Abstract

Policymakers use clinical and cost-effectiveness evidence to support decisions about health service commissioning. In England, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that in cost-effectiveness analyses “effectiveness” is measured as quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), derived from health utility values (measures of general health and health related quality of life). The impact of perinatal death (stillbirth/neonatal death) on parents’ health utility is currently unknown. We estimated the impact of perinatal death on parents’ health utility. We conducted an online survey of mothers and fathers in England who had experienced a perinatal death (n=256). Participants were asked to rate their health on the EQ-5D-5L instrument (generic health measure) and these responses were used to calculate health utility values. Utility values in the sample were 13% lower than general population values. Over 10 years, this equated to a loss of 1.1 QALYs. This reduction in health utility was driven by anxiety and depression. Perinatal death has important and long-lasting health impacts on parents. Mental health support following perinatal bereavement is especially important.