EQ-5D-5L

The EQ-5D-3L (European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 3 Level Version) is a general instrument for measuring Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs), which can be used to assess the quality of life of patients regardless of their illness.

Like its predecessor, the EQ-5D-5L is a Patient Reported Outcome (PRO) instrument that can generally assess the quality of life of patients, regardless of the presence of illness, using 6 questions. It also includes a vertical EQ visual analog scale (EQ VAS, 0-100 points) and a descriptive EQ-5D-5L system. The latter considers the following 5 dimensions or subscales, each with 5 levels or response options.

5 dimensions

• Mobility
• self-care
• Everyday activities
• Pain / discomfort
• Anxiety / depression

5 levels

• Level 1: no problems/pain/anxiety
• Level 2: mild problems/pain/anxiety
• Level 3: moderate problems/pain/anxiety
• Level 4: major problems/ pain/ anxiety
• Level 5: extreme problems/ pain/ anxiety

Evaluation of the EQ-5D-5L

The descriptive EQ-5D-5L system defines so-called EQ5D Health States. A total of 3125 (55) different health states can be recorded. Depending on the level, each dimension is assigned a number, resulting in a 5-digit number combination.

Example: A patient has no problems with mobility (level 1), mild problems with self-care (level 1), moderate problems with general activities (level 3), moderate pain (level 3) and is not anxious. His EQ5D Health State is therefore 12331. A completely healthy patient would have a score of 11111.

Overall, the EQ-5D-5L is a successful further development of the EQ-5D-3L, which has been validated many times and is still widely used today. Its strong informative value, combined with its small size, provide ideal conditions for efficient use in clinical research and patient care.

The use and evaluation of the EQ-5D-5L requires a license. The license fee depends on study type, funder, cohort size and language.

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