OBJECTIVES: Health technology assessment (HTA) bodies widely recommend using the EQ-5D in cost-effectiveness analysis, particularly in evaluating quality-adjusted life years, yet its use is not always appropriate.

The need for clinical outcome assessments (COAs) with a mapping algorithm to the EQ-5D arises when there is little or no content validity evidence, implementation challenges, or lack of sensitivity, notably for areas such as mental health.

This study’s objective was to identify fit-for-purpose COAs with an EQ-5D mapping algorithm, in particular related to mental health.

METHODS: The Health Economics Research Centre’s Database of Mapping Studies was selected to identify COAs as it is compiled from an annual systematic review (SR) of studies mapping COAs to the EQ-5D. The SR covers Medline (via PubMed), EuroQoL Reference Search, ScHARRHUD, CRD database, and HESG website with no restriction on publication date and last updated in 2023.

RESULTS: 131 COAs mapped to the EQ-5D with a development publication were identified.

These COAs covered a range of therapeutic areas, and the majority measured nervous system diseases (n=19, e.g. GOS ), musculoskeletal conditions (n=19, e.g. LTCQ-8), or a variety of signs and symptoms (n=30, e.g. CCQ).

84% were PROs (n=110), including one qualified on the FDA COA Qualification Program (KCCQ).

CONCLUSIONS: The availability of EQ-5D mapped COAs which can be used in HTA submissions when the EQ-5D is not appropriate has increased progressively in recent decades. Notably, since NICE’s guidance on mapping to the EQ-5D in 2008, the number has increased five-fold to the present.

Despite the widely reported shortcomings of the EQ-5D in mental health, there remains a lack of mapping algorithms for COAs in this area (21 out of 106 COAs). Interestingly mental health-related COAs with EQ-5D mapping algorithms have started to be published more recently, indicating a growing focus on mapping mental health related COAs to the EQ-5D.