Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs)

QALYs are a measure used in health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) to estimate the value and benefit of a medical treatment on a patient’s life. They provide a quantitative assessment of both the extra months or years of life gained and the improvement in quality of life resulting from a specific treatment for a particular disease or condition.

Key points include:

• Measurement: QALYs combine the quantity (length of life) and quality (health-related quality of life) of life into a single metric. Quality of life is typically assessed using standardized measures that capture physical, psychological, and social well-being.
• Application: QALYs are especially valuable in evaluating treatments for chronic conditions where improving or maintaining quality of life is a critical treatment goal.
• Uses:
  • Cost-effectiveness analysis: QALYs are fundamental in assessing the cost-effectiveness of healthcare interventions. They allow policymakers and healthcare providers to compare different treatments or interventions by evaluating the cost per QALY gained.
  • Treatment evaluation: QALYs help determine the effectiveness of new treatments compared to existing ones. By quantifying the additional QALYs gained, decision-makers can prioritize treatments that offer the best outcomes relative to their costs.
• Health policy: QALYs inform health policy decisions by providing evidence on the value of medical interventions in terms of patient outcomes and resource allocation.