Based on user feedback and advancements in digital data collection technology, the EuroQol Research Foundation rolled out universal digital EQ-5D versions in April 2022. These universal digital versions replaced the device-specific versions (PDA/Smartphone, Tablet, Laptop/Desktop) of EQ-5D-3L, EQ-5D-5L, EQ-5D-Y-3L and EQ-5D-Y-5L. Universal digital versions can be used on any digital device.
Note: to ease with the transition, users with an open license to use the superseded device-specific digital versions are entitled to use the universal digital versions as well.
Related resources
The universal digital EQ-5D versions were introduced alongside the EQ-5D Representation Library. This Library consists of EuroQol Office–approved EQ-5D screenshots of all available EQ-5D versions and languages in the universal digital format.
To support users with the correct digital representation of their universal digital EQ-5D version(s) on their data collection platform, we will supply:
EuroQol Office-approved EQ-5D Representations (screenshots), in the requested language(s).
For specific languages, additional instructions might be available, which are based on user feedback and requirements.
Advisory for digital data collection
Users are responsible for the correct representation of digital EQ-5D versions.
The EuroQol Office team is available for support on issues with digital EQ-5D representation.
Users planning to collect EQ-5D data digitally are urged to establish a quality process for verifying the correctness of all EQ-5D representations before commencing data collection.
In case of non-commercial use, please consider collecting data on platforms such as REDCap, LimeSurvey, or Qualtrics, for which modular versions of the EQ-5D are available, or can be developed on demand.
FAQ
Is paid screenshot review by the EuroQol Office team possible?
EuroQol will not be able to offer paid screenshot review services for the new digital format. Please be advised that there are commercial parties offering review services, such as translation agencies and EPRO vendors with experience with the EQ-5D. Please contact these parties directly if you are interested in these services.
I own a device dependent License Agreement and would like to use additional languages.
Please be advised that after 6 April 2022, we will only provide new license agreements for using the new digital format, with the new license fee structure. Amendments to add languages to device-dependent license agreements will no longer be possible, because the use of device-dependent versions will be phased out.
How will the new screenshots review process work?
Licensee and Vendor will be responsible for creating correct digital Representations, based on the documents provided by EuroQol. The EuroQol Office team will no longer be involved in the screenshot review of all reproductions. However, the team is available if required to help with screenshot review or digital Representation issues.
As a service to commercial users, the EuroQol Office team will request to see EQ-5D implementations selected at random, as a quality check. Feedback will then be provided to users, and vendors if applicable, on the Representation quality. The main rule is that every deviation from the Representation Design Guidelines, or from the provided Representations, is at the risk of the Licensee/Vendor.
How can a non-commercial user obtain permission to use a Digital representation?
Non-commercial users who want to collect data on an unsupported digital platform will be required to download, sign and upload a “Digital Use Letter” via the EuroQol User Portal, after registration. The Digital Use Letter provides users with basic guidance on how to create a correct Representation of EQ-5D on their digital platform. This is of vital importance, as an incorrect Representation of EQ-5D could invalidate the collected data.
Can I use the (new) digital format with my active license agreement for device-dependent versions?
Yes, active device-dependent license agreements will include the right to use the new digital format. However, license agreement amendments to add languages to device-dependent license agreements will not be possible, as the device-dependent license agreements will be phased out. To add languages, a new license agreement will be drawn up.
Can I still use the already received device-dependent EQ-5D versions in ongoing studies?
Yes, in ongoing studies the device-dependent versions can continue to be used. These will become “legacy” versions, which will not be updated in the future and will gradually be phased out. If new languages are added to an ongoing study, these will be provided in the new digital format, as these are the most up-to-date versions. If for ongoing studies you would also like to receive the device-dependent language versions for consistency reasons, please inform your EuroQol contact person. However, please note that the use of these legacy device-dependent versions will be at your own risk, as legacy versions will no longer be maintained or updated.
