Applications of QOL measurements: a managed care perspective

The current application of QOL measurements and outcomes in managed care organizations is minimal, but potential applications are significant, since a fundamental goal of managed care is to optimize member/patient health, well-being, and satisfaction with efficient resource use. The challenge for researchers and clinicians in this field is to demonstrate the validity and value of a select number of instruments and to galvanize practicing physicians to put them to use in their practices. Managed care organizations would then use their influence over providers, including contract requirements and economic incentives, as well as their internal resources for data collection, analysis, and reporting, to push broader application and dissemination of QOL instruments.