Quality Adjusted Life Years

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer examines the controversial issues using the rational examination of ideas based on logic and current research instead of emotions. This paper focuses on proponent's arguments and oppositional argument's of using Quality Adjusted Life Years or QALYs when deciding how healthcare resources should be allocated. Both sides of the issue are presented. The term Quality Adjusted Life Years is first defined by the World Health Organization. The researcher then presents both sides of the issue, offering a synopsis of the proponent's side and opponent's side of the QALY issue. Following this a summary of opinions and declarations is offered for review and discussion.

Outline:
Introduction
Proponents
Opposition
Conclusions
References

From the Paper:

" The purpose of QALY is primarily to decide how healthcare resources should be allocated. The use of QALY for example, may help determine which patients are eligible for participation in quality clinical trials. From a health insurance perspective, quality adjusted life years may impact the calculation of cost for a person or their family. In fact, health insurance companies have long relied on similar calculations to decide what premium participants may pay. They base their analysis on factors much like QALY including the individual's projected lifespan, current health and medical history. These elements are all used to decide how much insurance an individual will qualify for (based on their life expectancy and health). While even this process is controversial for some, by and large it is widely accepted as a tool for measuring how much insurance can or cannot be offered an individual. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bergner, M., Bobbitt, R. A., Carter, W. B., & Gilson, B. S. (1981) The sickness impact profile: Development and final revision of a health status measure. Medical Care, 19: 787-805.
• Drotar, D. (1998) Measuring health-related quality of life in children and adolescents: Implications for research and practice. Mahwah: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
• Kaplan, R.M., Bush, J.W. & Berrgy, C. C. (1976) Health status: Types of validity and the index of well being. Health Services Research, 11(1): 478-507.
• Kerr, E.A., Asch, S.M., Hamilton, E.G., & Mcglynn, E.A. (2000) Quality of care for general medical conditions: A review of the literature and quality indicators. Santa Monica: Rand
• Puma, J.L. & Lawlor, E.F. (1990) Quality-adjusted life-years. Ethical implications for physicians and policymakers. JAMA, 263(21). Online, Retrieved November 20, 2007: http://jama-ama-assn-org/

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