Establishing the minimal clinically important difference for the Hernia-Related Quality of Life Survey (HerQLes).

Abstract Background Hernia-Related Quality of Life Survey (HerQLes) assesses quality of life (QoL) after hernia repair, but the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) is unknown. Methods Using 2013–2019 data from the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative, HerQLes summary scores were calculated for VHR patients at baseline and 1-year. MCID was calculated using distribution-based method. Multivariate regression identified factors associated with exceeding MCID at 1 year. Results 1817 patients met criteria. MCID was identified as a change in HerQLes of at least 15.6 points. Mean 1-year post-op score was 74.9 (SD ± 26.2), which exceeded the MCID threshold (p  Conclusion Using MCID can help identify patients who may significantly improve QoL after VHR, as well as power clinical trials with QoL as primary outcome.