Last update:
16-Sep-2004

OBJECTIVE To describe briefly the health state descriptive system and the valuation system of the 15D, and to compare its properties with the EQ-5D in terms of certain criteria such as feasibility, reliability, validity and sensitivity.

METHOD One data set came from a Finnish population sample (n=359). Correlation co-efficients, multitrait-multimethod matrix and regression techniques were used for analysis. Another data set consisted of Norwegian patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n=59). In this sample the scores generated by the 15D, EQ-5D based on British Time Trade-Off (TTO) valuations, TTO on own present health state and Standard Gamble (SG) on own present health state were compared. Spearman's rank correlations, effect size and responsiveness statistic were used for analysis.

RESULTS The 15D was equally acceptable to the EQ-5D, but superior to it in reliability, discriminatory power and responsiveness to change.

CONCLUSIONS The 15D is preferable in studies where the properties of reliability, discrimination and responsiveness are important.

Key words: EQ-5D, 15D, Quality of life, Sensitivity, Validity.