Comparison of EQ-5D VAS valuations: analysis of background variables

Abstract

Preference-based instruments for measuring HRQoL of life have been developed in different countries and applied in empirical research in a much wider range of countries. A major concern in this context has been whether the valuations (values or utility weights) elicited for the instrument in 1 country are applicable in another, that is, whether the valuations in terms of the relative values/utilities of different health states are similar or not. If they are, an instrument that has been valued in country A can be applied in country B without having to carry out a very cumbersome and expensive process of eliciting the valuations in country B. However, if the valuations differ, the use of an instrument with valuations from country A in country B, for example in the evaluation of health interventions, may lead to different results and a different order of preference among the interventions from those should valuations from country B have been available.