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Ethics and resource allocation: can health care outcomes be QALYfied?

Queen Elizabeth Psychiatric Hospital, Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2QZ

This paper discusses the theoretical foundation of QALY and examines the assumptions which underlie these theories. It argues that there are methodological flaws in the construction of QALY and that there are inherent risks in its possible application to psychiatry. It also draws attention to fundamental ethical problems with the concept of QALY as a tool for valuing the quality of life or well-being of persons.