“5 by 6 by 7” Comparing 5 MAU instruments across 6 countries in 7 disease groups: Some preliminary findings from the MIC project

Abstract: The aim of the Multi Instrument Comparison (MIC) project is to compare multi attribute utility (MAU) instruments purporting to measure health related quality of life (HRQoL).  Five MAU instruments (EQ-5D-5L, SF6D, HUI, 15D, AQoL) are compared in six countries (UK, US, CA, AU, GER, NO) based on seven disease groups (arthritis, asthma, cancer, depression, diabetes, heart disease, hearing problems) plus groups without a specific diagnosis (‘healthy public’). In total 8,000 people were surveyed by filling out a comprehensive web-based questionnaire that included a time-trade-off exercise, as well as measures of wellbeing and life satisfaction.

Preliminary findings from the Norwegian data suggest a striking similarity in the mean utility scores obtained from EQ-5D-5L, HUI and AQoL. In general, 15D gave significantly higher mean scores, while SF-6D gave lower scores. The only exception was in the disease group depression, where AQoL had the lowest mean score, reflecting its wider inclusion of mental health and wellbeing dimensions than the other MAU instruments.