Discrete Choice Experiment Tasks Research Articles

Valuation survey for SF-6Dv2 in Japan based on the international protocol.

The SF-6D Classification System was recently updated (SF-6Dv2). We performed a valuation survey to construct a value set for the SF-6Dv2 in Japan. An online discrete choice experiment (DCE) with duration was used to estimate a value set for the SF-6Dv2 for Japan based on public preferences. The target sample number was 3800. Respondents were asked to complete 15 choice tasks. A conditional logit model that estimates interactions between time and each dimension was used to develop the value set. The collected sample included 3933 respondents for the DCE tasks. The results of all the unconstrained models showed some inconsistencies. In particular, inconsistencies in the two most severe levels of the role limitation (RL) and vitality (VT) dimensions were observed in all models. The number of inconsistencies was smallest in a core model (n = 3) and in a model for core and common health states (n = 2). The physical functioning (PF) and pain (PA) dimensions had the greatest influence on utility at the overall level across all models. RL, VT, and social functioning (SF) had smaller overall impacts on utility. The PF weights for the two most severe levels are much lower than those in the UK and Australia. The Japanese scores tended to be lower compared with the UK SF-6Dv2 scores. We obtained a value set for Japan (model 5). With the development of this value set, it is now possible to calculate quality-adjusted life years for economic evaluation in Japan when the SF-6Dv2 has been used.

Deriving a Preference-Weighted Measure for People With Hypoglycemia From the Hypo-RESOLVE-Quality of Life

ObjectivesHypoglycemia affects the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of people living with diabetes (PwD), and existing preference-weighted measures do not capture all important aspects. The study aimed to generate a preference-weighted measure capturing the HRQoL impact of hypoglycemia in PwD. MethodsItems for the health-state classification system were selected from the hypoglycemia-specific Hypo-RESOLVE QoL measure using relevance in cognitive interviews, translatability, suitability for valuation, endorsement by patient advisors and experts, and psychometric performance in a large survey of PwD. Second, an online valuation survey using discrete choice experiment (DCE) with survival attribute was conducted with members of the UK public. DCE data were modeled using conditional logit analysis and results scaled to produce preference weights for the classification system on a scale in which 1 is equivalent to full health, 0 is equivalent to dead, and below 0 is worse than dead. ResultsThe health-state classification system consists of 8 items reflecting the factors of the Hypo-RESOLVE QoL (psychological, social, and physical aspects). The valuation survey was completed by 1000 members of the UK public, representative for age and sex. Good understanding of DCE tasks was demonstrated. The item “do what I want to do in my life” had the largest preference weight, and “find it hard to stop thinking about my glucose levels” had the smallest. ConclusionsThis study generated Hypo-RESOLVE QoL-8D, a preference-weighted measure capturing the HRQoL impact of hypoglycemia in PwD, with UK general public preference weights. The measure can be generated from Hypo-RESOLVE QoL data.

A Direct Comparison Between Discrete Choice With Duration and Composite Time Trade-Off Methods: Do They Produce Similar Results?

ObjectivesDiscrete choice experiments including a duration attribute (DCEd) represent a promising candidate method for valuing health-related quality-of-life instruments. However, it has not been established that DCEd can produce similar results as composite time trade-off (cTTO) or EuroQol Valuation Technology (EQ-VT) valuations of the EQ-5D-5L instrument. This study provides a direct comparison between cTTO and EQ-VT, and DCEd valuation methods. MethodsAn EQ-VT study was conducted in Trinidad and Tobago to value the EQ-5D-5L. 1079 respondents each completed 10 cTTO tasks and 12 discrete choice experiments tasks without a duration attribute. A separate sample of 970 respondents each completed 18 split-triplet DCEd tasks. Several regression models were applied to the EQ-VT data, and the DCEd data were analyzed using mixed logit models with an exponential discount rate. The estimated values were compared using scatterplots and Bland-Altman plots. ResultsThe ordering of dimensions was identical in level 5 for cTTO/EQ-VT and DCEd models, with pain/discomfort being the most important dimension and usual activities being least important. cTTO/EQ-VT models produced a value for state 55555 ranging between −0.52 and −0.69, whereas this was −0.543 for the nonlinear mixed logit model for the DCEd data. Scatterplots and Bland-Altman plots suggested excellent agreement between cTTO/EQ-VT and DCEd-based estimates. ConclusionsCTTO/EQ-VT and DCEd valuations produce similar results when correcting DCEd for nonlinear time preferences. The ordering of importance of the dimensions and scale are identical, suggesting that the 2 methods measure the same construct and produce similar results.

Comparison of four value sets derived using different TTO and DCE approaches: application to the new region-specific PBM, AP-7D

BackgroundAP-7D is a newly developed preference-based measure (PBM) in East and Southeast Asia. However, no value set has been established yet. Comparison of the characteristics of value sets obtained by different methods is necessary to consider the most appropriate methodology for valuation survey of AP-7D.MethodWe surveyed the general population’s preference of AP-7D health states by four valuation methods (a) composite time trade-off (cTTO); (b) simple discrete choice experiment (DCE); (c) DCE with duration; and (d) ternary DCE. In Japan, we collected approximately 1,000 samples for cTTO tasks through a face-to-face survey and 2,500 samples for each of the three DCE tasks. Respondents were selected through quota sampling based on the sex and age. The cTTO data were analyzed using a linear mixed and tobit model; the DCE data were analyzed using a simple and panel conditional logit model. Where the results of the analysis showed inconsistencies, a constrained model was used.ResultsSince all the unconstrained models, except simple DCE, showed one or more inconsistencies, the constrained model was used for the analyses. The minimum values for the models were as follows: TTO model, -0.101; simple DCE model, -0.106; DCE with duration model, -0.706; ternary DCE model, -0.306. The score for the DCE with the duration model was much lower than that for the other models. Although the value sets for AP-7D differed among the four valuation methods, the ternary DCE model showed intermediate characteristics between those of the cTTO and DCE with duration models. As compared with to EQ-5D-5L, the distributions of all the scores on the Japanese AP-7D moved to the left. Although “Energy” was one of the domains with the least influence on the AP-7D score in all four models, “Burden to others” had the largest impact on the preferences.ConclusionWe constructed four value sets using different TTO and DCE methods. Our findings are expected not only to contribute to the development of AP-7D, but also other preference-based measures.

Eliciting Depression Patients' Preferences for Medication Management: A Protocol for Discrete Choice Experiment.

Depression threatens people's lives and imposes huge economic burden. Antidepressant therapy is the first-line treatment for depression, and patient adherence to medication is the key to successful treatment. Depression patients have poor medication adherence, which leads to failure of depression management and significantly poorer clinical outcomes. Incorporating patient preferences into clinical decisions can improve uptake rates, optimize treatment adherence. A discrete choice experiment (DCE) can elicit and quantify individual preferences. Previous DCE studies were conducted in developed countries and ignored the influences of factors other than the medication. This paper outlines an ongoing DCE that aims to (1) explore medication-management-related characteristics that may affect depression patients' adherence to antidepressant, (2) elicit how depression patients consider the trade-offs among different medication managements. The six attributes and their levels were developed through a literature review, semi-structured interviews and experts and focus group discussions. A fractional factorial design in the software Ngene 1.2 version was used to generate 36 choice sets, and they were divided into 3 blocks. A mixed logit model will be used to explore the patients' preferences, willingness to pay and uptake rate of depression patients for medication management attributes. The final questionnaire consists of three parts. The first is the introduction, which introduces the purpose of the study and the requirements of completing the questionnaire. This was followed by a general information questionnaire, which included sociodemographic characteristics. The last part is DCE tasks, which include 13 DCE choice sets, and each choice set include two alternative and one "opt-out" option. The pilot-test results showed the questionnaire was easy to understand and could be used in formal surveys. Our study shows how the development process of the study can be conducted and reported systematically and rigorously according to the theoretical foundation and design principles in DCE.

Abstract P335: Patient Preferences For Renal Denervation In Uncontrolled Hypertension: The RADIANCE PREFER Study

Objective: Blood pressure control is a challenge for patients for reasons including adherence, medication side effects, poor access to healthcare, and inconvenience of long-term treatment. Renal denervation is a treatment option that lowers blood pressure in combination with lifestyle modifications and medications, but it requires a minimally invasive procedure. This study assessed how patients make choices between treatments, and quantified their willingness to undergo renal denervation. Methods: An online discrete choice experiment (DCE) was completed by US adults with uncontrolled hypertension despite being prescribed ≥1 medication. In 10 DCE tasks, participants chose between two hypothetical treatments defined by the 10-year cardiovascular (CV) risk, current treatments (procedure/number of pills per day), durability/need for future treatments (additional procedure or pills), and risks of mild-to-moderate and serious adverse events. The attributes were developed through a targeted literature review, 10 qualitative interviews, and FDA feedback, and were refined through 5 cognitive pilot interviews. DCE data were analyzed using mixed logit models which were used to simulate treatment uptake in different scenarios. Results: Participants (n=258) were 62% female, 40% non-white, and from multiple regions of the US, with a majority from the South (63%). Mean (SD) age was 53 (12) years and BMI was 33 (10) kg/m 2 . All participants were currently taking ≥1 pill/day. Participants put the most weight on CV risk when deciding between treatment options. Given the same number of pills, 42% would choose an interventional treatment if it reduced their 10-year CV risk by 5% more than medication alone. In addition, 42% of patients would prefer a one-time invasive procedure versus taking an additional pill if the procedure had the same effect on CV risk as medication alone. Conclusions: A substantial number of patients taking medication for hypertension would be willing to undergo renal denervation to reduce their CV risk or to avoid an increase in their pill burden.

Understanding the valuation of paediatric health-related quality of life: a qualitative study protocol

IntroductionThere is evidence from previous studies that adults value paediatric health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and adult HRQoL differently. Less is known about how adolescents value paediatric HRQoL and whether...

EQ-5D-5L Value Set for Slovenia.

The aim of this valuation study was to produce a value set to support the use of EQ-5D-5L data in decision making in Slovenia. The study design followed the published EuroQol research protocol, and a quota sample was defined according to age, sex, and region. Overall, 1012 adult respondents completed 10 time trade-off and seven discrete choice experiment tasks in face-to-face interviews. The Tobit model was used to analyse the composite time trade-off (cTTO) data in order to generate values for the 3125 EQ-5D-5L health states. The data showed logical consistency, with more severe states being given lower values. The greatest disutility was shown in the pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression dimensions. In the EQ-5D-5L value set, the values range from -1.09 to 1. With the exception of UA5 (unable to perform usual activities), all other levels on all health dimensions were statistically different from 0 and from each other.Compared with the existing EQ-5D-3L value set, there is a slightly lower share of 'worse than dead' states (32.1% compared with 33.7%) and the minimum value is lower. Results have important implications for users of the EQ-5D-5L in Slovenia and regions. It is a robust and up-to-date value set and should be the preferred value set used in adults in Slovenia and in neighbouring countries without their own value set.

Comparison of Preferences and Data Quality between Discrete Choice Experiments Conducted in Online and Face-to-Face Respondents.

Discrete choice experiments (DCE) are increasingly being conducted using online panels. However, the comparability of such DCE-based preferences to traditional modes of data collection (e.g., in-person) is not well established. In this study, supervised, face-to-face DCE was compared with its unsupervised, online facsimile on face validity, respondent behavior, and modeled preferences. Data from face-to-face and online EQ-5D-5L health state valuation studies were compared, in which each used the same experimental design and quota sampling procedure. Respondents completed 7 binary DCE tasks comparing 2 EQ-5D-5L health states presented side by side (health states A and B). Data face validity was assessed by comparing preference patterns as a function of the severity difference between 2 health states within a task. The prevalence of potentially suspicious choice patterns (i.e., all As, all Bs, and alternating As/Bs) was compared between studies. Preference data were modeled using multinomial logit regression and compared based on dimensional contribution to overall scale and importance ranking of dimension-levels. One thousand five Online respondents and 1,099 face-to-face screened (F2FS) respondents were included in the main comparison of DCE tasks. Online respondents reported more problems on all EQ-5D dimensions except for Mobility. The face validity of the data was similar between comparators. Online respondents had a greater prevalence of potentially suspicious DCE choice patterns ([Online]: 5.3% [F2FS] 2.9%, P = 0.005). When modeled, the relative contribution of each EQ-5D dimension differed between modes of administration. Online respondents weighed Mobility more importantly and Anxiety/Depression less importantly. Although assessments of face validity were similar between Online and F2FS, modeled preferences differed. Future analyses are needed to clarify whether differences are attributable to preference or data quality variation between modes of data collection.

Valuing the EQ Health and Wellbeing Short Using Time Trade-Off and a Discrete Choice Experiment: A Feasibility Study

ObjectivesThe EQ Health and Wellbeing Short (EQ-HWB-S) is a new generic measure that covers health and wellbeing developed for use in economic evaluation in health and social care. The aim was to test the feasibility of using composite time trade-off (cTTO) and a discrete choice experiment (DCE) based on an international protocol to derive utilities for the EQ-HWB-S and to generate a pilot value set. MethodsA representative UK general population was recruited. Online videoconference interviews were undertaken where cTTO and DCE tasks were administered using EuroQol Portable Valuation Technology. Quality control (QC) was used to assess interviewers’ performance. Data were modeled using Tobit, probit, and hybrid models. Feasibility was assessed based on the distribution of data, participants, and reports of understanding from the interviewer, QC and modeling results. ResultscTTO and DCE data were available for 520 participants. Demographic characteristics were broadly representative of the UK general population. Interviewers met QC requirements. cTTO values ranged between −1 to 1 with increasing disutility associated with more severe states. Participants understood the tasks and the EQ-HWB-S states; and the interviewers reported high levels of understanding and engagement. The hybrid Tobit heteroscedastic model was selected for the pilot value set with values ranging from −0.384 to 1. Pain, mobility, daily activities, and sad/depressed had the largest disutilities, followed by loneliness, anxiety, exhaustion, control, and cognition in the selected model. ConclusionsEQ-HWB-S can be valued using cTTO and DCE. Further methodological work is recommended to develop a valuation protocol specific to the EQ-HWB-S.

Patient preferences for pilonidal sinus treatments: a discrete choice experiment survey.

A range of treatments are available for pilonidal sinus disease (PSD), each of which has a different risk/benefit profile. The aim of this study was to collect patient views on which interventions they would rather avoid and which outcomes they most value for PSD. We conducted an online survey using the discrete choice experiment (DCE) method. DCE task involved participants choosing the best treatment option when presented with a set of competing hypothetical treatment profiles. Participants with symptomatic PSD, referred for elective surgery were recruited from 33 NHS trusts between 2020 and 2022. Collected DCE data were analysed using regression analyses. One hundred and eleven participants completed the survey. In the overall group, low risk of infection/persistence was the most important characteristic when making a treatment decision (attribute importance score of 70%), followed by treatments with shorter recovery time with an attribute importance score of 30%. The results demonstrated that patients are willing to accept trade-offs between treatment recovery time and risk of infection/persistence. Patients above 30 years old are willing to accept a higher chance of treatment failure in exchange for rapid treatment recovery (risk tolerance between 22.35 - 34.67 percentage points). Conversely, patients in the younger age groups, were risk averse, and were only willing to accept a small risk 1.51-2.15 in exchange for a treatment with faster recovery time. All patient groups appear to the reject the excision and leave open technique due to the need for protracted nursing care. This study highlights the need for shared decision making when it comes to surgery for PSD.

Adolescent and Parent Preferences for Hypodontia: Discrete Choice Experiment

Choosing hypodontia treatment requires young people and parents to consider a large amount of information, identify what is important to them, and make trade-offs between options. This study aimed to examine young people and parents’ preferences for hypodontia treatment using discrete choice experiment (DCE). This was a cross-sectional survey of young people (12–16 y) with hypodontia of any severity, at any stage of treatment, and their parents. Participants were recruited from NHS Hospitals in England and Wales. A bespoke DCE questionnaire was developed to measure preferences for 6 attributes of hypodontia treatment (waiting time, treatment time, problems during treatment, discomfort during treatment, bite, appearance). The questionnaire was completed 1) online by young people and parents, individually or together, and 2) by child–parent dyads under observation. Preferences were analyzed using regression models. In total, 204 participants (122 young people, 56 parents, 26 dyads) completed the online questionnaire and 15 child–parent dyads completed the questionnaire under observation. The most important attribute in hypodontia treatment was improvement in appearance, but significant heterogeneity was found in preferences. Four distinct groups of participants were found: group 1 (39%): severe discomfort and problems were most important; group 2 (31%): most concerned about improvement in appearance of teeth and improvement in bite; group 3 (22%): appearance 3 times more important than any other attribute; and group 4 (9%): preferences difficult to interpret. There was variation in how child–parent dyads approached decision-making, with some negotiating joint preferences, while for others, one individual dominated. Making trade-offs in DCE tasks helped some people think about treatment and identify their preferences. Appearance is an important outcome from hypodontia treatment, but preferences vary and potential risks and functional outcome are also important to some people. There is a notable level of uncertainty in decision-making, which suggests further shared decision support would be valuable.

Estimating the willingness-to-pay to avoid the consequences of foodborne illnesses: a discrete choice experiment

Lost productivity is one of the largest costs associated with foodborne illness (FBI); however, the methods used to estimate lost productivity are often criticised for overestimating the actual burden of illness. A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was undertaken to elicit preferences to avoid six possible FBIs and estimate whether ability to work, availability of paid sick leave and health-related quality of life affect willingness-to-pay (WTP) to avoid FBI. Respondents (N = 1918) each completed 20 DCE tasks covering two different FBIs [gastrointestinal illness, flu-like illness, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Guillain–Barre syndrome (GBS), reactive arthritis (ReA), or haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS)]. Attributes included: ability to work, availability of sick leave, treatment costs and illness duration. Choices were modelled using mixed logit regression and WTP was estimated. The WTP to avoid a severe illness was higher than a mild illness. For chronic conditions, the marginal WTP to avoid a chronic illness for one year, ranged from $531 for mild ReA ($1412 for severe ReA) to $1025 for mild HUS ($2195 for severe HUS). There was a substantial increase in the marginal WTP to avoid all the chronic conditions when the ability to work was reduced and paid sick leave was not available, ranging from $6289 for mild IBS to $11,352 for severe ReA. Including factors that reflect productivity and compensation to workers influenced the WTP to avoid a range of FBIs for both acute and chronic conditions. These results have implications for estimating the burden and cost of FBI.

EQ-5D-5L: a value set for Romania

ObjectiveWe aimed to develop an EQ-5D-5L value set for Romania.MethodsIn line with the EuroQoL standardized valuation protocol, computer-assisted interviews were conducted face-to-face in a representative sample in Romania (November 2018–November 2019).Valuation methods included composite time trade-off and discrete choice experiment tasks. Several models were tested, including models that accounted for data censoring, panel structure of the data, heteroscedasticity, conditional logit, and hybrid models. The final model was selected based on logical consistency, theoretical considerations, and use of all available data. We compared our value set with other value sets from Central and Eastern Europe region.ResultsData from 1493 respondents was used to estimate the value set. A censored hybrid model corrected for heteroscedasticity was selected to represent the value set. The highest decrements in utility were observed for the pain/discomfort dimension (0.375), followed by the mobility dimension (0.293). Health utilities ranged from 1.000 to − 0.323 and 1.3% of the values were negative. The model was corrected with survey weights to better reflect the representativeness of the sample, but the first two coefficients of the self-care dimension stopped being logically consistent. Differences were found between the Romanian, Hungarian and Polish EQ-5D-5L value sets. Good agreement was noted with the Romanian EQ-5D-3L value set, with a swap between pain/discomfort and mobility in ranking of dimensions.ConclusionA value set for EQ-5D-5L is now available for Romania. This will push one-step further the development of health technology assessment and encourage more health-related quality-of-life research to be conducted locally.

A Discrete Choice Experiment to Elicit General Population Preferences Around the Factors Influencing the Choice to Make Clinical Negligence Claims

ObjectivesThis article determines public stated preferences around different factors that influence the choice to make clinical negligence claims against a national healthcare system. MethodsA large online survey was conducted using a discrete choice experiment (DCE) with the UK general population (N = 1013). DCE tasks involved a single profile and participants chose whether to make a claim for compensation (yes/no) after one of 3 randomly allocated patient safety incident (PSI) “scenarios” of different severities (mild, moderate, severe). DCE attributes described the actions of the healthcare system after a PSI and characteristics of the clinical negligence claims process. The data were modeled separately for each scenario (mild, moderate, severe) using logistic regression. Marginal effects and the probability of making a claim in a baseline case were estimated. ResultsProbability of choosing to claim was reduced by receipt of an apology, investigation and prevention of recurrence of the PSI, and longer time until claim decision and increased by an easy and straightforward claims process and high chance of compensation and for the mild scenario higher compensation amounts. Marginal effects and baseline case probabilities differed by scenario severity. ConclusionsThe results suggest the actions of the healthcare system after a PSI and characteristics of the claims process have a larger impact on the probability of making a claim for milder PSIs. For more severe PSIs, a larger probability of making a claim was observed, and the choice was less influenced by the actions of the healthcare system after the PSI and characteristics of the claims process.

The use of composite time trade-off and discrete choice experiment methods for the valuation of the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (SWEMWBS): a think-aloud study

PurposeTo identify patterns and problems in completing composite time trade-off (C-TTO) and discrete choice experiment (DCE) exercises for the valuation of the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (SWEMWBS) to inform the optimisation of a valuation protocol.MethodsFourteen cognitive interviews were conducted in the UK using concurrent and retrospective think-aloud and probing techniques. Each participant completed 8 C-TTO tasks and 8 DCE tasks within a computer-assisted personal interview setting. Verbal information was transcribed verbatim. Axial coding and thematic analysis were used to organise the qualitative data and identify patterns and problems with the completion of tasks.ResultsWhile participants found the tasks generally manageable, five broad themes emerged to explain and optimise the response to the tasks. (1) Format and structure: attention to the design of practice examples, instructions, and layout were needed. (2) Items and levels: underlying relationships were discovered across different combinations of levels of SWEMWBS items. (3) Decision heuristics: participants engaged in diverse strategies to assist trade-off decisions. (4) Valuation feasibility: certain states were difficult to imagine, compare and quantify. (5) Valuation outcome: the data quality was affected by participants’ discriminatory ability across states and their time trade-off decisions.ConclusionThe interviews contributed insights regarding the robustness of the proposed methods. The application of C-TTO and DCE valuation techniques was practical and suitable for capturing individual attitudes towards different mental well-being scenarios. A modified protocol informed by the results is being tested in a larger sample across the UK.

Adolescent valuation of CARIES-QC-U: a child-centred preference-based measure of dental caries

ObjectivesThis study develops an adolescent value set for a child-centred dental caries-specific measure of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) based upon CARIES-QC (Caries Impacts and Experiences Questionnaire for Children). This study develops a new approach to valuing child health by eliciting adolescent preferences and anchoring these onto the 1–0 full health-dead QALY (quality adjusted life year) scale using ordinal adult preferences.MethodsTwo online surveys were created to elicit preferences for the CARIES-QC classification system. The first comprised best–worst scaling (BWS) tasks for completion by adolescents aged 11–16 years. The second comprised discrete choice experiment tasks with a duration attribute (DCETTO) for completion by adults aged over 18 years. Preferences were modelled using the conditional logit model. Mapping regressions anchored the adolescent BWS data onto the QALY scale using adult DCETTO values, since the BWS survey data alone cannot generate anchored values.Results723 adolescents completed the BWS survey and 626 adults completed the DCETTO survey. The samples were representative of UK adolescent and adult populations. Fully consistent and robust models were produced for both BWS and DCETTO data. BWS preferences were mapped onto DCETTO values, resulting utility estimates for each health state defined by the classification system.ConclusionThis is the first measure with predetermined scoring based on preferences to be developed specifically for use in child oral health research, and uses a novel technique to generate a value set using adolescent preferences. The estimates can be used to generate QALYs in economic evaluations of interventions to improve children’s oral health.

Patient and Public Preferences for Coordinated Care in Switzerland: Development of a Discrete Choice Experiment.

ObjectiveOur objective was to develop and test a discrete choice experiment (DCE) eliciting public and patient preferences for better-coordinated care in Switzerland.MethodsWe applied a multistage mixed-methods procedure using qualitative and quantitative approaches. First, to identify attributes, we performed a review of the DCE literature in healthcare with a focus on chronic care. Next, attribute selection involved stakeholders (N = 7) from various healthcare sectors to select the most relevant and actionable attributes, followed by three organized focus groups involving the general public and patients (N = 21) to verify the selection and the clarity of the DCE tasks and explanations. Finally, we conducted an online pilot in the target population to test the survey and obtain priors for a final six tested attributes to refine the final design of the experiment.ResultsAfter identifying an initial 33 attributes, a final list of six attributes was selected following stakeholder involvement and the three focus groups involving the target population. At the online pilot-testing stage with 301 participants, the majority of respondents found the DCE choice tasks socially relevant for Switzerland but challenging. The quality of the answers was relatively high. Most attributes had signs matching those in the literature and focus group discussions.ConclusionThis article will be useful to researchers designing DCEs from a broad health policy perspective. The multistage approach involving a range of stakeholders was essential for the development of a DCE that is relevant for policy makers and well-accepted by the general public and patients.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40271-021-00568-2.

Developing the EQ-5D-5L Value Set for Uganda Using the 'Lite' Protocol.

ObjectiveA ‘lite’ version of the EQ-5D-5L valuation protocol, which requires a smaller sample by collecting more data from each participant, was proposed and used to develop an EQ-5D-5L value set for Uganda.MethodsAdult respondents from the general Ugandan population were quota sampled based on age and sex. Eligible participants were asked to complete 20 composite time trade-off tasks in the tablet-assisted personal interviews using the offline EuroQol Portable Valuation Technology software under routine quality control. No discrete choice experiment task was administered.The composite time trade-off data were modelled using four additive and two multiplicative regression models. Model performance was evaluated based on face validity, prediction accuracy in cross-validation and in predicting mild health states. The final value set was generated using the best-performing model.ResultsA representative sample (N = 545) participated in this study. Responses to composite time trade-off tasks from 492 participants were included in the primary analysis. All models showed face validity and generated comparable prediction accuracy. The Tobit model with constrained intercepts and corrected for heteroscedasticity was considered the preferred model for the value set on the basis of better performance. The value set ranges from − 1.116 (state 55555) to 1 (state 11111) with ‘pain/discomfort’ as the most important dimension.ConclusionsThis is the first EQ-5D-5L valuation study using a ‘lite’ protocol involving composite time trade-off data only. Our results suggest its feasibility in resource-constrained settings. The established EQ-5D-5L value set for Uganda is expected to be used for economic evaluations and decision making in Uganda and the East Africa region.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40273-021-01101-x.

Quality of care experience in aged care: An Australia-Wide discrete choice experiment to elicit preference weights

The quality of aged care provided to older people is a concern for all countries globally. This study adopts a novel first-stage discrete choice experiment (DCE) and a second-stage quality rating task to empirically estimate the relative importance of six key aged care quality criteria from more than 10,000 Australian general population sample. The six attributes or characteristics (each with five levels) compose the new measure, Quality of Care Experience (QCE) in aged care that includes: ‘Respect & Dignity’, ‘Make Own Decisions’, ‘Skills & Training (of staff)’, ‘Health & Wellbeing’, ‘Social Relationships’, and ‘Lodging Complaints’. The online survey was conducted between September and October 2019. Preference heterogeneity was evident among respondents. The latent class analysis indicates that those more experienced respondents (i.e. have a better knowledge of Australia's current aged care system or they had a close family member who was receiving aged care services) valued more towards the outcomes of the aged care services whilst the inexperienced respondents valued highly towards the process of the aged care services. A preference weighted scoring algorithm was developed for the QCE measure (on a 0–1 scale whereby 0 = lowest quality and 1 = highest quality) and the corresponding quality thresholds for ‘Unacceptable/Poor’, ‘Satisfactory’ and ‘High/Very High’ quality of care were reported based on the second-stage quality rating questions following each DCE task. The impact of different QCE attributes on the quality ratings was non-linear when considering movements from ‘Unacceptable/Poor’ to ‘Satisfactory’, and from ‘Satisfactory’ to ‘High/Very High’. This study provides important insights into the general public's perceptions of the relative importance of key quality of care experience criteria in aged care.