ABSTRACT
Health-related quality of life (HQL) assessment, if designed and implemented correctly, provides an especially comprehensive and sensitive vehicle for communicating information on the burden of disease and the effectiveness of treatment. As a research methodology, it plays a supporting role in research and policy formulation. Although HQL assessment does not provide simple solutions to the problems plaguing the U.S. health-care system, it can contribute to the improved design and evaluation of the health-care delivery system. It can help to inform and refine the policy debate, influence priorities, and facilitate new approaches to research and regulation.
