The quality of QALYs (quality-adjusted-life-years): do QALYs measure what they at least intend to measure?

Health Policy. 1989 Oct;13(1):81-3. doi: 10.1016/0168-8510(89)90112-7.

Abstract

This note alerts the readers to the fact that QALYs (quality-adjusted-life-years) do not stem directly from the individual's utility function and thus, at best, only partly reflect an individual's true preferences. This might lead to the choice of the non-preferred alternative due to the misrepresentation of the individual's preference. This is illustrated by using a simple example from Mehrez and Gafni (1989).

MeSH terms

  • Economics*
  • Health Services Research*
  • Quality of Life*
  • Research Design
  • Value of Life*