Searching for a common currency: critical appraisal of the scientific basis underlying European harmonization of the measurement of health related quality of life (EuroQol)
The EuroQol has recently been proposed as a measure of health-related quality of life based on individuals' valuations of health states. The derived values would be used in assessing cost-effectiveness and establishing priorities across a wide range of health-care activities. In this paper we identify some of the limitations of the EuroQol in its role as a particular method for deriving the more generic QALYs. More specifically we explore the implications of using the EuroQol as a measure of individuals' and communities' valuation of health outcomes. We show that the EuroQol suffers from several major limitations and thus cannot be relied upon to provide a valid measure to be used in economic appraisals or studies concerned with establishing priorities as proposed by its proponents. An alternative approach is identified and discussed.
Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario.
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Gafni
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Birch
D005060:Europe; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000379:methods; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D015233:Models, Statistical; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011788:Quality of Life; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D026712:Value of Life