Elsevier

Health Policy

Volume 23, Issue 3, March 1993, Pages 219-228
Health Policy

Searching for a common currency: Critical appraisal of the scientific basis underlying European harmonization of the measurement of health related quality of life (EuroQol©)

https://doi.org/10.1016/0168-8510(93)90059-XGet rights and content

Abstract

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.

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