Supra-national value sets for the EQ-5D instruments
This method creates shared EQ-5D value sets for groups of similar European countries when a country doesn’t have its own value set. It helps choose the best proxy by grouping countries based on cultural, linguistic, healthcare, and social factors.
At a glance
Use when
Conducting economic evaluations in countries without a national EQ-5D value set; performing multi-country or regional HTA in Europe; selecting proxy value sets in the absence of local data
Avoid when
A valid, nationally representative EQ-5D value set is available for the target country; when high granularity in preference measurement is required at the national level
Inputs
Coefficients from published EQ-5D valuation studies; country-level data on culture, language, healthcare systems, and sociodemographics
Outputs
Supra-national EQ-5D value sets for homogenous country clusters in Europe
How it works
Supra-national value sets for the EQ-5D-3L/5L were developed by clustering 27 EU countries, EFTA countries, and the UK based on five factors influencing health state valuations: culture and religion, linguistics, healthcare system typology, healthcare financing, and sociodemographic aspects. Clusters—English-speaking, Nordic, Central-Western, Southern, and Eastern European—were identified through frequency-based grouping. Value sets were estimated using ordinary least-squares models applied to coefficients from existing national valuation studies.
- Project
- PECUNIA
- Funding
- Horizon 2020
- Project status
- Completed 2021
- HTA domains
- Costs & Economic Evaluation
- Categories
- HRQoL
- Technology
- Non-specific
- Assumptions
- Health state valuations are influenced by cultural, linguistic, and healthcare system factors; countries with similar characteristics have comparable preferences; existing national valuation studies are methodologically comparable
- Strengths
- Provides a systematic, evidence-based approach to proxy selection; reduces arbitrary choice of value sets; supports regional and cross-border HTA; based on multiple validated factors
- Limitations
- Relies on availability and quality of national valuation studies; may not capture intra-regional heterogeneity; clustering does not replace country-specific value sets when available
- Also known as
- Supra-national EQ-5D value sets, PECUNIA supra-national value sets, Cluster-based EQ-5D value sets
Questions this answers
- › What EQ-5D value set should I use if my country doesn’t have its own?
- › How can I choose the most appropriate proxy value set for economic evaluations?
- › Which European countries have similar health state preferences and can share value sets?
- › What factors influence differences in EQ-5D health state valuations across countries?
- › How were European countries grouped for shared EQ-5D value sets?
- › Can regional value sets improve cross-country HTA comparisons in Europe?
Related methods
Similar by meaning
Beta record. Generated from the primary source via AI extraction and independent audit, pending final human review.