Findings from a Roundtable Discussion with US Stakeholders on Valuation of the EQ-5D-Y-3L

Abstract

Objectives The International Valuation Protocol for the valuation of the EQ-5D-Y-3L provides baseline guidance, but country-specific context is also important. This study aimed to obtain US stakeholders' input on key considerations for youth valuation in the US. Methods A total of 14 stakeholders representing various backgrounds were identified via the investigators' networks. A 2-h online meeting was held to discuss (1) the need for a US value set for the EQ-5D-Y-3L; (2) willingness to pay more for quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gains for children versus adults; (3) sampling strategies; (4) framing perspectives; and (5) other challenges. The session was recorded, transcribed, and summarized. Results Several stakeholders supported paying more for QALY gains for children in recognition of their potential future contributions to society, as well as to avoid potential undervaluation and promote access to innovative treatments. Concerns regarding possible double counting, lack of data to showcase long-term benefits, and dangers of paying more for certain subgroups were also expressed. Most of the stakeholders felt that adolescents could relate to a 10-year-old's perspective better than adults and were capable of self-completing valuation tasks, and thus should be directly included in the valuation study. There were concerns that adults would be inconsistent in their views about a 10-year-old, partly depending on their status as a parent. Conclusions US stakeholders provided insights relevant to youth valuation in a US context and were open to continued dialogue with investigators. This study could be useful to investigators who are conducting youth valuation studies in different countries and seeking stakeholder input. Key Points for Decision MakersUS stakeholders provided valuable input on key considerations in valuation of the EQ-5D-Y-3L.Engagement of national stakeholders is an important step for investigators pursuing valuation studies in their countries.

Understanding Canadian stakeholders’ views on measuring and valuing health for children and adolescents: a qualitative study

“…Most of US stakeholders expressed that adolescents could relate to a 10-year-old's perspective better than adults and were capable of self-completing valuation tasks, and thus should be directly included in the valuation study. They also raised concerns that adults would be inconsistent in their views about a 10-year-old [42]. Similar to what we found in our study, US stakeholders who were more familiar with HTA were also more inclined to favor the use of adult preferences based on the legal age for voting and paying taxes [42].…”

“…They also raised concerns that adults would be inconsistent in their views about a 10-year-old [42]. Similar to what we found in our study, US stakeholders who were more familiar with HTA were also more inclined to favor the use of adult preferences based on the legal age for voting and paying taxes [42].…”

“…Unfortunately, it is rare that stakeholders are engaged prior to a child health valuation study for various reasons. The recently published roundtable discussion in the US was one of the few [42]. Most of US stakeholders expressed that adolescents could relate to a 10-year-old's perspective better than adults and were capable of self-completing valuation tasks, and thus should be directly included in the valuation study.…”