Can We Measure ‘Output’? Quality-Adjusted Life Years, Health Indices and Occupational Therapy

Abstract

The question ‘Is it possible?’ logically precedes the question ‘Should it be done?’ It is hoped to show that the output of an occupational therapy department can be measured, and that it should be. The article begins with a discussion of output measurement and its implications, in the context of a hospital occupational therapy department. The Quality-Adjusted Life Year (QALY) approach is then explained and its relevance to occupational therapy is assessed.