Should I/we use the acronym HQALYs (Human QALYs)?
Assuming the language we use is not only descriptive but also performative, when I talk to others:
… I use “non-human animals” as a reminder that we are also animals and all of us deserve moral consideration
… I use “non-human primates” and “non-human simians” as a reminder that we belong to the same order/family
Following the same rational, I also use “Human QALYs” to be explicit that I’m comparing the impact of different interventions in terms of human lives. When we talk about “lives with value to be measured and saved” referring to human lives only (without being explicit of that and assuming that everyone will understand we are referring to human lives only), we may unconsciously link the concepts “valuable lives” and “only human lives” in our minds.
On the other side I’ve never seen HQALY written anywhere else, and QALY/DALY is such a widespread term that I’m afraid we don’t need an additional acronym.
Should I/we use the acronym HQALYs (Human QALYs)?
Assuming the language we use is not only descriptive but also performative, when I talk to others:
… I use “non-human animals” as a reminder that we are also animals and all of us deserve moral consideration
… I use “non-human primates” and “non-human simians” as a reminder that we belong to the same order/family
Following the same rational, I also use “Human QALYs” to be explicit that I’m comparing the impact of different interventions in terms of human lives. When we talk about “lives with value to be measured and saved” referring to human lives only (without being explicit of that and assuming that everyone will understand we are referring to human lives only), we may unconsciously link the concepts “valuable lives” and “only human lives” in our minds.
On the other side I’ve never seen HQALY written anywhere else, and QALY/DALY is such a widespread term that I’m afraid we don’t need an additional acronym.
What do you think? Shall I/we use QALY or HQALY?