Quality-Adjusted Life Years and Disability

This entry explores the intricate relationship between the metric of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and disability, addressing how the application of QALYs intersects with the social construction of disability and its implications for healthcare resource allocation. While QALYs serve as a rational gauge of treatment efficiency, the concept inadvertently perpetuates disparities and discrimination against individuals with disabilities, amplifying their marginalized status in society. Despite its widespread use, the concept of QALYs poses significant challenges for individuals with disabilities, failing to adequately capture the diverse experiences and needs of this population. By recognizing and addressing the limitations of QALYs, society can move toward a more just and compassionate healthcare system that upholds the dignity and rights of all individuals, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.