[Policy decisions from a societal perspective: local or national evaluation of health related quality of life not necessary].
Research among a sample of the Dutch population has shown that different relative values are assigned to some of the five sub-domains of the 'Euro-Quality of life, five dimensions' (EQ-5D) questionnaire when compared to the current English values. These findings might be interpreted as proof that the resulting 'tariffs' should also differ across countries. Conversely, one could argue that the current Oxford tariffs are simply inadequate. Clearly, decisions for individual patients should be based on the individual's preferences. However, policy decisions taken from a societal perspective should be based on a global value system. It would seem that a single Western European tariff would be preferable to a whole range of national tariffs.
Buskens
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Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, Julius Centrum voor Gezondheidswetenschappen en Eerstelijnsgeneeskunde, Postbus 85.500, 3508 GA Utrecht.
D005060:Europe; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands; D011050:Policy Making; D011788:Quality of Life; D012945:Social Values; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires