Carer Health-Related Quality of Life:
A Review of Modelling Considerations in National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Technology Appraisals (2000–2023)
Published Date: 10.10.2025
Theme: Carer health and wellbeing
Sub-theme: Physical health
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This publication / resource is hosted on a publicly available external link. If the full text is not publicly accessible, summary points are included and a contact method for the author(s) is provided, where available.
The summary information presented is based on content submitted by an author or other user, along with publicly available information about the publication / resource added by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team.
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Theme: Carer health and wellbeing
Sub-theme: Physical health
Verification Statement
This publication / resource is hosted on a publicly available external link. If the full text is not publicly accessible, summary points are included and a contact method for the author(s) is provided, where available.
The summary information presented is based on content submitted by an author or other user, along with publicly available information about the publication / resource added by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team.
All content is reviewed, edited and approved by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team, in line with our Submission Guidelines.
To report an issue or request a change, please complete our Feedback Form.
Carer Health-Related Quality of Life:
A Review of Modelling Considerations in National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Technology Appraisals (2000–2023)
Published Date: 10.10.2025
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Author/ Authors
Charlotte Ahmadu ,
Elise Evers ,
Johanna Lister,
Frank X. Liu ,
Oliver Darlington
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Suggested citation (APA 7th edition)
Ahmadu, C., Evers, E., Lister, J., Liu, F. X., & Darlington, O. (2025). CARER Health-Related Quality of Life: A review of modelling considerations in National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Technology Appraisals (2000–2023). PharmacoEconomics - Open, 9(6), 903–915. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41669-025-00611-0
Long Summary
This study reviews how carer health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has been incorporated into NICE technology appraisals from 2000 to 2023. It finds that while carer HRQoL is increasingly considered, methods vary widely, often relying on limited evidence and assumptions. Committees frequently question the robustness of these approaches, especially regarding double counting and uncertainty. The paper highlights a lack of standardised guidance, leading to inconsistent inclusion in cost–utility analyses. Authors recommend clearer methodological frameworks and better data collection to ensure carers’ perspectives are appropriately reflected in health technology assessments.
Key Messages for Carers
- Carers provide essential support to patients, yet their own health and well-being are often undervalued in healthcare decision-making. Current National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) technology appraisals show inconsistent inclusion of carers’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL), largely due to limited evidence and unclear guidance. Greater recognition of carers’ experiences is critical to achieving fair and patient-centered health technology assessments. Strengthening data collection and standardising methods will ensure that carers’ contributions and challenges are properly reflected in policy decisions, leading to more equitable and sustainable healthcare outcomes.
Key Messages for Policy Makers
- Carers play a critical role in health systems, yet their health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is inconsistently included in National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) appraisals. Lack of standardised guidance leads to methodological uncertainty and potential inequalities in decision-making. Policy makers should prioritise clear frameworks for incorporating carer HRQoL into cost-utility analyses, invest in robust data collection and ensure transparency to avoid double counting. Recognising carers' well-being in health technology assessments can improve resource allocation and support more holistic, patient-centred care.
