditions; their sensitivity was also compared.

RESULTS

The ICCs between the two HUSs were 0.567 (staff) and 0.553 (students). Bland-Altman plot found that EQ-5D-5L HUSs were generally higher. Strong correlation was detected for two similar dimensions (pain/discomfort of EQ-5D-5L and pain of SF-6DV2; anxiety/depression of EQ-5D-5L and mental health of SF-6DV2) in both samples. The correlation between the two HUSs were strong (0.692 for staff and 0.703 for students), and were stronger than their correlations with EQ-VAS score. All the three scores could discriminate the difference in three known-groups (disease, symptom or discomfort, number of any of the three conditions). The two HUSs were more sensitive than EQ-VAS score; and either of them was not superior than the other.

CONCLUSIONS

Both EQ-5D-5L and SF-6DV2 HUSs have acceptable measurement properties (convergent validity, known-groups validity, sensitivity) in Chinese university staff and students. Nevetheless, only EQ-5D-5L (PD and AD) and SF-6DV2 (PN and MH) showed indicated good convergent validity as expected. Two types of HUSs cannot be used interchangeably, and each has its own advantages in sensitivity.

Comparison of the measurement properties of the EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2 among overweight and obesity populations in China

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate and compare the measurement properties of the EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2 among Chinese overweight and obesity populations.

METHODS

A representative sample of Chinese overweight and obesity populations was recruited stratified by age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and area of residence. Social-demographic characteristics and self-reported EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2 responses were collected through the online survey. The agreement was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Convergent validity and known-group validity were examined using Spearman's rank correlation and effect sizes, respectively. The test-retest reliability was assessed using among a subgroup of the total sample. Sensitivity was compared using relative efficiency and receiver operating characteristic.

RESULTS

A total of 1000 respondents (52.0% male, mean age 51.7 years, 67.7% overweight, 32.3% obesity) were included in this study. A higher ceiling effect was observed in EQ-5D-5L than in SF-6Dv2 (30.6% vs. 2.1%). The mean (SD) utility was 0.851 (0.195) for EQ-5D-5L and 0.734 (0.164) for SF-6Dv2, with the ICC of the total sample was 0.639 (p < 0.001). The Spearman's rank correlation (range: 0.186-0.739) indicated an acceptable convergent validity between the dimensions of EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2. The EQ-5D-5L showed basically equivalent discriminative capacities with the SF-6Dv2 (ES: 0.517-1.885 vs. 0.383-2.329). The ICC between the two tests were 0.939 for EQ-5D-5L and 0.972 for SF-6Dv2 among the subgroup (N = 150). The SF-6Dv2 had 3.7-170.1% higher efficiency than the EQ-5D-5L at detecting differences in self-reported health status, while the EQ-5D-5L was found to be 16.4% more efficient at distinguishing between respondents with diabetes and non-diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Both the EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2 showed comparable reliability, validity, and sensitivity when used in Chinese overweight and obesity populations. The two measures may not be interchangeable given the systematic difference in utility values between the EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2. More research is needed to compare the responsiveness.

Comparing measurement properties of EQ-5D and SF-6D in East and South-East Asian populations: a scoping review

INTRODUCTION

Euro-Qol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) and Short-Form 6-Dimension (SF-6D) are the most commonly used generic multi-attribute utility instruments (MAUI) to calculate quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) in East and South-East Asia. This study aims to systematically review and summarize current evidence on comparing measurement properties of EQ-5D and SF-6D in East and South-East Asian populations.

AREAS COVERED

Guided by the PRISMA systematic review and meta-analysis guidelines, a systematic literature search was conducted in databases of PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL (until June 2022) to obtain studies which compared measurement properties (feasibility, reliability, validity, responsiveness, and sensitivity) and agreement of EQ-5D and SF-6D in the populations.

EXPERT OPINION

In general, both EQ-5D and SF-6D had good measurement properties in East and South-East Asian populations; but their utility scores cannot be used interchangeably. Compared to the 3-level EQ-5D, SF-6D had better sensitivity and lower ceiling effects, but the comparison results between the 5-level EQ-5D and SF-6D were inconsistent across populations. This scoping review found that most studies did not consider order effects, did not specify the versions of SF-6D, and ignored certain measurement properties (reliability, content validity, and responsiveness). These aspects need to be further explored in future studies.

Mapping the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) to SF-6Dv2 in Chinese patients with heart failure

Purpose

Mapping the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) to SF-6Dv2 in Chinese patients with chronic heart failure, and to obtain the health utility value for health economic assessment.

Methods

Four statistical algorithms, including ordinary least square method (OLS), Tobit model, robust MM estimator (MM) and censored least absolute deviations (CLAD), were used to establish the alternative model. Models were validated by using a tenfold cross-validation technique. The mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE) were used to evaluate the prediction performance of the model. The Spearman correlation coefficient and Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) were used to examine the relationship between the predicted and observed SF-6Dv2 values.

Results

A total of 195 patients with chronic heart failure were recruited from 3 general hospitals in Beijing. The MLHFQ summary score and domain scores of the study sample were negatively correlated with SF-6Dv2 health utility value. The OLS regression model established based on the MLHFQ domain scores was the optimal fitting model and the predicted value was highly positively correlated with the observed value.

Conclusion

The MLHFQ can be mapped to SF-6Dv2 by OLS, which can be used for health economic assessment of cardiovascular diseases such as chronic heart failure.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12955-022-02004-x.

Comparison of the measurement properties of SF-6Dv2 and EQ-5D-5L in a Chinese population health survey

BACKGROUND

SF-6Dv2, the latest version of SF-6D, has been developed recently, and its measurement properties remain to be evaluated and compared with the EQ-5D-5L. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the measurement properties of the SF-6Dv2 and the EQ-5D-5L in a large-sample health survey among the Chinese population.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the 2020 Health Service Survey in Tianjin, China. Respondents were randomly selected and invited to complete both the EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2 through face-to-face interviews or self-administration. Health utility values were calculated by the Chinese value sets for the two measures. Ceiling and floor effects were firstly evaluated. Convergent validity and discriminate validity were examined using Spearman's rank correlation and effect sizes, respectively. The agreement was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Sensitivity was compared using relative efficiency and receiver operating characteristic.

RESULTS

Among 19,177 respondents (49.3% male, mean age 55.2 years, ranged 18-102 years) included in this study, the mean utility was 0.939 (0.168) for EQ-5D-5L and 0.872 (0.184) for SF-6Dv2. A higher ceiling effect was observed in EQ-5D-5L than in SF-6Dv2 (72.8% vs. 36.1%). The Spearman's rank correlation (range: 0.30-0.69) indicated an acceptable convergent validity between the dimensions of EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2. The SF-6Dv2 showed slightly better discriminative capacities than the EQ-5D-5L (ES: 0.126-2.675 vs. 0.061-2.256). The ICC between the EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2 utility values of the total sample was 0.780 (p < 0.05). The SF-6Dv2 had 29.0-179.2% higher efficiency than the EQ-5D-5L at distinguishing between respondents with different external health indicators, while the EQ-5D-5L was found to be 8.2% more efficient at detecting differences in self-reported health status than the SF-6Dv2.

CONCLUSIONS

Both the SF-6Dv2 and EQ-5D-5L have been demonstrated to be comparably valid and sensitive when used in Chinese population health surveys. The two measures may not be interchangeable given the moderate ICC and the systematic difference in utility values between the SF-6Dv2 and EQ-5D-5L. Further research is warranted to compare the test-retest reliability and responsiveness.

Quality of life outcomes in cryoablation of atrial fibrillation-A literature review

BACKGROUND

Cryoballoon ablation (CRYO) for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in atrial fibrillation (AF) has become an established treatment option as alternative for radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). As symptom relief is still the main indication for PVI, quality of life (QoL) is a key outcome parameter. This review summarizes the evidence about the evolution of QoL after CRYO.

METHODS

A search for clinical studies reporting QoL outcomes after CRYO was performed on PUBMED and COCHRANE. A total of 506 publications were screened and 10 studies met the in- and exclusion criteria.

RESULTS

All studies considered QoL as a secondary endpoint and reported significant improvement in QoL between baseline and 12 months follow-up, independent of the QoL instruments used. The effect size of CRYO on QoL was comparable between studies and present in both paroxysmal and persistent AF. Direct comparison between CRYO and RFCA was limited to two studies, there was no difference between ablation modalities after 12 months FU. Two studies in paroxysmal AF reported outcome beyond 12 months follow-up and QoL improvement was maintained up to 36 months after ablation. There were no long-term data available for persistent AF.

CONCLUSION

CRYO of AF significantly improves QoL. The scarce amount of data with direct comparison between subgroups limits further exploration. Assessment of QoL should be considered a primary outcome parameter in future trials with long-term follow-up.

Psychometric properties of the SF-6Dv2 in an Iranian breast cancer population

INTRODUCTION

The Short-Form Six-Dimension version 2 (SF-6Dv2) is the newest preference-based instrument for estimation of quality adjusted life-years (QALYs). The aim of this study is to evaluate the validity and reliability of the SF-6Dv2 in an Iranian breast cancer population.

METHODS

The SF-6Dv2 and FACT-B instruments were completed for 416 patients who were recruited from the largest academic center for cancer patients in Iran. The ceiling effects are computed as the proportion of participants reporting no problems in SF-6Dv2 index. Construct validity was evaluated using convergent validity, discriminant validity, and known-groups validity. Reliability was assessed using intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cohen's kappa value.

RESULTS

The ceiling effects of the SF-6Dv2 was 2.16%. Higher scores of all subscales of the FACT-B were associated with patients who reported no problems in each of the SF-6Dv2 dimensions. The correlation between SF-6Dv2 dimensions and FACT-B subscales varied from 0.109 between the role limitation of the SF-6Dv2 and the SWB subscale of the FACT-B to 0.665 between the pain dimension of SF-6Dv2 and the PWB of FACT-B. The lower mean score of SF-6Dv2 was associated with patients with older age, higher education level, more severe current treatment status, and more severe cancer stage status. ICC for the SF-6Dv2 index scores was 0.66, and Kappa values varied from 0.33 for mobility to 0.66 for mental health dimensions.

CONCLUSIONS

The validity and reliability of the SF-6Dv2 were satisfaction in a breast cancer population and it can be employed in clinical practice or research.

Mapping Utility Scores From the HeartQoL Questionnaire Into the EQ-5D for Ischemic Heart Disease

OBJECTIVE

The HeartQoL is an ischemic heart disease (IHD) core questionnaire. This study aimed to map the HeartQoL to the EQ-5D to provide the specific patients' health status and utility using one instrument.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study investigating IHD patients in China using the Chinese HeartQoL and EQ-5D. Data based on the total group were fitted by 2 linear regression models with the utility score derived from the EQ-5D as a dependent variable and the HeartQoL total and subscale (physical and emotional) scores as independent variables, respectively. The 2 models were compared via modeling fitting statistics.

RESULTS

In total, 406 IHD patients were enrolled in China. The mean HeartQoL global score for the total group was 1.75 (standard deviation [SD] = 0.85), whereas the mean physical and emotional scores were 1.65 (SD = 0.91) and 1.99 (SD = 0.93), respectively. The mean utility calculated by the EQ-5D for IHD patients was 0.66 (SD = 0.38), as compared with 0.95 (SD = 0.06) for healthy people. From the linear regression model with total score, the total score was a significant predictor for the EQ-5D utility, with the equation as EQ-5D = 0.085 - 0.3294 × total. In the linear regression model with physical and mental scores, both scores were significant predictors for the EQ-5D utility, with an equation as EQ-5D = 0.0671- 0.2091 × physical - 0.1248 × mental. The fitting statistics suggest that the model using the HeartQoL total score is preferred.

CONCLUSION

As the first effort to map the HeartQoL to EQ-5D, the linear relationship between these 2 instruments was explored, and this could potentially be useful in future health technology assessment decision making and clinical practice.

Cost effectiveness and the role of the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in interventional radiology

Healthcare expenditure is continually increasing and projected to accelerate in the future, with an increasing proportion being spent on interventional radiology. The role of cost effectiveness studies in ensuring the best allocation of resources is discussed, and the role of National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in determining this. Issues with demonstrating cost effectiveness have been discussed, and it has been found that there is significant scope for improving cost effectiveness, with suggestions made for how this can be achieved. In this way, more patients can benefit from better treatment given limited healthcare budgets.

A Personalized Medicine Approach for the Management of Spinal Metastases with Cord Compression: Development of a Novel Clinical Prediction Model for Postoperative Survival and Quality of Life

Surgery should be considered for patients with metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) with a life expectancy of ≥3 months. Given the heterogeneity of the clinical presentation and outcomes, clinical prognostic models (CPMs) can assist in tailoring a personalized medicine approach to optimize surgical decision-making. We aimed to develop and internally validate the first CPM of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and a novel CPM to predict the survival of patients with MESCC treated surgically. Using data from 258 patients (AOSpine North America MESCC study and Nottingham MESCC registry), we created 1-year survival and HRQoL CPMs using a Cox model and logistic regression analysis with manual backward elimination. The outcome measure for HRQoL was the minimal clinical important difference in EuroQol 5-dimension questionnaire scores. Internal validation involved 200 bootstrap iterations, and calibration and discrimination were evaluated. Longer survival was associated with a higher SF-36 physical component score (hazard ratio [HR], 0.96). In contrast, primary tumor other than breast, thyroid, or prostate (unfavorable: HR, 2.57; other: HR, 1.20), organ metastasis (HR, 1.51), male sex (HR, 1.58), and preoperative radiotherapy (HR, 1.53) were not (c-statistic, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.64-0.73). Karnofsky performance status <70% (odds ratio [OR], 2.50), living in North America (OR, 4.06), SF-36 physical component score (OR, 0.95) and SF-36 mental component score (OR, 0.96) were associated with the likelihood of achieving a minimal clinical important difference improvement in the EuroQol 5-Dimension Questionnaire score at 3 months (c-statistic, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.68-0.79). The calibration for both CPMs was very good. We developed and internally validated the first CPMs of survival and HRQoL at 3 months postoperatively in patients with MESCC using the TRIPOD (transparent reporting of a multivariable prediction model for individual prognosis or diagnosis) guidelines. A web-based calculator is available (available at: http://spine-met.com) to assist with clinical decision-making.

Patient-Reported Outcome Measures and Health-Related Quality-of-Life Scores of Patients Undergoing Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) scores are required for cost-effectiveness and health-care value analysis. We evaluated HRQoL scores and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in patients with advanced glenohumeral osteoarthritis treated with anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty to establish values of HRQoL scores that can be used for cost-effectiveness and value analysis and to assess relationships between HRQoL scores and shoulder and upper-extremity PROMs.

METHODS

We analyzed 143 patients (143 shoulders) with glenohumeral osteoarthritis treated with anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty; 92 patients had 1-year follow-up. Preoperative and postoperative functional outcomes were assessed with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, the Simple Shoulder Test (SST), and a visual analog scale (VAS) for shoulder pain and function. Health utility was assessed with the EuroQol-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D), Short Form-6 Dimensions (SF-6D), and VAS Quality of Life (VAS QoL). HRQoL score validity was determined through correlations between the PROMs and HRQoL scores. The responsiveness of HRQoL scores was measured through the effect size and the standardized response mean.

RESULTS

There were significant improvements in all PROMs and HRQoL scores (p < 0.001) at 1 year after the surgical procedure. The changes in VAS QoL (very weak to moderate), EQ-5D (weak), and SF-6D (weak) were significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with the changes in PROMs, demonstrating comparably acceptable validity. There were large effect sizes in the VAS QoL (1.843), EQ-5D (1.186), and SF-6D (1.084) and large standardized response mean values in the VAS QoL (1.622), EQ-5D (1.230), and SF-6D (1.083), demonstrating responsiveness. The effect sizes of all PROMs were larger than those of the HRQoL scores.

CONCLUSIONS

PROMs and HRQoL scores are not interchangeable, and studies of the cost-effectiveness and value of shoulder arthroplasty should incorporate both shoulder and upper-extremity PROMs and HRQoL scores. The findings of this study provide data on HRQoL scores that are specific to the treatment of advanced glenohumeral osteoarthritis with anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty and can be used for future cost-effectiveness and value analysis studies.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Interchangeability of the EQ-5D and the SF-6D, and comparison of their psychometric properties in a spinal postoperative Spanish population

OBJECTIVE

EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) and Short-Form Six-Dimensions (SF-6D) are widely used to calculate quality-adjusted life-years in cost-utility analysis. The choice of the instrument could influence the results of cost-utility analysis. Our objective was to compare the psychometric properties of the EQ-5D and SF-6D in a postoperative Spanish population, as well as assess their interchangeability in a cost-utility analysis.

DESIGN

Ambispective study.

SETTING

Tertiary public hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

275 Spanish patients who had undergone surgery for lumbar disc herniation.

INTERVENTION(S)

Patients completed EQ-5D-3L and Short-Form 36 (SF-36v2) questionnaires. Internal consistency, floor and ceiling effects, agreement, and construct validity (convergent validity, including dimension-to-dimension correlations, and "known groups" validity) were assessed. The Spanish tariffs were applied.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Cronbach's α coefficient, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, Lin's concordance correlation coefficient, intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman plot.

RESULTS

Main findings were: (a) lack of agreement between EQ-5D and SF-6D utilities (Lin's concordance correlation coefficient: 0.664 [95% CI: 0.600-0.720]; the Bland-Altman plot showed a mean difference of 0.0835 and wide limits of agreement [- 0.2602-0.4272]). (b) Lack of correlation between domains that theoretically measure similar aspects of quality of life, with the exception of "pain" domain.

CONCLUSIONS

The preference-based EQ-5D and SF-6D instruments showed valid psychometric properties to assess generic outcome in a Spanish population who had undergone surgery for lumbar disc herniation; however, utility scores derived from the measures were different. Thus, these two instruments cannot be used interchangeably to perform a cost-utility analysis, and they should both be included in sensitivity analyses.

Translation, Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of Short-Form 6D on the General Population in Indonesia

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Short-Form 6D (SF-6D) instruments for measuring quality of life as outcome parameters in pharmacoeconomic studies.

METHODS

The forward-backward methods were applied to translate the SF-6D questionnaire. A preliminary Indonesian version of SF-6D questionnaire was field tested in samples of 470 adult general population. Test-retest reliability was assessed by using Spearman rank correlation coefficient and internal consistency with Cronbach α. Face validity was assessed descriptively based on the response of the respondents to all items in SF-6D. The construct validity test included internal construct validity and convergent validity, which was assessed by examining the correlation between the questionnaire and Euro-Quality of life-5D based on the scale of each domain. The known group method was used to test discriminant validity. Mann-Whitney U test was employed for comparing the utility score on dichotomous variables and Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for polychromatic variables.

RESULTS

The SF-6D was a valid and reliable questionnaire, indicated by the reliability coefficient of 0.725 and the value of each item ranging from 0.698 to 0.750. Construct validity indicated a strong correlation between physical functioning, role limitation, social functioning, pain, and mental health with the SF-6D utility score. Convergent validity showed a weak and moderate correlation between dimensions on SF-6D and Euro-Quality of life-5D.

CONCLUSIONS

The SF-6D questionnaire has been translated into Indonesian version. The SF-6D questionnaire is valid and reliable. Known group validity shows that the SF-6D could differentiate utility scores by age group and history present illness.

Measurement Properties of Commonly Used Generic Preference-Based Measures in East and South-East Asia: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to systematically review published evidence on the construct validity, test-retest reliability and responsiveness of generic preference-based measures (PBMs) used in East and South-East Asia.

METHODS

This systematic review was guided by the COSMIN guideline. A literature search on the MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and PubMed databases up to August 2019 was conducted for measurement properties validation papers of the EuroQol-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D), Short Form-6 Dimensions (SF-6D), Health Utilities Index (HUI), Quality of Well-Being (QWB), 15-Dimensional (15D) and Assessment of Quality of Life (AQOL) in East and South-East Asian countries. Included papers were disaggregated into individual studies whose results and quality of design were rated separately. The population-specific measurement properties (construct validity, test-retest reliability and responsiveness) of each PBM were assessed separately using relevant studies. The overall methodological quality of the studies used in each of the assessments was also rated.

RESULTS

A total of 79 papers containing 1504 studies were included in this systematic review. The methodological quality was 'very good' or 'adequate' for the majority of the construct validity studies (99%) and responsiveness studies (61%), but for only a small portion of the test-retest reliability studies (23%). EQ-5D was most widely assessed and was found to have 'sufficient' construct validity and responsiveness in many populations, while the SF-6D and EuroQol-Visual Analog Scale (EQ-VAS) exhibited 'inconsistent' construct validity in some populations. Scarce evidence was available on HUI and QWB, but current evidence supported the use of HUI.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review provides a summary of the quality of existing generic PBMs in Asian populations. The current evidence supports the use of EQ-5D as the preferred choice when a generic PBM is needed, and continuous testing of all PBMs in the region.

Translation, cultural adaptation and psychometric validation of the SF-6D measure of health-related quality of life for use in Arabic-Speaking countries

BACKGROUND

The SF-6D is a generic, six-dimensional health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measure derived from a selection of items from the SF-36.

OBJECTIVES

To translate, culturally adapt and validate the SF-6D for use in Arabic-speaking countries.

METHODS

The International Quality of Life Assessment (IQOLA) methodology was followed. Two forward translations, one consensus and one backward translation were undertaken. Difficulties encountered were categorized as grammatical, idiomatic, semantic/conceptual, and cultural. The content validity of the final version was tested and Cronbach's alpha test of internal consistency was used for assessing reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), was also used to assess construct validity and to test a pre-specified relationship of observed measures.

RESULTS

Minor changes were made to the forward translation to improve cultural appropriateness. The Backward translation did not reveal major problems and equivalence to the original was confirmed following committee review. A total of 470 participants from Jordan, Egypt, UAE, Qatar and Palestine completed the translated SF-6D. All the incremental indices values are ≥0.90 and close to 1. Item loading values ranged from 0.52 to 0.87. The measurement model weight for those with chronic health conditions ranged from 0.68 to 0.91, and from 0.42 to 0.73 for those without. The percentage of variation in self-reported health state was about 55%. The measurement weight of SF-6D on self-reported health state among chronic responders was 0.87 while among responders reporting no chronic disease was 0.61. The t-value for the difference in measurement weight was -8.93 (p ≤ 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Arabic translation and cultural adaptation of SF-6D has resulted in an acceptable and culturally-adapted version that can be used in Arabic-speaking countries. Reliability and validity have been confirmed as well as ability to assess the difference in quality of life between patients with chronic health conditions and healthy individuals.

Effect of Depression Screening After Acute Coronary Syndromes on Quality of Life: The CODIACS-QoL Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and elevated depressive symptoms are at increased risk for recurrent cardiovascular events and mortality, worse quality of life, and higher health care costs. These observational findings prompted multiple scientific panels to advise universal depression screening in survivors of ACS prior to evidence from randomized screening trials.

Objective

To determine whether systematically screening for depression in survivors of ACS improves quality of life and depression compared with usual care.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A 3-group multisite randomized trial enrolled 1500 patients with ACS from 4 health care systems between November 1, 2013, and March 31, 2017, with follow-up ending July 31, 2018. Patients were eligible if they had been hospitalized for ACS in the previous 2 to 12 months and had no prior history of depression. All analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis.

Interventions

Patients with ACS were randomly assigned 1:1:1 to receive (1) systematic depression screening using the 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire, with notification of primary care clinicians and provision of centralized, patient-preference, stepped depression care for those with positive screening results (8-item Patient Health Questionnaire score ≥10; screen, notify, and treat, n = 499); (2) systematic depression screening, with notification of primary care clinicians for those with positive screening results (screen and notify, n = 501); and (3) usual care (no screening, n = 500).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was change in quality-adjusted life-years. The secondary outcome was depression-free days. Adverse effects and mortality were assessed by patient interview and hospital records.

Results

A total of 1500 patients (424 women and 1076 men; mean [SD] age, 65.9 [11.5] years) were randomized in the 18-month trial. Only 71 of 1000 eligible survivors of ACS (7.1%) had elevated 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire scores indicating depressive symptoms at screening. There were no differences in mean (SD) change in quality-adjusted life-years (screen, notify and treat, -0.06 [0.20]; screen and notify, -0.06 [0.20]; no screen, -0.06 [0.18]; P = .98) or cumulative mean (SD) depression-free days (screen, notify and treat, 343.1 [179.0] days; screen and notify, 351.3 [175.0] days; no screen, 339.0 [176.6] days; P = .63). Harms including death, bleeding, or sleep difficulties did not differ among groups.

Conclusions and Relevance

In patients with ACS without a history of depression, systematic depression screening with or without providing depression treatment did not alter quality-adjusted life-years, depression-free days, or harms.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01993017.

Translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of the quality of well being self-administered questionnaire in general population in Indonesia

Background The quality of well being self-administered (QWB-SA) questionnaire is one of the generic instruments which can be used to measure the utility score to assess the quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) as an outcome parameter in pharmacoeconomics study. This research aimed to study the translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of the QWB-SA questionnaire in Indonesian language. Methods This research was conducted among the general population of 459 people in Yogyakarta city. The translation was done using the forward-backward method by independent linguists, and then reviewed by a team consisting of linguists, methodologists, and pharmacists. The psychometric evaluations included face validity, internal-construct validity, convergent validity, and known-group validity tests, while the reliability test was the test-retest of reliability with the Spearman's rank correlation and Pearson test. Results The translation results and cultural adaptations were modified from the aspect of idiomatic, semantic and conceptual equivalence of the items on the QWB-SA questionnaire. The internal-construct validity showed a very strong and moderate correlation among dimensions and the QWB utility index. The convergent validity showed moderate-to-weak correlation compared to the Euro-quality of life-5 dimension questionnaire. The reliability test showed the Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.626, and the test-retest of reliability showed a strong and moderate correlation. Conclusions The QWB-SA questionnaire is valid and reliable, and can be used as an alternative to measure utility as a QALY's parameter in the health-economic evaluation.

Patient-Reported Outcome Measures and Health-Related Quality-of-Life Scores of Patients Undergoing Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) scores are required for cost-effectiveness and health-care value analysis. We evaluated HRQoL scores and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in patients with advanced glenohumeral osteoarthritis treated with anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty to establish values of HRQoL scores that can be used for cost-effectiveness and value analysis and to assess relationships between HRQoL scores and shoulder and upper-extremity PROMs.

METHODS

We analyzed 145 patients (145 shoulders) with glenohumeral osteoarthritis treated with anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty; 93 patients had 1-year follow-up. Preoperative and postoperative functional outcomes were assessed with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, the Simple Shoulder Test (SST), and a visual analog scale (VAS) for shoulder pain and function. Health utility was assessed with the EuroQol-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D), Short Form-6 Dimensions (SF-6D), and VAS Quality of Life (VAS QoL). HRQoL score validity was determined through correlations between the PROMs and HRQoL scores. The responsiveness of HRQoL scores was measured through the effect size and the standardized response mean.

RESULTS

There were significant improvements in all PROMs and HRQoL scores (p < 0.001) at 1 year after the surgical procedure. The changes in VAS QoL and EQ-5D were significantly correlated (weak to moderate) with the changes in all PROMs except the SST, demonstrating comparably acceptable validity. The VAS QoL had a large effect size (1.833) and standardized response mean (1.603), and the EQ-5D also had a large effect size (1.163) and standardized response mean (1.228), demonstrating responsiveness. The effect sizes of all PROMs were larger than those of the HRQoL scores. The change in SF-6D had only a moderate effect size and standardized response mean and was not significantly correlated with the change in any of the PROMs.

CONCLUSIONS

PROMs and HRQoL scores are not interchangeable, and studies of the cost-effectiveness and value of shoulder arthroplasty should incorporate both shoulder and upper-extremity PROMs and HRQoL scores. The findings of this study provide data on HRQoL scores that are specific to the treatment of advanced glenohumeral osteoarthritis with anatomic total shoulder replacement and can be used for future cost-effectiveness and value analysis studies.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Rationale, design, and baseline data for a multicenter randomized clinical trial comparing depression screening strategies after acute coronary syndrome: The comparison of depression identification after acute Coronary Syndromes-Quality of Life and Cost Outcomes (CODIACS-QOL) trial

BACKGROUND

Elevated depressive symptoms among survivors of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) confer recurrent cardiovascular events and mortality, worse quality of life, and higher healthcare costs. While multiple scientific groups advise routine depression screening for ACS survivors, no randomized trials exist to inform this screening recommendation. We aimed to assess the effect of screening for depression on change in quality of life over 18 months among ACS patients.

METHODS

The Comparison of Depression Identification after Acute Coronary Syndrome on Quality of Life and Cost Outcomes (CODIACS-QoL) trial is a pragmatic, 3-arm trial that randomized ACS patients to 1) systematic depression screening using the 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) and if positive screen (PHQ-8 ≥ 10), notification of primary care providers (PCPs) and invitation to participate in centralized, patient-preference, stepped depression care (Screen, Notify, and Treat, N = 499); 2) systematic depression screening and PCP notification only (Screen and Notify, N = 501); and 3) usual care (No Screen, N = 500). Adults hospitalized for ACS in the previous 2-12 months without prior history of depression were eligible for participation. Key outcomes will be quality-adjusted life years (primary), cost of health care utilization, and depression-free days across 18 months.

RESULTS

A total of 1500 patients were randomized in the CODIACS-QOL trial (28.3% women; 16.3% Hispanic; mean age 65.9 (11.5) years). Only 7% of ACS survivors had elevated depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a novel randomization schema and pragmatic design principles, the CODIACS-QoL trial achieved its enrollment target. Eventual results of this trial will inform future depression screening recommendations in cardiac patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01993017).

A head-to-head comparison of EQ-5D-5 L and SF-6D in Chinese patients with low back pain

BACKGROUND

The comparative performance of the 3-level EuroQol 5-dimension and Short Form 6-dimension (SF-6D) has been investigated in patients with low back pain (LBP). The aim of this study was to explore the performance including agreement, convergent validity as well as known-groups validity of the 5-level EuroQol 5-dimension (EQ-5D-5 L) and SF-6D in Chinese patients with LBP.

METHODS

Individuals with LBP were recruited from a large tertiary hospital in China. All subjects were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire including the EQ-5D-5 L, 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), the Oswestry questionnaire and socio-demographic questions from June 2017 to October 2017. Agreement was evaluated by intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland-Altman plots. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were applied to assess convergent validity. For known-groups validity, the Mann-Whitney U test or Kruskal-Wallis H test were used, effect size (ES) and relative efficiency (RE) were also reported. The efficiency of detecting clinically relevant differences was measured by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves between pre-specified groups based on Oswestry disability index (ODI), ES and RE statistics were also reported.

RESULTS

Two hundred seventy-two LBP patients (age 38.1, 38% female) took part in the study. Agreement between the EQ-5D-5 L and the SF-6D was good (ICC 0.661) but with systematic discrepancy in the Bland-Altman plots. In terms of convergent validity, most priori assumptions were more related to EQ-5D-5 L than SF-6D, but MCS derived from SF-36 was more associated with SF-6D. EQ-5D-5 L demonstrated better performance for most groups except location and general health grouped by the general assessment of health item from SF-36. Furthermore, when we applied ODI as external indicator of health status, the area under the ROC curve for EQ-5D-5 L was larger than that for the SF-6D (0.892, 95% CI 0.853 to 0.931 versus 0.822, 95% CI 0.771 to 0.873), the effect size was 0.63 for EQ-5D-5 L and 0.44 for SF-6D, and it was proved that EQ-5D-5 L was 42% more efficient than SF-6D at detecting differences measured by ODI.

CONCLUSIONS

Both EQ-5D-5 L and SF-6D are valid measures for LBP patients. Even though these two measures had good agreement, they cannot be used interchangeably. The EQ-5D-5 L was superior to the SF-6D in Chinese low back pain patients in this research, with stronger correlation to ODI and better known-groups validity. Further study needs to evaluate other factors, such as responsiveness and reliability.

Comparison of EQ-5D-5L and SPVU-5D for measuring quality of life in patients with venous leg ulcers in an Australian setting

PURPOSE

Given the importance of measuring health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for cost-utility studies, this study aimed to determine the validity and responsiveness of two preference-based HRQoL instruments, the EuroQol-five dimensions-five levels questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) and the Sheffield Preference-based Venous Ulcer questionnaire (SPVU-5D) in patients with venous leg ulcers (VLUs) in an Australian setting.

METHODS

This study analysed de-identified data collected from 80 patients with VLUs recruited by a prospective study in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Patients were asked to complete EQ-5D-5L and SPVU-5D surveys at baseline, 1-month, 3-month and 6-month follow-up as part of the prospective study. Baseline data and follow-up data were pooled to test the construct validity and level of agreement of the two instruments. Follow-up data were used to test the responsiveness.

RESULTS

The ceiling effects were negligible for EQ-5D-5L and SPVU-5D utility scores. Both instruments were able to discriminate between healed VLU and unhealed VLU and showed great responsiveness when healing status changed over time. Weak to strong correlations were found between dimensions of EQ-5D-5L and SPVU-5D. The utility scores produced from EQ-5D-5L were generally lower.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that both EQ-5D-5L and SPVU-5D were valid and responsive in detecting change of VLU healing status among a small Australian population. Both instruments may be used in economic evaluation studies that involve patients with healed or unhealed VLUs. However, given the limitations presented in this study, further research is necessary to make sound recommendations on the preferred instrument in economic evaluation of VLU-related interventions.

Comparison of the EQ-5D 3L and the SF-6D (SF-36) contemporaneous utility scores in patients with chronic kidney disease in Sri Lanka: a cross-sectional survey

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare utility weights of EuroQoL-five-dimension-3 levels (EQ-5D-3L) and Short-Form six-dimension (SF-6D) in a representative cohort of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). A cost-utility analysis (CUA) is designed to report the change to costs required to achieve an estimated change to quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). The quality component of a QALY is measured by utility. Utility represents the preference of general population for a given health state. Classification systems of the multi-attribute utility instruments (MAUIs) are used to define these health states. Utility weights developed from different classification systems can vary and may affect the conclusions from CUAs.

DESIGN

A community-based cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Anuradhapura, a rural district in Sri Lanka.

PARTICIPANTS

A representative sample of 1096 patients with CKD, selected using the population-based CKD register, completed the EQ-5D-3L and SF-36. SF-6D was constructed from the SF-36 according to the published algorithm. The study assessed discrimination, correlation and differences across the two instruments.

RESULTS

Study participants were predominantly male (62.6%). Mean EQ-5D-3L utility score was 0.540 (SD 0.35) compared with 0.534 (SD 0.09) for the SF-6D (p=0.588). The correlation (r) between the scores was 0.40 (p<0.001). Utility scores were significantly different in both males and females between the two tools, but there was no difference in age and educational categories. Both MAUI scores were significantly lower (p<0.001) among those who were in more advanced stages of the disease and the corresponding utility scores of the two instruments in different CKD stages were also significantly different (p<0.05). The largest effect size was seen among the patients on dialysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The correlation between the scores was moderate. SF-6D had the lowest floor and ceiling effect and was better at detecting different stages of the disease. Thus, based on the evidence presented in this study, SF-6D appears to be more appropriate to be used among patients with CKD.

Psychometric validation of the EuroQoL 5-dimension (EQ-5D) questionnaire in patients with spondyloarthritis

BACKGROUND

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) has a significant impact on patients' quality of life due to functional impairments. Generic health instruments like the EuroQoL 5-dimension (EQ-5D) is important for the cost-utility analysis of health care interventions and calculation of quality-adjusted life years. However, the applicability of the EQ-5D health measure in Chinese patients with SpA is currently unknown. Hence, the aim of the study is to test the psychometric properties and to validate the use of the EQ-5D health measure for utility analyses in Chinese patients with SpA.

METHODS

Prospective and consecutive recruitment of 220 Chinese patients with SpA was conducted. Demographic data including smoking and drinking habits, education level, income, and occupation was collected. Disease-associated data including disease duration, the presence of back pain, peripheral arthritis, dactylitis, enthesitis, uveitis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease was also recorded. Questionnaires regarding disease activity and functional disability (BASDAI, BASFI, BASGI, BASMI, ASDAS, ODI), mental health (HADS depression and anxiety), and the EQ-5D scores were recorded. SF-36 scores were used to verify the findings. Baseline correlations were performed along with test-retest reliability, validity, and internal consistency tests. Specifically, the relationship between EQ-5D and disease activity and functional scores was studied.

RESULTS

EQ-5D scores achieved acceptable internal consistency and reliability. A ceiling effect was observed for all domains of the EQ-5D except for pain/discomfort. No floor effect was observed. Significant negative correlations were observed between ODI, HADS, BASFI, BASMI, BASDAI, and ASDAS-CRP and with EQ-5D. A higher disease activity was well-differentiated by EQ-5D, as with the disability and mental health scores.

CONCLUSIONS

The EQ-5D demonstrates satisfactory psychometric properties for assessment of SpA patients. It has high utility for demonstrating changes in disease activity and disability.

Performance of PROMIS Global-10 Compared With Legacy Instruments for Rotator Cuff Disease

BACKGROUND

The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global-10 was recently developed to assess physical and mental health and provide an estimated EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) score. This instrument needs to be validated for specific patient cohorts such as those with rotator cuff pathology.

HYPOTHESIS

There is moderate to high correlation between the PROMIS Global-10 and legacy patient-reported outcome measures; PROMIS Global-10 will not show ceiling effects; and estimated EQ-5D scores will show good correlation and low variance with actual EQ-5D scores.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

METHODS

A total of 323 patients with rotator cuff disease were prospectively enrolled before treatment. Each patient completed the PROMIS Global-10, EQ-5D, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder assessment form, and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and those with known rotator cuff tears completed the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC). Spearman correlations were calculated. Bland-Altman agreement tests were conducted between estimated EQ-5D scores from the PROMIS and actual EQ-5D scores. Ceiling and floor effects were assessed, defined as ≥15% respondents with highest or lowest possible score.

RESULTS

Correlation between the PROMIS Global-10 and EQ-5D was excellent (0.70, P < .0001). Correlation of the PROMIS physical scores was excellent-good with the ASES (0.62, P < .0001), good with the WORC (0.47, P < .0001), and good with the SANE (0.41, P < .0005). Correlation between the PROMIS mental scores was poor with the ASES (0.34, P < .0001), the WORC (0.32, P = .0016), and the SANE (0.24, P < .0001). No floor or ceiling effects were found. Agreement analysis showed substantial variance in individual scores, despite the overall similarity in mean scores between the estimated and actual EQ-5D scores, indicating poor agreement. Bland-Altman 95% limits of agreement for estimated EQ-5D scores ranged from 34% below to 31% above actual EQ-5D scores.

CONCLUSION

Physical function scores of the PROMIS Global-10 show high correlation with legacy patient-reported outcome instruments, suggesting that it is a reliable tool for outcome assessment in a population with rotator cuff pathology. The large variability in 95% limit of agreement suggested that the estimated EQ-5D scores from the PROMIS Global-10 cannot replace traditional EQ-5D scores.

The quality of life in Chinese population with chronic non-communicable diseases according to EQ-5D-3L: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Over the past decade, a changing spectrum of disease has turned chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) into the leading cause of death worldwide. During the 2015 in China, there were more than 6.6 million deaths from NCDs, which was the highest rate around the world. In the present study, we performed a systematic review to analyze the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) according to EQ-5D-3L instrument in patients with different kinds of CNCDs in China.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, VIP, WanFang Data, and CNKI databases up to April 12, 2018, to identify all relevant studies that reported on HRQoL assessed by EQ-5D-3L instrument in Chinese patients with CNCDs. Expert consultation and hand-searching of reference lists from retrieved studies were employed to identify additional references. The variation of mean utility values, EQ-VAS score ranges, and responses for each EQ-5D dimension described in relevant studies were extracted.

RESULTS

A total of 5027 English-language articles and 618 Chinese-language articles were identified, among which 38 articles met full inclusion criteria. These 38 studies involved 18 kinds of CNCDs. In this review, the health utility for diabetes mellitus ranged from 0.79 to 0.94 (EQ-5D VAS scores from 61.5 to 78.6), hypertension from 0.78 to 0.93 (70.1-77.4), coronary heart disease from 0.75 to 0.90 (71.0-77.0), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from 0.64 to 0.80 (55.0-67.0), epilepsy from 0.83 to 0.87 (78.3-79.6), cerebral infarction from 0.51 to 0.75 (49.7-79.0), while children cerebral palsy was 0.44 (27.3).

CONCLUSIONS

EQ-5D-3L is widely used in studies of HRQoL associated with CNCDs in China. Our results suggest that many factors may influence the measurement results of health utilities, including age, gender, sample source, comorbidities, rural/urban, and EQ-5D-3L value sets.

Symptoms and feelings valued by patients after a percutaneous coronary intervention: a discrete-choice experiment to inform development of a new patient-reported outcome

OBJECTIVE

To inform the development of a patient-reported outcome measure, the aim of this study was to identify which symptoms and feelings following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are most important to patients.

DESIGN

Discrete-choice experiment consisting of two hypothetical scenarios of 10 symptoms and feelings (pain or discomfort; shortness of breath; concern/worry about heart problems; tiredness; confidence to do usual activities; ability to do usual activities; happiness; sleep disturbance; dizziness or light-headedness and bruising) experienced after PCI, described by three levels (never, some of the time, most of the time). Preference weights were estimated using a conditional logit model.

SETTING

Four Australian public hospitals that contribute to the Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry (VCOR) and a private insurer's claim database.

PARTICIPANTS

138 people aged >18 years who had undergone a PCI in the previous 6 months.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Patient preferences via trade-offs between 10 feelings and symptoms.

RESULTS

Of the 138 individuals recruited, 129 (93%) completed all 16 choice sets. Conditional logit parameter estimates were mostly monotonic (eg, moving to worse levels for each individual symptom and feeling made the option less attractive). When comparing the magnitude of the coefficients (based on the coefficient of the worst level relative to best level in each item), feeling unhappy was the symptom or feeling that most influenced perception of a least-preferred PCI outcome (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.51, p<0.0001) and the least influential was bruising (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.99, p=0.04).

CONCLUSION

This study provides new insights into how patients value symptoms and feelings they experience following a PCI.

Assessing utility values for treatment-related health states of acute myeloid leukemia in the United States

Background

Preference valuations of health status are essential in health technology and economic appraisal. This study estimated utilities for treatment-related health states of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and disutilities of severe adverse events (SAEs) using a representative sample of adults from the general population in the United States (US).

Methods

Treatment-related AML health states, defined based on literature and interviews with clinicians, included complete remission (CR), no CR, relapse, stem cell transplant (SCT), and post SCT short-term recovery. Six attributes with varying levels, including fever, lack of energy, problems with daily function, anxiety/depression, blood transfusions, and hospitalization, were used to define health states. An online survey using discrete choice experiment methodology was designed to capture preferences for health status scenarios including the identified attributes and key grade 3/4 chemotherapy-related SAEs. Health state utilities and SAE disutilities were generated from a conditional logistic regression with generalized estimating equations.

Results

Of the 300 survey participants, the demographic distributions were within a 3% margin of those in the 2010 US Census. CR had the highest utility value (0.875), followed by post-SCT short-term recovery (0.398), relapse (0.355), no CR (0.262), and SCT (0.158). Of the SAEs, serious infection had the highest decline in utility (0.218), followed by severe diarrhea (0.176), abnormally low blood cell counts (0.100), and severe redness/skin peeling (0.060).

Conclusions

AML and treatments can result in reduced quality of life and impaired ability to perform daily activities. Findings of this study underline the value that society places on treatment-related AML health states and SAEs.

Suitability of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) for Economic Evaluation: An Assessment of Its Convergent and Discriminant Validity

OBJECTIVE

To assess the suitability for use within economic evaluation of a widely used sleep-related instrument (the Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS]) by examining its convergent and discriminant validity with two widely used generic preference-based instruments (Short-Form 36 [SF-36] and the Assessment of Quality of Life 4 dimensions [AQoL-4D]).

METHODS

Data from a cross-section of 2,236 community-dwelling Australian men were analyzed. Convergent validity was investigated using Spearman's correlation, intraclass correlation, and modified Bland-Altman plots, while discriminant validity was examined using Kruskal Wallis tests.

RESULTS

All instruments showed good discriminant validity. The ESS was weakly correlated to the Short Form 6 dimension, or SF-6D (derived from the SF-36) and AQoL-4D utilities (r = 0.20 and r = 0.19, respectively). Correlations between ESS and SF-36/AQoL-4D dimensions measuring the same construct were all in the hypothesized directions but also weak (range of absolute r = 0.00 to 0.18). The level of agreement between the ESS and AQoL-4D was the weakest, followed by that between the ESS and SF-6D. Moderate convergent validity was seen between the utilities.

CONCLUSIONS

The lack of convergent validity between the ESS and the preference-based instruments shows that sleep-related constructs are not captured by the latter. The ESS has, however, demonstrated good discriminant validity comparable to that of the AQoL-4D and the SF-36/SF-6D and would therefore be equally useful for measuring subgroup differences within economic evaluation. We therefore recommend using the ESS within cost-effectiveness analysis as a complement to preference-based instruments in order to capture sleep-specific constructs not measured by the latter.

Application and measurement properties of EQ-5D to measure quality of life in patients with upper extremity orthopaedic disorders: a systematic literature review

INTRODUCTION

The EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) is the most widely used generic instrument to measure quality of life (QoL), yet its application in upper extremity orthopaedics as well as its measurement properties remain largely undefined. We implemented a systematic literature review to provide an overview of the application of EQ-5D in patients with upper extremity disorders and analyse its measurement properties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane and Scopus databases for clinical studies including orthopaedic patients with surgical interventions of the upper extremity who completed the EQ-5D. For all included studies, the use of EQ-5D and quantitative QoL data were described. Validation studies of EQ-5D were assessed according to COSMIN guidelines and standard measurement properties were examined.

RESULTS

Twenty-three studies were included in the review, 19 of which investigated patients with an intervention carried out at the shoulder region. In 15 studies, EQ-5D assessed QoL as the primary outcome. Utility index scores in non-trauma patients generally improved postoperatively, whereas trauma patients did not regain their recalled pre-injury QoL levels. EQ-5D measurement properties were reported in three articles on proximal humerus fractures and carpal tunnel syndrome. Positive ratings were seen for construct validity (Spearman correlation coefficient ≥ 0.70 with the Short Form (SF)-12 or SF-6D health surveys) and reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥ 0.77) with intermediate responsiveness (standardised response means: 0.5-0.9). However, ceiling effects were identified with 16-48% of the patients scoring the maximum QoL. The methodological quality of the three articles varied from fair to good.

CONCLUSIONS

For surgical interventions of the upper extremity, EQ-5D was mostly applied to assess QoL as a primary outcome in patients with shoulder disorders. Investigations of the measurement properties were rare, but indicate good reliability and validity as well as moderate responsiveness in patients with upper extremity conditions.

Chilean population norms derived from the health-related quality of Life SF-6D

OBJECTIVES

The Health-Related Quality of Life Short Form 6D (HRQoL SF-6D) provides utility values for health status. Utilities generated have a number of potentially valuable applications in economic evaluations and not only to ensure comparability between studies. Reference values can be useful to estimate the effect on patients' HRQoL as a result of interventions in the absence of control groups. Thus, the purpose of this study was to provide normative values in the SF-6D in relation to the Chilean population.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted evaluating 5293 people. SF-6D utilities were derived from the SF-12 questions.

RESULTS

Mean SF-6D utility index for the whole sample was 0.74. It was better for men (0.78) than for women (0.71). The ceiling effect was much higher for men (11.16%) than for women (5.31%). Women were more likely to show problems in any dimension than were men.

CONCLUSIONS

Chilean population norms for the SF-6D help in the decision-making process around health policies. Men reported higher health status than women in all subcategories analyzed. Likewise, men also reported higher scores than women in overall SF-6D dimensions.

A Review of Studies of Quality of Life for Chinese-Speaking Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease

OBJECTIVES

To review published studies of the use of health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) instruments in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) in Chinese-speaking countries/regions, namely, mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore.

METHODS

Overlapping searching strategy was used for searching three electronic databases-Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and Embase-from January 1, 1990, to September 30, 2015. After culling, the identified publications were analyzed according to the publication date, the location where the study was conducted, the disease being studied, and the nature of the study (i.e., whether it was a validation study or an application study).

RESULTS

There were 109 publications identified for review, of which 15 studies (13.8%) were for validation of HRQOL instruments. Among these studies, most were conducted in China. There were 35 instruments applied and validated in the studies. The most commonly used instruments were the Short Form 36-Item Health Survey and the Seattle Angina Questionnaire. Overall, the number of studies using HRQOL instruments has been increasing in recent years. But there were only two disease-specific instruments validated in Chinese patients with IHD-one was a chronic disease-specific instrument (QLICD-GM) and the other an IHD-specific instrument (QLICD-CHD) validated only in limited sample sizes without data on patients with the three IHD subgroup diseases (angina, myocardial infarction, and heart failure). Three disease-specific instruments were validated in patients with IHD in Hong Kong. No instrument was validated in patients with IHD in Taiwan and Singapore. This showed a lack of adequately validated core IHD instruments in Chinese-speaking countries/regions.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the substantial negative impact of IHD from economical, clinical, and humanistic perspectives, psychometric evaluation of core IHD-specific instruments is still needed in patients with IHD and IHD subgroup diseases in Chinese-speaking countries/regions.

Health-related quality of life variations by sociodemographic factors and chronic conditions in three metropolitan cities of South Asia: the CARRS study

OBJECTIVES

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is a key indicator of health. However, HRQOL data from representative populations in South Asia are lacking. This study aims to describe HRQOL overall, by age, gender and socioeconomic status, and examine the associations between selected chronic conditions and HRQOL in adults from three urban cities in South Asia.

METHODS

We used data from 16 287 adults aged ≥20 years from the baseline survey of the Centre for Cardiometabolic Risk Reduction in South Asia cohort (2010-2011). HRQOL was measured using the European Quality of Life Five Dimension-Visual Analogue Scale (EQ5D-VAS), which measures health status on a scale of 0 (worst health status) to 100 (best possible health status).

RESULTS

16 284 participants completed the EQ5D-VAS. Mean age was 42.4 (±13.3) years and 52.4% were women. 14% of the respondents reported problems in mobility and pain/discomfort domains. Mean VAS score was 74 (95% CI 73.7 to 74.2). Significantly lower health status was found in elderly (64.1), women (71.6), unemployed (68.4), less educated (71.2) and low-income group (73.4). Individuals with chronic conditions reported worse health status than those without (67.4 vs 76.2): prevalence ratio, 1.8 (95% CI 1.61 to 2.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrate significantly lower HRQOL in key demographic groups and those with chronic conditions, which is consistent with previous studies. These data provide insights on inequalities in population health status, and potentially reveal unmet needs in the community to guide health policies.

Self-Reported Sleep Quality, Duration, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Chinese: Evidence From a Rural Town in Suzhou, China

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To determine the associations of self-reported sleep quality and duration with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in older Chinese.

METHODS

We analyzed community-based cross-sectional data of 5,539 individuals aged 60 years and older in the Weitang Geriatric Disease Study. Information of sleep quality and duration were self-reported through participants' responses to predefined questions; HRQOL data were collected by using the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D). We estimated the associations of sleep quality and duration with the EQ-5D index and visual analog scale (VAS) scores using linear regression models. The associations between sleep quality and duration and EQ-5D-detected health problems were modeled using logistic regression.

RESULTS

In multiple linear models adjusting sociodemographic factors, health conditions, and lifestyle habits, both EQ-5D index and VAS scores declined with deterioration of sleep quality. The coefficients for poor and intermediate sleep quality were -0.053 (95% confidence interval [CI]:-0.065, -0.042) and -0.022 (95% CI: -0.030, -0.013), respectively, in relation to EQ-5D index score. They were -5.2 (95% CI: -6.7, -2.4) and - 3.8 (95% CI: -4.9, -2.7) in modeling the EQ-5D VAS score. HRQOL declined as sleep duration decreased below 7.01 hours or exceeded 8.01 hours, though most of the associations did not reach statistical significance. In multiple logistic models, poor sleep quality was associated with problems of mobility, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/ depression; short sleep duration was associated with mobility problems.

CONCLUSIONS

Poor sleep quality and extreme sleep durations appeared to be negatively associated with HRQOL in older Chinese adults.

Comparative performance of the EQ-5D-5L and SF-6D index scores in adults with type 2 diabetes

PURPOSE

To explore the comparative performance including discriminative and longitudinal validity of EQ-5D-5L and SF-6D index scores in adults with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Data from an on-going cohort study of adults with type 2 diabetes in Alberta, Canada, were used. Known-groups approach was used to examine discriminative validity. Correlation and agreement indices and scatter and Bland-Altman plots were used to examine the relationship between the two measures. Longitudinal validity was explored using Wilcoxon signed-rank test, effect size, and standardized response mean.

RESULTS

In 1832 participants at baseline (age 64.3, standard deviation 10.6 years; 45% female), median EQ-5D-5L score was 0.85 [interquartile range (IQR) 0.17], and floor and ceiling effects of 0.1 and 16.1%, respectively; median SF-6D score was 0.72 (IQR 0.24), and floor and ceiling effects of 0.1 and 3.2%, respectively. EQ-5D-5L and SF-6D index scores were significantly correlated with an overall Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.73, and an ICC of 0.62 (95% CI 0.42-0.74). Both EQ-5D-5L and SF-6D scores demonstrated statistically significant differences in self-reported chronic conditions, depressive symptoms, and diabetes-related distress, and were able to detect changes in depressive symptoms and diabetes distress across all change groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Both EQ-5D-5L and SF-6D index scores provide valid measurement in this patient population. Considerable overlap between the measures means it is not necessary to include both in surveys, however, the advantages and disadvantages of each should be considered.

Monetary Value of Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALY) among Patients with Cardiovascular Disease: a Willingness to Pay Study (WTP)

The aim of this study was to estimate the monetary value of a QALY among patients with heart disease and to identify its determinants. A cross-sectional survey was conducted through face-to-face interview on 196 patients with cardiovascular disease from two heart hospitals in Tehran, Iran, to estimate the value of QALY using disaggregated and aggregated approaches. The EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) questionnaire, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Time Trade-Off (TTO) and contingent valuation WTP techniques were employed, first to elicit patients' preferences and then, to estimate WTP for QALY. The association of patients' characteristics with WTP for QALY, was assessed through Heckman selection model. The Mean willingness to pay per QALY, estimated by the disaggregated approach ranged from 2,799 to 3599 US dollars. It is higher than the values, estimated from aggregated methods (USD 2,256 to 3,137). However, in both approaches, the values were less than one Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita of Iran. Significant variables were: Current health state, education, age, marital status, number of comorbidities, and household's cost group. Our results challenge two major issues: the first, is a policy challenge which concerns the WHO recommendation to use less than 3 GDP per capita as a cost-effectiveness threshold value. The second, is an analytical challenge related to patients with zero QALY gain. More scrutiny is suggested on the issue of how patients with full health state valuation should be dealt with and what arbitrary value could be included in the estimation value of QALY when the disaggregated approach used.

Tea Consumption and Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Adults

BACKGROUND

Although tea consumption has been reported to have various health benefits in humans, its association with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has not been investigated directly. We aimed to examine the relationship between tea consumption and HRQOL among older Chinese adults.

METHODS

We analyzed community-based cross-sectional data of 5,557 older Chinese individuals aged 60 years or older who participated in the Weitang Geriatric Diseases study. Information on tea consumption and HRQOL assessed by the European Quality of Life-5 dimensions (EQ-5D) were collected by questionnaires. We estimated the relationship of tea consumption and the EQ-5D index score using linear regression models and the association between tea consumption and self-reported EQ-5D health problems using logistic regression models.

RESULTS

The EQ-5D index score was higher for habitual tea drinkers than their counterparts. In multivariate linear analyses controlling for socio-demographic conditions, health conditions, and lifestyle habits, the differences in ED-5D index score between individuals with and without tea drinking habits was 0.012 (95% confidence interval, 0.006-0.017). In multivariate logistic analyses, habitual tea drinking was inversely associated with reporting of problems in EQ-5D dimensions mobility (odds ration [OR], 0.44; 95% CI: 0.23-0.84); pain/discomfort (OR, 0.74; 95% CI: 0.61-0.90); and anxiety/depression (OR, 0.60; 95% CI: 0.38-0.97). These associations were more evident for black or oolong tea than green tea.

CONCLUSION

Habitual tea consumption was associated with better HRQOL in older adults.

Chinese Version of the EQ-5D Preference Weights: Applicability in a Chinese General Population

Objectives

This study aimed to test the reliability, validity and sensitivity of Chinese version of the EQ-5D preference weights in Chinese general people, examine the differences between the China value set and the UK, Japan and Korea value sets, and provide methods for evaluating and comparing the EQ-5D value sets of different countries.

Methods

A random sample of 2984 community residents (15 years or older) were interviewed using a questionnaire including the EQ-5D scale. Level of agreement, convergent validity, known-groups validity and sensitivity of the EQ-5D China, United Kingdom (UK), Japan and Korea value sets were determined.

Results

The mean EQ-5D index scores were significantly (P<0.05) different among the UK (0.964), Japan (0.981), Korea (0.987), and China (0.985) weights. High level of agreement (intraclass correlations coefficients > 0.75) and convergent validity (Pearson’s correlation coefficients > 0.95) were found between each paired schemes. The EQ-5D index scores discriminated equally well for the four versions between levels of 10 known-groups (P< 0.05). The effect size and the relative efficiency statistics showed that the China weights had better sensitivity.

Conclusions

The China EQ-5D preference weights show equivalent psychometric properties with those from the UK, Japan and Korea weights while slightly more sensitive to known group differences than those from the Japan and Korea weights. Considering both psychometric and sociocultural issues, the China scheme should be a priority as an EQ-5D based measure of the health related quality of life in Chinese general population.

Psychometric validation of the EuroQoL 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) in Chinese patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Background

Scoliosis is a common spinal deformity that occurs often during adolescence. Previous studies suggested that adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients can have various aspects of their lives being affected, due to disease presentation and/or treatment received. It is important to define a reliable instrument based on which the affected patients’ health-related quality of life can be assessed. This study aims to assess the validity, reliability and sensitivity of the EuroQoL 5-dimension 5-level (EQ-5D-5L) in Chinese patients with AIS.

Methods

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients of Chinese descent were prospectively recruited to complete both the traditional Chinese versions of the EQ-5D-5L and the refined Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22r) questionnaires. Patients’ demographic profiles and corresponding clinical parameters including treatment modalities, spinal curve pattern and magnitude, and duration of bracing were recorded. Telephone interviews were then conducted at least two weeks later for the assessment of test-retest reliability. Statistical analysis was performed: construct validity of the EQ-5D-5L domains were assessed using Spearman’s correlation test against the SRS-22r; whereas intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess the test-retest reliability, and agreement over the test-retest period was expressed in percentages. Also, the sensitivity of the EQ-5D-5L in differentiating various clinical known groups was determined by effect size, independent t-test and analysis of variance.

Results

A total of 227 AIS patients were recruited. Scores of domains of the EQ-5D-5L correlated significantly (r: 0.57-0.74) with the scores of the SRS-22r domains that were intended to measure similar constructs, supporting construct validity. The EQ-5D-5L domain responses and utility scores showed good test-retest reliability (ICC: 0.777; agreement: 76.4 -98.1 %). Internal consistency was good (Cronbach’s α: 0.78) for the EQ-5D-5L utility score. The EQ-5D-5L utility score was sensitive in detecting differences between subjects who had different treatment modalities and bracing duration, but not for curve pattern and its magnitude.

Conclusions

The EQ-5D-5L is found to be a valid, reliable and sensitive measure to assess the health-related quality of life in Chinese AIS patients. This potentiates the possibility of utilizing the EQ-5D-5L to estimate AIS patients’ health-related quality of life, based on which the outcome of various treatment options can eventually be evaluated.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13013-016-0083-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Cryoballoon or radiofrequency ablation for symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: reintervention, rehospitalization, and quality-of-life outcomes in the FIRE AND ICE trial

AIMS

The primary safety and efficacy endpoints of the randomized FIRE AND ICE trial have recently demonstrated non-inferiority of cryoballoon vs. radiofrequency current (RFC) catheter ablation in patients with drug-refractory symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of the current study was to assess outcome parameters that are important for the daily clinical management of patients using key secondary analyses. Specifically, reinterventions, rehospitalizations, and quality-of-life were examined in this randomized trial of cryoballoon vs. RFC catheter ablation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients (374 subjects in the cryoballoon group and 376 subjects in the RFC group) were evaluated in the modified intention-to-treat cohort. After the index ablation, log-rank testing over 1000 days of follow-up demonstrated that there were statistically significant differences in favour of cryoballoon ablation with respect to repeat ablations (11.8% cryoballoon vs. 17.6% RFC; P = 0.03), direct-current cardioversions (3.2% cryoballoon vs. 6.4% RFC; P = 0.04), all-cause rehospitalizations (32.6% cryoballoon vs. 41.5% RFC; P = 0.01), and cardiovascular rehospitalizations (23.8% cryoballoon vs. 35.9% RFC; P < 0.01). There were no statistical differences between groups in the quality-of-life surveys (both mental and physical) as measured by the Short Form-12 health survey and the EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire. There was an improvement in both mental and physical quality-of-life in all patients that began at 6 months after the index ablation and was maintained throughout the 30 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Patients treated with cryoballoon as opposed to RFC ablation had significantly fewer repeat ablations, direct-current cardioversions, all-cause rehospitalizations, and cardiovascular rehospitalizations during follow-up. Both patient groups improved in quality-of-life scores after AF ablation.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01490814.

An exploratory study evaluating the effects of macular carotenoid supplementation in various retinal diseases

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of daily oral supplementation with Macushield (10 mg/d meso-zeaxanthin, 10 mg/d lutein, and 2 mg/d zeaxanthin) on eye health in patients with retinal diseases by assessing the macular pigment (MP) profile, the visual function, and the quality of life.

Methods

Fifty-one patients with various retinal diseases were supplemented daily and followed up for 6 months. The MP optical density was measured using the customized heterochromatic flicker photometry and dual-wavelength autofluorescence. Visual function was evaluated by assessing the change in best corrected visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and glare sensitivity in mesopic and photopic conditions. Vision-related and general quality of life changes were determined using the National Eye Insititute- Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25) and EuroQoL-5 dimension questionnaires.

Results

A statistically significant increase in the MP optical density was observed using the dual-wavelength autofluorescence (P=0.04) but not with the customized heterochromatic flicker photometry. Statistically significant (P<0.05) improvements in glare sensitivity in low and medium spatial frequencies were observed at 3 months and 6 months. Ceiling effects confounded other visual function tests and quality of life changes.

Conclusion

Supplementation with the three carotenoids enhances certain aspects of visual performance in retinal diseases.

International publication trends and collaboration performance of China in healthcare science and services research

Background

In recent years, China’s healthcare reforms and related studies have drawn particular global attention. The main objective of this study is to evaluate quantitatively the publication trends and collaboration performance of China in healthcare science and services (HSS) research.

Methods

Scientometric methods and visualization technology were used to survey the growth and development trends of HSS research based on the Web of Science publications during the past 15 years.

Results

China’s international publications on HSS research increased rapidly compared to those of the global HSS and Chinese scientific studies. Growth trends indicate that collaboration among countries, institutions and authors has also increased. China’s leading partners were all developed countries, such as the US, the UK, Australia and Canada, which have contributed to the majority of the joint publications. The academic impact of publications involving partners from European and American countries was relatively higher than those involving partners from Asian countries. Prominent institutions were universities that could be primarily classified into two groups, namely, Mainland China on the one hand and Hong Kong universities and foreign universities on the other. The most prominent actors were elite institutions, such as Peking University, Fudan University, Chinese University of Hong Kong, University of Hong Kong. The papers published by the Chinese Ministry of Health had relatively high academic impact, whereas those published by Mainland China universities alone had a lower academic impact compared to foreign cooperation papers. Issues related to the Chinese healthcare reform, priority diseases (e.g., breast cancer, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, etc.), health systems performance, quality of life and measurement tools, aging problems and research methods have been the most popular HSS topics in China in recent years.

Conclusions

Despite the extensive achievement of the Chinese HSS reforms and research, gaps and challenges remain to be addressed, including those related to health insurance and the effects of the evaluation of essential medicine systems, human resources training and allocation in the health sector, government hospitals reforms and health services systems remodeling. These findings could help scholars and decision-makers understand the current status and likely future trends of the Chinese HSS research, and help them select the most appropriate collaboration partners and policies.

Health-Related Utility Weights in a Cohort of Real-World Crohn's Disease Patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Estimating health-related utility weights in Crohn's Disease [CD] patients is crucial for assessing the cost-effectiveness of new pharmaceutical interventions. Values used in most analyses are based on secondary data and vary substantially among studies. We estimated utility weights in a consecutive sample of real-world CD patients.

METHODS

Patients enrolled in an ongoing socioeconomic study of CD in the Israeli adult patient population completed a self-administered Short Form 36 health survey [SF-36] and Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease [SIBDQ] questionnaires and were assessed for their current clinical status, including the Harvey-Bradshaw Index [HBI] of disease severity. For each patient enrolled we calculated a utility weight using the SF-6D scoring system.

RESULTS

The cohort comprised 425 patients [40% male] with mean age of 39.1 [± 14.0] years. The average HBI was 6.1 [± 5.4]; 198 [47%] patients were in remission state [HBI < 5], 99 [23%] had mild disease [HBI 5-7], 102 [25%] moderate [HBI 8-16], and 26 [6%] severe disease [HBI > 16]. Mean utility weights were: 0.667 in all patients, 0.744 in patients with disease remission, 0.638 in mild disease, 0.587 in moderate disease, and 0.505 in severe disease. The significant predictors of utility weights in a multivariable regression analysis were the HBI [β = -0.494; p < 0.001], economic status [β = 0.198; p < 0.001], time since diagnosis [β = 0.106; p < 0.001], male [compared with female] gender [β = 0.099; p = 0.009], hospital admission in the past year for any cause [β = -0.086; p = 0.027], and treatment with steroids [β = -0.100; p = 0.012] where β denotes the standardised regression coefficients; model adjusted R(2) = 0.428.

CONCLUSIONS

Utility weights for patients in the remission and mild disease states were generally lower as compared with values used in published cost-effectiveness analyses. These values should be considered when assessing the value for money of future interventions for CD.