A systematic review, psychometric analysis and qualitative assessment of generic preference-based measures of health in mental health populations and the estimation of mapping functions from widely used specific measures.

Background: Generic preference-based measures of health like the EQ-5D and SF-6D(®) are increasingly being used in economic evaluation and outcome assessment. However, there are concerns as to whether or not these generic measures are appropriate for use in people with mental health problems.

Objectives: The EQ-5D and SF-36(®) (including its derivatives the SF-12(®) and SF-6D) were assessed using the psychometric criteria of validity and responsiveness using quantitative and qualitative methods.