Employing quality control and feedback to the EQ-5D-5L valuation protocol to improve the quality of data collection

Abstract

ObjectivesIn valuing health states using generic questionnaires such as EQ-5D, there are unrevealed issues with the quality of the data collection. The aims were to describe the problems encountered during valuation and to evaluate a quality control report and subsequent retraining of interviewers in improving this valuation.MethodsData from the first 266 respondents in an EQ-5D-5L valuation study were used. Interviewers were trained and answered questions regarding problems during these initial interviews. Thematic analysis was used, and individual feedback was provided. After completion of 98 interviews, a first quantitative quality control (QC) report was generated, followed by a 1-day retraining program. Subsequently individual feedback was also given on the basis of follow-up QCs. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to assess improvements based on 7 indicators of quality as identified in the first QC and the QC conducted after a further 168 interviews.ResultsInterviewers encountered problems in recruiting respondents. Solutions provided were: optimization of the time of interview, the use of broader networks and the use of different scripts to explain the project’s goals to respondents. For problems in interviewing process, solutions applied were: developing the technical and personal skills of the interviewers and stimulating the respondents’ thought processes. There were also technical problems related to hardware, software and internet connections. There was an improvement in all 7 indicators of quality after the second QC.ConclusionTraining before and during a study, and individual feedback on the basis of a quantitative QC, can increase the validity of values obtained from generic questionnaires.

The Indonesian EQ-5D-5L Value Set

“…Previous experiments with DCE, like the study by Stolk et al using EQ-5D-3L [ 28 ] or Ramos-Goñi et al using EQ-5D-5L [ 29 ], showed that the DCE is a valid valuation technique to get health preferences from respondents. Since both TTO and DCE try to measure the same concept, it was anticipated that DCE could be used in combination with TTO [ 30 ]. In the light of this reasoning, DCE was included in the EuroQol VT protocol.…”

“…Hence we retrained the interviewers and treated the 102 interviews collected thus far as pilot interviews, excluding the 102 interviews in the data analysis. A detailed description of this decision-making process and the retraining of the interviewers is provided elsewhere [ 30 ].…”

Impact of frailty on health-related quality of life 1 year after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

“…HRQoL was assessed using the EuroQol 5 dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D-5 L) preoperatively and 1 year after TAVI. The EQ-5D-5 L is a generic health utility HRQoL instrument and is qualified for measuring health status within an older population [ 26 ]. The EQ-5D-5 L consists of five dimensions of health (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression), each of which is divided in five levels of functioning: no problems (level 1), some or moderate problems (levels 2 and 3) and severe or extreme problems (levels 4 and 5).…”

United States Valuation of EQ-5D-5L Health States Using an International Protocol

“…This multipronged approach to recruitment was guided by recent valuation study experiences and adapted to the US context. 37 Interviews were scheduled throughout each metropolitan area, and respondents were given $30 as cash incentive for study participation.…”