A Bayesian Ponders “The Quality of Life”

Abstract

The notion of quality of life (QoL) has recently received a high profile in the biomedical, the bioeconomic, and the biostatistical literature. This is despite the fact that the notion lacks a formal definition. The literature on QoL is fragmented and diverse because each of its constituents emphasizes its own point of view. Discussions have centered around ways of defining QoL, ways of making it operational, and ways of making it relevant to medical decision making. An integrated picture showing how all of the above can be brought together is desirable. The purpose of this chapter is to propose a framework that does the above. This we do via a Bayesian hierarchical model. Our framework includes linkages with item response theory, survival analysis, and accelerated testing. More important, it paves the way for proposing a definition of QoL.

This is an expository chapter. Our aim is to provide an architecture for conceptualizing the notion of QoL and its role in health care planning. Our approach could be of relevance to other scenarios such as educational, psychometric, and sociometric testing, marketing, sports science, and quality assessment.