Summary
The EuroQol descriptive system has developed within the context of a generic, index measure of HRQoL. Dimensions have been chosen based on a conceptual process rather than by statistical means such as factor analysis, and have been identified through a review of other generic health status measures. Emphasis has been placed on identifying a common core set of dimensions rather than attempting comprehensive coverage of all those possible, allowing the instrument to be used alongside both other generic measures as well as disease-specific instruments. Another strategic consideration was the requirement to generate a feasible number of health states for later valuation.
The result is a 5-dimensional system covering mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. With 3 levels within each dimension, a total of 243 different health states are described. This system can be used to generate a profile of HRQoL for a single individual, a group of patients, or a whole population, and can also be used to assess changes in HRQoL across time.
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Gudex, C. (2005). The descriptive system of the EuroQol Instrument. In: Kind, P., Brooks, R., Rabin, R. (eds) EQ-5D concepts and methods: A developmental history. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-3712-0_2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-3712-0_2
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
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