The seminar will review the conceptualization and methodology of how health-related quality of life (HRQOL) can be summarized into a single preference-based health (utility) index. The preference-based health (utility) index enables the estimation of the "Q" of QALYs (quality adjusted life years) and the effectiveness of cost-effectiveness analysis. The classical Standard Gamble method for transforming multi-dimensional HRQOL into a single preference-based health index will be discussed and practised. The Chinese (Hong Kong) SF-6D, a preference-based measure of health derived from the SF-36, will be used as an illustration. The seminar will be interactive with a combination of theories and practicals.

Dr. Cindy Lam is an academic family physician who has a special interest in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) assessment. She has worked in this area of research as the principal investigator in the adaptation and application of several HRQOL instruments including the widely used SF-36 to the local Chinese population since 1995. Her recent research is on the application of HRQOL in health economics analyses and clinical trials. She has published three book chapters and more than 40 refereed journal articles on HRQOL. She has also conducted many training seminars and workshops on HRQOL for international and local professionals.