utility

1) In economic and decision analysis, the desirability of a specific health status or health outcome, usually expressed as being on a continuum from zero to one (death having a utility value of zero, and a full healthy life having a utility value of one).

Note: This term is often used as a synonym for preference.

2) The relative desirability of, or preference for, a specific health outcome or health status (usually from the perspective of the patient).