QALY delusions

Towards a better QALY model.

This paper presents a test of the predictive validity of various classes of QALY models (i.e. linear, power and exponential models). We first estimated TTO utilities for 43 EQ-5D chronic health states and next these states were embedded in nonchronic health profiles. The chronic TTO utilities were then used to predict the responses to TTO questions with nonchronic health profiles. We find that ...

Retaining, and enhancing, the QALY.

For economic and policy analyses requiring a summary health outcome measure that integrates quantity-of-life and quality-oflife impacts, the quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) has been widely recognized and endorsed [1–3]. The US Panel on Cost-Effectiveness in Health and Medicine recommended the QALY for “reference case” analyses [2]. The UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence ...

Insane Delusions

Is a QALY still a QALY at the end of life?

Recent research into end of life and palliative care has focused on the development of a replacement for the quality adjusted life year (QALY) as an outcome measure. Reasons given range from the lack of anticipated survival benefit from treatment to the inappropriateness of death as an anchor for valuing health states, or the increased value of time to the individual at the end of life. The Pal...

Moving the QALY forward: rationale for change.

In November 2007, ISPOR convened the “Building a Pragmatic Road: Moving the QALY Forward” Consensus Development Workshop where thought leaders presented and discussed the following: 1) defining and refining the quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) by analyzing the underlying assumptions; 2) developing alternative paradigms and measures; 3) retaining the QALY and enhancing it with additional method...