Comparing EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L descriptive system

There is growing evidence on the comparative psychometric performance of the EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L descriptive systems. A published systematic review By Buchholz and colleagues of studies found that the 5-level version performed better, or at least the same in terms of measurement properties when compared to the 3-level version. While this review supports the use of both the 3-level and 5-level versions in a broad range of patients, populations and countries/regions; the EQ-5D-5L is to be preferred. Evidence on test-retest reliability and responsiveness is inconclusive and further research is required on these properties.

(Version 16OCT2018)