Given the limited resources available for public health activities, challenging questions arise about the scope and priorities of government public health policy. It can be quite challenging for health officials to make decisions about which particular public health goals to pursue and what resources and activities should be dedicated towards their achievement. Additionally, public health seeks evidence of effective outcomes in order to justify which decision should be made. Sometimes this comes in the form of a cost-benefit analysis. One such measure commonly used considers the relative costs of an intervention compared to quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) saved.
QALY however, is not to be confused with simply adding years to one’s life expectancy, and comes with its own controversies. For example, some claim that a QALY approach can lead to unjust social distribution, as it is calculated based-upon the capacity to benefit, rather than actual need. For instance, two populations with similar cancer rates may be competing for federal funding to implement a health promotion project that has been proven to lower cancer incidence. One population also has a high rate of disability, while the other does not. The QALY approach in this case would favor the healthier population, as they would have the best potential for an increased “quality” of life. Therefore, a question of social justice and equity may be raised.

For this writing, report on potential political, legal, and economic issues concerning the use of QALY’s as a measure of evidence in public health practice and delivery (with respect to euthanasia- if appropriate). Your writing should explore real life situations whenever possible, and discuss ethical theories/principles- such as social justice and equity.

Your writing should reflect professionalism in grammar, spelling, writing and MUST include APA 6th in-text citations with an appropriate reference page, and an appropriate title page.

Sources: At least one of the references must be from the textbook, Bernheim, Childress, Melnick, & Bonnie. (2013). Essentials of public health ethics. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning (preferably chapter 4- if available to writer).