Published in:
01-04-2016 | Original Research Article
Valuing Preferences for the Process and Outcomes of Clinical Genetics Services: A Pilot Study
Published in: The Patient - Patient-Centered Outcomes Research | Issue 2/2016
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Background
Understanding preferences for the process and outcomes of clinical genetics services (CGS) is a first step to developing these services appropriately.
Aim
The aim of this study was to quantify the relative importance of attributes defining the process of service delivery and the patient outcomes of CGS.
Methods
An online hybrid conjoint analysis discrete choice experiment (CA-DCE) was piloted in a purposive sample (n = 37) of CGS patients and non-patients to identify (i) service attributes (n = 13) perceived to facilitate informed decision making; (ii) relative preferences for six attributes (5 process, 1 outcome: ability to make an informed decision). A three-step approach was taken to link the data from the CA-DCE using hierarchical information integration and ordered logit and multinomial logit models. Marginal willingness-to-pay (WTP) values were calculated.
Results
Services that facilitate informed decision making, with shorter waiting times and involving pre-consultation contact were preferred. Estimated WTP values were: service location (£3170; 95 % CI −391 to 15,098); waiting time (−£1080; 95 % CI −3659 to −603); pre-consultation contact (£7765; 95 % CI 2542–33,937); improved informed decision making (£2254; 95 % CI 775–9866).
Conclusion
This study suggests that hybrid stated preference experiments offer a practical solution to understanding preferences for how CGS services are delivered.