QALYs and Quality Management: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Much has been written in the past 15 years on the rationing of services, quality of life, and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs). However, there still seems to be much confusion and controversy as to the meaning of, and use of, the term QALY, by many professional groups. Aims to discuss the nature of QALYs and the use/potential use in the NHS today by referring to the recent literature.