The Health Utilities Index (HUI (R)) system for assessing health-related quality of life in clinical studies

This paper reviews the Health Utilities Index (HUI(R)) systems as means to describe health status and obtain utility scores reflecting health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The HUI Mark 2 (HUI2) and Mark 3 (HUI3) classifica tion and scoring systems are described. The methods used to estimate multia ttribute utility functions for HUI2 and HUI3 are reviewed. The use of HUI i n clinical studies for a wide variety of conditions in a large number of co untries is illustrated. HUI provides a comprehensive description of the hea lth status of subjects in clinical studies. HUI has been shown to be a reli able, responsive and valid measure in a wide variety of clinical studies. U tility scores provide an overall assessment of the HRQoL of patients. Utili ty scores are also useful in cost-utility analyses and related studies. Gen eral population norm data are available. The widespread use of HUI facilita tes the interpretation of results and permits comparisons. HUI is a useful tool for assessing health status and HRQol in clinical studies.