Performance of the EQ-5D and the EQ-5D+C in elderly patients with cognitive impairments

• Main Authors: Verhey Frans RJ, Willems Daniëlle CM, Kessels Alfons, Dirksen Carmen D, Wolfs Claire AG, Severens Johan L
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2007-06-01
• Series: Health and Quality of Life Outcomes
• Online Access: http://www.hqlo.com/content/5/1/33

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The EQ-5D is a reliable tool for measuring Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). However, concern has been expressed that it may ignore elements of HRQoL, particularly cognition. In response to this concern, the EQ-5D has been extended with a cognitive dimension (EQ-5D+C). The aim of this study was to compare the performance of the EQ-5D and the EQ-5D+C in elderly patients with cognitive impairments by assessing their construct validity and responsiveness.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Data from the MEDICIE study (n = 196) were used, in which all questionnaires were rated by proxies.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Regarding construct validity, we found similar correlations between the EQ-5D and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and between the EQ-5D+C and the MMSE. Furthermore, both the EQ-5D and the EQ-5D+C were responsive to changes in the MMSE, with the EQ-5D performing slightly better.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>We conclude that the EQ-5D performs well for evaluating HRQoL in a population with cognitive impairments. Based on the results of this explorative study, it does not seem necessary to adjust the current classification system by adding a cognitive dimension. However, in order to compare both instruments regarding utility values, it is necessary to develop a new scoring algorithm for the EQ-5D+C by conducting a general population study. Considering the explorative nature of this study, it is recommended that more aspects of the validity of both the EQ-5D and the EQ-5D+C are explored in patients with cognitive impairments using a more tailored study design.</p>