The EQ-5D and SF-36 achieved mixed results in the quantitative testing against psychometric criteria .
The qualitative analysis suggests this is because they provide a very limited coverage of themes identified by people with mental health problems .
BACKGROUND Generic preference-based measures of health like the EQ-5D and SF-6D ( ® ) are increasingly being used in economic evaluation and outcome assessment .
However , there are concerns as to whether or not these generic measures are appropriate for use in people with mental health problems .
OBJECTIVES The EQ-5D and SF-36 ( ® ) ( including its derivatives the SF-12 ( ® ) and SF-6D ) were assessed using the psychometric criteria of validity and responsiveness using quantitative and qualitative methods .
Another aim was to estimate mapping functions between the EQ-5D and SF-6D and condition-specific measures , where appropriate .
Putting the ‘Q’ in depression QALYs: a comparison of utility measurement using EQ-5D and SF-6D health related quality of life measures
Background Generic health preference measures that capture quality of life improvements in depression are important for economic analysis of new technologies . Aim To compare two widely used preference measures , the EQ-5D and SF-6D , in terms of their dimensions and health utility values . Method EQ-5D and SF-6D data collected from 114 patients with depression , who participated in a cluster , r and omised controlled trial to evaluate a collaborative care intervention in UK , primary care practice s.  Utilities were examined across the whole sample and by level of depression severity using the PHQ-9 . Results Depression was associated with disutility at baseline . At 3 month follow-up mean utility increased 0.147 for EQ-5D and 0.082 for SF-6D . Health gains were observed in patients in remission from depression and those with the mildest level of depression severity . Conclusions Both generic preference measures were sensitive to health gains in depression within a relatively short follow-up period ; larger health gain was observed for the EQ-5D
The EQ-5D and SF-36 achieved mixed results in the quantitative testing against psychometric criteria .
The qualitative analysis suggests this is because they provide a very limited coverage of themes identified by people with mental health problems .
BACKGROUND Generic preference-based measures of health like the EQ-5D and SF-6D ( ® ) are increasingly being used in economic evaluation and outcome assessment .
However , there are concerns as to whether or not these generic measures are appropriate for use in people with mental health problems .
OBJECTIVES The EQ-5D and SF-36 ( ® ) ( including its derivatives the SF-12 ( ® ) and SF-6D ) were assessed using the psychometric criteria of validity and responsiveness using quantitative and qualitative methods .
Another aim was to estimate mapping functions between the EQ-5D and SF-6D and condition-specific measures , where appropriate .