EQ5D: EFFICACY OF A SIMPLE QUALITY OF LIFE SCORE AFTER ARTHROSCOPIC SHOULDER SURGERY

Abstract

Purpose of Study: This study was done to assess the efficacy of EQ5D (EuroQol), a simple quality of life (QOL) score. The study was designed to test the feasibility and reliability of using this simple QOL score alongside Constant score following arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Though Constant score gives a shoulder related outcome it does not provide a patient perspective of outcome in relation to their quality of life.

Methodology: A prospective cohort study of 100 consecutive patients listed for arthroscopic shoulder surgery between May and December 2005 were recruited. Assessments were undertaken both preoperatively and at 6 months post operatively. EuroQol is a simple 5 question self administered questionnaire and the Constant score was recorded by the treating physician who was blinded to the result of the EuroQol. Data was assessed for normality and non parametric tests were used. Statistical significance was assumed at the p< 0.05 level.

Results: The median age of 54 years (32 to 79). 60% were male. The median pre operative EuroQol score was 0.26 with a median post operative score of 0.71. Preoperatively, the median constant score was 31.0 with a postoperative score of 72.0 The difference between pre and post operative scores in both the EuroQol and Constant scores was shown to be statistically significant (p< 0.0001 in each group). In the 200 paired observations the two scores were also shown to be closely correlated RS statistic 0.71 (p< 0.0001).

Conclusion: EQ5D is easily completed by the patient by a self administered questionnaire and reflects the quality of life improvement attained after shoulder surgery. It is very easy to use compared to other available QOL scores like SF12, SF36. We recommend its routine usage along with Constant Shoulder score as there is a strong positive correlation.