AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to assess utility scores of patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with a musculoskeletal disorder and to explore the influence of diverse factors on health-related quality of life.DesignSecondary analysis of data obtained before randomization during a pragmatic randomized controlled trialSettingAcademic ED in Quebec City (Canada)ParticipantsParticipants aged 18-80 years old presenting with a minor MSKD.Main Outcome MeasuresHealth-related quality of life (five dimensions: mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression) and utility scores (0 – dead, 100 – perfect health), measured with the EQ-5D-5L, were compared between subgroups and with reference values using descriptive statistics (mean, median), rankFD ANOVAs, and χ2 tests.ResultsSixty-nine participants completed the EQ-5D-5L. Mean and median utility scores were respectively 0.536 (95% CI: 0.479-0.594) and 0.531 (IQR: 0.356-0.760). Participants with higher levels of pain (<4/10: 0.741; 4-7/10: 0.572; >7/10: 0.433) or pain interference on function (<4/10: 0.685; 4-7/10: 0.463; >7/10: 0.294) presented significantly lower utility scores. No significant differences were found for other socio-demographic characteristics. The mean overall VAS score was 58.1 (95% CI: 52.2-64.0).ConclusionsIn patients with MSKDs presenting to the ED, higher levels of pain and pain interference on function may influence perceived health-related QoL. These findings need to be confirmed on a larger scale.Trial RegistrationThis trial was registered at the US National Institutes of Health (ClinicalTrials.gov) #NCT04009369 on July 5, 2019
Health-related quality of life of patients presenting to the emergency department with a musculoskeletal disorder
