title: A semi-separable utility function for health profiles.
abstract: Under expected utility, the individual preferences over lotteries on health profiles can be represented either by a multiplicative utility function, when mutual utility independence is claimed, or, an additive one (known as QALY), when it is claimed additive independence. In this paper, we impose a weaker condition, i.e., utility independence with respect to the initial health states of an individual decision maker, initial independence, and we derive a semi-separable utility function. In addition, we assess its parameters by a Standard Gamble procedure. Our results could be useful in cost-utility analysis for carrying out health care program evaluations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Economics, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Ana M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Guerrero
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Herrero
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006801:Humans; D015233:Models, Statistical; D019057:Quality-Adjusted Life Years; D013030:Spain