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A comparison of the reliability of three preference-based quality of life instruments (EQ-5D, ICECAP-O, ASCOT) in community-dwelling frail older adults

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A comparison of the reliability of three preference-based quality of life instruments (EQ-5D, ICECAP-O, ASCOT) in community-dwelling frail older adults

2012 Conference Presentation

EconomicsOutcomes and quality The Netherlands

7 September 2012

A comparison of the reliability of three preference-based quality of life instruments (EQ-5D, ICECAP-O, ASCOT) in community-dwelling frail older adults

Karen van Leeuwen, VU University Medical Center / EMGO+ Institute, The Netherlands
J.E. Bosmans, VU University Medical Center / EMGO+ Institute, The Netherlands
A.P.D. Jansen, VU University Medical Center / EMGO+ Institute, The Netherlands
H.P.J. van Hout, VU University Medical Center / EMGO+ Institute, The Netherlands
G. Nijpels, VU University Medical Center / EMGO+ Institute, The Netherlands
H.E. van der Horst, VU University Medical Center / EMGO+ Institute, The Netherlands
M.W. Van Tulder, VU University Medical Center / EMGO+ Institute, The Netherlands

Abstract

Background: In economic evaluations the EQ-5D is widely used to assess health-related quality of life (hr-QoL). However, the focus on health does not correspond with current developments towards integrated health- and social care systems and with older people’s experiences, who consider other aspects of life just as essential. In complex care situations involving older adults, the aim is to improve or sustain general quality of life (also referred to as ‘well-being’), which includes prevention of and coping with consequences of health problems, autonomy, social functioning, dignity, and enjoyment in life. Two recently developed preference-based generic quality of life instruments have taken these considerations into account: the ASCOT and the ICECAP-O. Not much is known yet about the measurement properties and suitability of these instruments compared to the EQ-5D in the setting of community dwelling frail older adults in the Netherlands.

Objectives: As first in a series of studies we compared the test-retest reliability of two preference-based quality of life instruments (ICECAP-O and ASCOT) with the EQ-5D in community-dwelling frail older adults.

Methods: Quality of life in approximately 140 Dutch community-dwelling frail older adults (participants in the ACT study) was assessed using Dutch translations of the instruments. This measurement was repeated within 7-14 days after the first measurement.

Results: Results about the stability of the total scores and of choices for answer categories within each dimension of the measurement instruments are available in May 2012.

Implications: The results of the test-retest show which of the three instruments is most reliable in community-dwelling older adults. Combined with the results of our further clinimetric and feasibility studies the results contribute to the selection of more relevant and appropriate outcome measures for future economic evaluations in complex care settings aimed at improving or sustaining generic quality of life, rather than hr-QoL alone

Slides