Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) is a measure used in health economics and healthcare policy to assess and compare the value and effectiveness of different medical interventions, treatments, or healthcare programs in improving the health and well-being of individuals.
In simple terms, QALYs are a way of quantifying the impact or benefit of a medical intervention on a person's life, taking into account both the quantity and quality of life-years lived.
A QALY is calculated by multiplying the number of years of life gained from a medical intervention by the quality of life experienced during those years, considering various health-related factors such as physical functioning, mental well-being, pain, and symptoms. The quality of life is usually rated on a scale of 0 to 1, with 1 representing perfect health and 0 equivalent to a state of death.
The purpose of using QALYs is to enable a standardized comparison of the benefits of different healthcare interventions, regardless of the specific health conditions or treatments involved. It allows policymakers and healthcare decision-makers to allocate limited resources efficiently by considering the cost-effectiveness and impact on a person's overall quality of life.
QALYs are widely used in cost-effectiveness analyses, health technology assessments, and healthcare policy evaluations. By quantifying both the length and quality of life, QALYs provide a comprehensive measure for evaluating the value and benefits of healthcare interventions and help inform decisions that prioritize the allocation of resources in the healthcare system.
