## 2 Patients and Methods
### MATLAB Procedures  
MATLAB version R2022b was used to run the scripts written by the primary author ([PERSON]), which can be found within the Appendix A. Survey responses were exported from REDCap into Microsoft Excel files as raw data, and any questions left blank were exported as empty cells. The numbers that are coded within REDCap to represent each survey response choice can be set by the REDCap form creator and thus may vary between users. A separate Microsoft Excel file was created for each survey. Each respondent was allocated nine rows, with each row designated for the survey data from each of the nine timepoints. The first column designated the respondent's ID. The second column designated the timepoint. The number of additional columns varied based on the number of survey questions asked. EQ-5D-3L Valuation. The Microsoft Excel file containing the raw EQ-5D-3L data was uploaded and converted to a MATLAB cell as string arrays, and the script then parsed through the data searching for empty cells and replaced the empty cells with zeroes. The string arrays were then converted to numerical data types so that computational functions could subsequently be used. A preallocated cell array was prepared to store the data necessary to calculate the EQ-5D-3L index value. The script then parsed through each row to create a 5-item vector that represented the EQ-5D-3L health state which was stored in the pre-allocated cell array. The index value was calculated by deducting the appropriate weights from 1, the value for a full health state (11111). The amount deducted was based upon the statistical model used to generate the US population-based valuation of the EQ-5D health states [19]. The model deducted variable weights depending on which level the 2 or 3 was reported in as well as the number of 2s or 3s reported in the health state. The script then ran through a series of \"elseif\" statements that parsed the health state for various conditions and deducted the appropriate weight from 1 accordingly. The resulting index value, ranging from 0 to 1, was stored in a new cell and was exported as a Microsoft Excel file. SF-36 Physical and Mental Component Scores Valuation. The Microsoft Excel file containing the raw SF-36 data was uploaded and converted to a MATLAB cell as string arrays and the script then parsed through the data searching for empty cells and replaces the empty cells with zeroes. The string arrays were converted to numerical data types so that computational functions could subsequently be used. The script parsed through the data to replace the survey responses with the appropriate weighted score, determined via \"elseif\" statements, set by the survey developers [23; 24]. Subsequently, the recoded data were exported to a Microsoft Excel file. The survey developers require a complex procedure to provide a score for missing item responses, so the author recoded missing items manually. After the missing items were recoded, the updated file was uploaded into MATLAB, ensuring that the data were converted back to a numeric data type. The SF-36 contains sub-scores, including Physical Functioning, Role Limitations due to Physical Health, Bodily Pain, General Health, Vitality, Social Functioning, Role Limitations Due to Emotional Health, and Mental Health. There are 36 survey questions, each of which apply to a specific sub-score. The script pre-allocated a cell for each sub-score. For each sub-score, the summation of the required recoded survey responses was calculated and stored. If more than half of the sub-score's items were unanswered, then the script did not calculate the sub-score for that respondent and left an empty cell. Summary scores as well as physical and mental health component scores can be calculated and are often reported in the literature. The script calculated the physical and mental health component scores according to the procedure detailed by the survey developers. First, the sub-scores were normalized amongst the respondents and transformed to a 0 to 100 scale.