Cancer Patients? Willingness to Routinely Complete the EQ-5D Instrument at Clinic Visits

Health utility (HU) scores play an essential role in pharmacoeconomic analyses. Routine clinical administration of the EuroQol-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) can allow for HU and health related quality of life (HRQOL) assessments in the real-world setting. The primary goals of this study were to evaluate whether patients were willing to complete the EQ-5D instrument on a routine basis and which clinical or demographic factors influence this willingness. 618 adult cancer survivors across multiple cancer disease sites at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre completed an acceptability survey after completing the EQ-5D instrument. The mean (SD) EQ-5D score was 0.81 (0.15). Among those surveyed, 88% reported that the EQ-5D was easy to complete. 91% took under 5 minutes and 88% were satisfied with its length. 85% were satisfied with the types of questions asked on the EQ-5D. Importantly, 92% reported that they would complete the EQ-5D, even if it were used solely for research purposes; 73% agreed with the notion of completing it regularly at their clinic visits. Patients with lower EQ-5D scores (p=0.0006), and non-Caucasians (p=0.0024; 60% willing) were less willing to complete the instrument on a regular basis. Curability of tumour, disease site, age, and gender did not influence willingness. The majority of cancer patients across disease sites are willing to complete the EQ-5D instrument regularly, even if it were solely for research purposes, but up to 39% declined participation in the first place.