MHQoL (Mental Health Quality of Life Questionnaire) value set
The MHQoL value set is a tool that converts scores from the Mental Health Quality of Life Questionnaire into a single number representing health-related quality of life, specifically designed for use in economic evaluations of mental health treatments in the Netherlands. It helps compare different treatments by putting a value on how mental health affects people's lives.
At a glance
Use when
Conducting cost-utility analyses of mental health interventions in the Netherlands; when detailed, preference-based quality-of-life measurement specific to mental health is needed; when using the MHQoL instrument and requiring QALY-compatible outputs.
Avoid when
Applying outside the Dutch context without validation; when patient-based valuation is required; when using non-MHQoL instruments; for physical health-focused evaluations where broader generic measures may be more appropriate.
Inputs
Responses to the 7-dimensional MHQoL questionnaire from individuals in the Dutch general population, collected via discrete choice experiment (DCE) with matched pairwise comparisons.
Outputs
Preference-based index values (utilities) for MHQoL health states on a QALY scale, ranging from -0.741 to 1, suitable for cost-utility analysis.
How it works
A Dutch preference-based value set for the MHQoL was developed using a discrete choice experiment (DCE) with a Bayesian heterogeneous D-efficient design across 10 subdesigns, each containing 15 matched pairwise choice tasks. Data from 1,308 Dutch adults were used to estimate utilities. The resulting value set provides index scores on a QALY scale ranging from -0.741 (worst health state) to 1 (best health state), enabling cost-utility analysis in mental healthcare. Coefficients reflect the relative importance of seven MHQoL dimensions, with physical health, mood, and relationships being most influential.
- HTA domains
- Clinical Effectiveness, Patient and Social Aspects
- Categories
- HRQoL
- Assumptions
- Preferences for mental health states can be reliably elicited using DCE; the Dutch general population's preferences reflect societal values for mental health outcomes; the MHQoL dimensions are comprehensive and appropriately structured to capture relevant aspects of mental health-related quality of life.
- Strengths
- Based on a large, representative sample of the Dutch population; uses a robust D-efficient experimental design; captures preferences across seven relevant mental health dimensions; produces utilities on a standard QALY scale; validated coefficients show expected directionality and monotonicity (except one level).
- Limitations
- Value set is specific to the Dutch population and may not be generalizable to other countries; level 2 of the 'future' dimension violates monotonicity; reliance on general population preferences may not reflect patient experiences; DCE method assumes rational, consistent decision-making.
- Also known as
- MHQoL value set, Mental Health Quality of Life value set
Questions this answers
- › How can MHQoL responses be converted into utility values for economic evaluation?
- › Which dimensions of mental health-related quality of life are most valued by the general population?
- › What is the range of utility values for MHQoL health states in the Dutch population?
- › How can the MHQoL be used in cost-utility analyses of mental health interventions?
- › What is the relative importance of each MHQoL dimension in determining overall quality of life?
- › Are the MHQoL utility values consistent with expected monotonicity across health states?
References & sources
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