Comparing EQ-5D and EQ-5D+C in Elderly Patients with Cognitive Impairments
Author Information
Author(s): Claire AG Wolfs, Carmen D Dirksen, Alfons Kessels, Daniëlle CM Willems, Frans RJ Verhey, Johan L Severens
Primary Institution: Maastricht University Hospital
Hypothesis
The study aims to compare the performance of the EQ-5D and the EQ-5D+C in elderly patients with cognitive impairments by assessing their construct validity and responsiveness.
Conclusion
The EQ-5D performs well for evaluating health-related quality of life in elderly patients with cognitive impairments, and it does not seem necessary to add a cognitive dimension to the current classification system.
Supporting Evidence
- The EQ-5D showed similar correlations with the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) as the EQ-5D+C.
- Both instruments were responsive to changes in the MMSE, with EQ-5D performing slightly better.
- Construct validity was comparable for both EQ-5D and EQ-5D+C in the study population.
Takeaway
This study looked at how well two health measurement tools work for older people with memory problems, finding that the original tool is good enough without needing to add extra questions about thinking skills.
Methodology
Data from the MEDICIE study, a randomized controlled trial, were analyzed, focusing on the EQ-5D and EQ-5D+C responses from proxies of elderly patients with cognitive impairments.
Potential Biases
Proxy ratings may not accurately reflect the patients' own assessments, especially for non-observable items affected by dementia.
Limitations
The study design was framed within a larger trial, and the use of proxies may introduce bias in the assessment of health-related quality of life.
Participant Demographics
Participants were elderly patients aged 55 and older, with 64.1% being female and 70.1% diagnosed with dementia.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.000
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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