Willingness to pay for diagnostic technologies: a review of the contingent valuation literature

Does timing matter? The role of health information shocks in measuring willingness to pay

OBJECTIVES

The optimal point in time to measure willingness-to-pay (WTP) remains unclear. We investigated the role of health information shocks (HIS) in individuals' WTP, analyzing the extent to which news of SARS-CoV-2 infections among people they know/themselves altered WTP for booster vaccinations.

METHODS

We elicited WTP in eight European countries using the European Covid Survey. First, we presented participants with a hypothetical setting recommending a booster vaccination that had to be paid out-of-pocket. To measure WTP, we elicited a lower and upper WTP limit, and a WTP value contingent on both of these. To measure HIS, we asked about the duration since participants received news of COVID-19 cases among people they know (including themselves), as well as the degree of personal connection to these cases and their severity. We used a two-part model to estimate the association between HIS and individuals' WTP.

RESULTS

Among the 5809 observations, 76.8% stated a WTP for a booster vaccination greater than €0. At least one HIS was reported by 61.9% of participants. The occurrence of a HIS was associated with an increase in WTP of €14.54 (logistic: P <.0001, gamma: P =.1493) compared to no HIS. The WTP was higher when the HIS occurred in the four weeks before the survey. Controlling for socio-demographic and COVID-19 covariates decreased significance and effect sizes.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that a recent HIS is associated with a higher probability of having a positive WTP. Timing, in relation to some relevant event, therefore may matter when measuring WTP for health interventions. If so, finding the optimal point in time to measure WTP is difficult and may depend on the policy question under consideration.

Assessment of the Economic Burden of Specific Learning Disability by Estimating the Direct, Indirect, and Intangible Costs: A Low- and Middle-Income Country Perspective

INTRODUCTION

The economic burden of specific learning disability (SLD) in the Indian setting is high, but a few studies have been done in this regard.

METHODS

This cross-sectional questionnaire-based descriptive cost of illness study was conducted in the pediatric neurocognitive clinic at a premier teaching hospital in North India between January and December 2021 to determine the economic burden of SLD by estimating the direct, indirect, and intangible costs related to this illness from the perspectives of afflicted families, health care providers, and society and to assess the impact of demographic and clinical variables on the economic burden. A "person-based" "bottom-up" approach for estimating costs from the perspective of the "afflicted families" was followed. A pre-designed structured questionnaire, while interviewing the parent/guardian of SLD patients, to collect data related to cost of treatment for SLD in their child under three types of expenses was used. The contingent valuation technique was used to document the willingness-to-pay value for estimating intangible cost data.

RESULTS

A total of 162 SLD patients (64% boys, 107 newly diagnosed, and 55 diagnosed in previous years and under regular follow-up) were enrolled. From the perspectives of afflicted families, the direct, indirect, total, and intangible costs were estimated to be INR 2,618,030, 14,525,180, 17,143,210, and 30,658,470, respectively (median 16,878, 89,771, 104,689, and 200,000). The "average annual total costs of SLD" were estimated to be INR 11,213,710 (the average annual cost per student was INR 69,220). Expenditure availed on special educators and tuition teachers constituted 64.5% and 54.3% of the direct and indirect costs, respectively. Both socio-economic status (P = 0.001, 0.002, 0.006) and duration of poor scholastic performance (P = 0.01, 0.02, and 0.04) were significant predictors of "direct costs", "indirect costs", and "total costs" for SLD. But only socio-economic status was a significant predictor of "intangible costs" (P = 0.009) and co-morbid psychiatric illness was a significant predictor only for "direct costs" (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

The economic burden of SLD is huge, and most cases are diagnosed/referred late. There is an urgent need for Government-initiated SLD-specific programs to avail affordable remedial education for SLD-afflicted children in schools and create more skilled personnel in schools and hospitals, who can screen these children early and counsel parents to avoid wasteful expenditure.

Health Professionals' Preferences for Next-Generation Sequencing in the Diagnosis of Suspected Genetic Disorders in the Paediatric Population

Background/Objectives: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) can explain how genetics influence morbidity and mortality in children. However, it is unclear whether health providers will perceive and use such treatments. We conducted a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to understand Italian health professionals' preferences for NGS to improve the diagnosis of paediatric genetic diseases. Methods: The DCE was administered online to 125 health professionals in Italy. We documented attributes influencing professionals' decisions of NGS, including higher diagnostic yield, shorter counselling periods, cost, turnaround time, and the identification of fewer variants of unknown significance. Results: Results show that factors such as higher diagnostic yield, shorter counselling periods, lower costs, and faster turnaround times positively influenced the adoption of NGS tests. Willingness to pay (WTP) estimates varied from EUR 387 (95% CI, 271.8-502.9) for 7% increase in the diagnostic yield to EUR 469 (95% CI, 287.2-744.9) for a decrease of one week in the turnaround time. Responders would reduce diagnostic yield by 7% to decrease the turnaround time by one week in both the preference and the willingness to trade (WTT) spaces. Respondents prioritised diagnostic yield (RI = 50.36%; 95% CI 40.2-67.2%) compared to other attributes. Conclusions: therefore, health professionals value NGS for allowing earlier, more accurate genetic diagnoses.

Parents' Willingness-to-Pay for Fissure Sealant and Fluoride Varnish Therapy in Public and Private Pediatric Clinics

AIM

This study employed the willingness-to-pay (WTP) method to investigate parents' valuation of fissure sealant (FS) and fluoride varnish (FV) therapy.

DESIGN

This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in 2021 among 100 parents. The maximum WTP were collected using payment cards, an originally developed validated and reliable questionnaire, educational videos, and a hypothetical scenario. The data were analyzed using ANOVA, t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and linear regression tests (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

The mean (±SD) WTP was 245 700 (±158 756.24) and 232380.0 (±166 561.71) IR Tomans for FS and FV, respectively. WTP was significantly higher among parents who visited private clinics (p < 0.05) and government employees. Both in the whole sample and in the public group, parents without supplemental insurance had lower WTP values. The WTP values elicited through the payment card method (p = 0.014) and the open-ended question (p = 0.031) for fathers with educational attainment below a high school diploma were significantly lower. There was no significant difference between the WTP values for these two therapies. Income level of the parents was the main indicator in the regression models, especially for WTP values of FS.

CONCLUSIONS

The demographic and socioeconomic conditions of parents as well as their insurance status were associated with the WTP values.

Robot-assisted surgery and artificial intelligence-based tumour diagnostics: social preferences with a representative cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess social preferences for two different advanced digital health technologies and investigate the contextual dependency of the preferences.

METHODS

A cross-sectional online survey was performed among the general population of Hungary aged 40 years and over. Participants were asked to imagine that they needed a total hip replacement surgery and to indicate whether they would prefer a traditional or a robot-assisted (RA) hip surgery. To better understand preferences for the chosen method, the willingness to pay (WTP) method was used. The same assessment was conducted for preferences between a radiologist's and AI-based image analysis in establishing the radiological diagnosis of a suspected tumour. Respondents' electronic health literacy was assessed with the eHEALS questionnaire. Descriptive methods were used to assess sample characteristics and differences between subgroups. Associations were investigated with correlation analysis and multiple linear regressions.

RESULTS

Altogether, 1400 individuals (53.7% female) with a mean age of 58.3 (SD = 11.1) years filled in the survey. RA hip surgery was chosen by 762 (54.4%) respondents, but only 470 (33.6%) chose AI-based medical image evaluation. Those who opted for the digital technology had significantly higher educational levels and electronic health literacy (eHEALS). The majority of respondents were willing to pay to secure their preferred surgical (surgeon 67.2%, robot-assisted: 68.8%) and image assessment (radiologist: 70.9%; AI: 77.4%) methods, reporting similar average amounts in the first (p = 0.677), and a significantly higher average amount for radiologist vs. AI in the second task (p = 0.001). The regression showed a significant association between WTP and income, and in the hip surgery task, it also revealed an association with the type of intervention chosen.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with higher education levels seem to accept the advanced digital medical technologies more. However, the greater openness for RA surgery than for AI image assessment highlights that social preferences may depend considerably on the medical situation and the type of advanced digital technology. WTP results suggest rather firm preferences in the great majority of the cases. Determinants of preferences and real-world choices of affected patients should be further investigated in future studies.

Willingness to pay for an mRNA-based anti-cancer treatment: results from a contingent valuation study in Israel

BACKGROUND

mRNA technology is currently being investigated for a range of oncology indications. We assessed the willingness to pay (WTP) of the general population in Israel for a hypothetical novel mRNA-based treatment for oncology indications.

METHODS

We used a contingent valuation methodology to elicit WTP using a web-based questionnaire. A sample of adult participants were presented with a hypothetical scenario in which an mRNA-based intervention increased the likelihood of a cure for various cancer types from 20% to 40% (half of the sample), or 60% (the other half of the sample).

RESULTS

531 respondents completed the questionnaire. The mean, median and mode WTP for the proposed hypothetical treatment in both scenarios were ILS65,000 (± ILS114,000), ILS20,000 and ILS50,000, respectively (1USD = 3.4ILS). The WTP was skewed towards zero, and 9.6% of the respondents were not willing to pay any amount. WTP higher amounts was significantly associated with higher income (p < 0.01), self-reported good health (p < 0.05), supplementary health insurance (p < 0.05), Jews compared to other populations (p < 0.01), interest in technology (p < 0.001) and a tendency to adopt medical innovations (p < 0.001). No statistical difference between the 40% vs. the 60% potential cure scenarios was found. Logistic and OLS regressions indicated that age, religion, income, and interest in adopting medical innovations were the best predictors of respondents' WTP.

CONCLUSION

Despite the scientific breakthroughs in oncology treatment over the last few decades, many types of cancer are still incurable. Given the expected development of innovative mRNA-based treatments for cancer, these results should inform policymakers, the pharmaceutical industry and other stakeholders on the future coverage and reimbursement of these technologies incorporating patients' and societal views. To date, WTP considerations have not been given much weight in prioritization of drug reimbursement processes, neither in Israel nor in other countries. As a pioneer in adoption of the mRNA technology, Israel can also lead the incorporation of WTP considerations in this field.

The general public's attitude towards accepting payment for kidney donation

Introduction

Kidney transplantation has become the most cost-effective treatment for patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and offers them the highest quality of life. Yet, kidney donation is often inaccessible due to cultural and traditional beliefs about organ donation. The goal of our study is to assess the value of kidney donation using the Willingness to Accept (WTA) technique. We also aim to understand the factors influencing an individual's willingness to donate an organ.

Methods

A self-administered survey was completed by 985 participants from the general public. The quantitative method and survey design that were chosen used descriptive, correlational, nonparametric, and multivariate statistical tests.

Results

Most of the respondents, 895 (90.9%) are not willing to donate a kidney while alive. Four hundred and five (41.1%) of the respondents are not willing to donate a kidney after their death, while the rest are willing to donate their kidney after their death without financial compensation. The same attitude applies to the donation of a kidney from their relatives. Significant predictors from the results of the logistic regression model in predicting the lowest (minimal) amount that will encourage donation of one kidney after death were: Marital status; Nationality; Adi card holder; Knowing people who need a kidney donation; confidence in the medical staff; and consideration of the family's opinions regarding organ donation.

Discussion

Using cost benefit analysis (CBA), with the aim of evaluating the willingness of individuals to accept payment for innovative medical procedures, such as kidney donation, allows an assessment of the perceived value of the medical procedure and enables policymakers to decide whether to allocate funds or offer subsidies for kidney donation, given the limited healthcare resources available. During our research, we found that most participants did not support the commercialization of organs. Our recommendation for policymakers and health professionals is to continue providing adequate funding for kidney donations and to implement educational programs aimed at improving attitudes towards organ donation.

Willingness to Pay for Colorectal Cancer Screening in Vietnam: Policy Implications From a Contingent Valuation Survey

OBJECTIVES

To determine the willingness to pay (WTP) for the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and colonoscopy among the general population to provide evidence for policymakers in deciding whether to include them in the social health insurance benefit package and facilitate the pricing practice.

METHODS

The conventional double-bounded dichotomous choice contingent valuation survey was used to determine the WTP. We recruited 402 people aged 50 to 75 who came to 3 primary healthcare clinics in Hanoi from February 2019 to April 2019. The questionnaire was built based on the pilot research with a 5-bid design, that is, the starting bids of US $4.05, 6.75, 13.51, 21.01, and 36.47 for FOBT and US $21.01, 40.52, 54.03, 81.04, and 182.34 for colonoscopy. The data analysis was performed using the DCchoice package version 3.5.1. Cost in Vietnam dong is converted to 2022 US $using purchasing power parity method.

RESULTS

A total of 7.2% of participants refused to pay for FOBT and colonoscopy. Analysis of the univariate model showed that the mean and median WTP for FOBT were US $62.08 and 45.28. The mean and median WTP for colonoscopy were US $101.61 and 78.61. When adjusting the WTP value by related factors, the mean and median WTP estimates for FOBT were almost the same. The choice of WTP for FOBT and colonoscopy was statistically associated with several variables.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports the inclusion of FOBT and colonoscopy into the social health insurance benefits package. This study also supports policymakers in pricing practice to optimize the uptake rate of colorectal cancer screening tests.

Willingness to pay for cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Willingness to pay (WTP) studies examine the maximum amount of money an individual is willing to pay for a specified health intervention, and can be used to inform coverage and reimbursement decisions. Our objectives were to assess how people value cancer-related interventions, identify differences in the methodologies used, and review the trends in studies' publication.

AREAS COVERED

We extracted PubMed and EconLit articles published in 1997-2020 that reported WTP for cancer-related interventions, characterized the methodological differences and summarized each intervention's mean and median WTP values. We reviewed 1,331 abstracts and identified 103 relevant WTP studies, of which 37 (36%) focused on treatment followed by screening (26), prevention (21), diagnosis (7) and other interventions (12). The methods used to determine WTP values were primarily discrete-choice questions (n = 54, 52%), bidding games (15), payment cards (12) and open-ended questions (12). We found a wide variation in WTP reported values ranged from below $100 to over $20,000.

EXPERT OPINION

The WTP literature on oncology interventions has grown rapidly. There is considerable heterogeneity with respect to the type of interventions and diseases assessed, the respondents' characteristics, and the study methodologies. This points to the need to establish international guidelines for best practices in this field.

Women's preferences for water immersion during labor and birth: Results from a discrete choice experiment

BACKGROUND AND AIM

No discrete choice experiment study has been conducted to elicit women's preferences for water immersion during labor and birth.

METHODS

An online survey including sociodemographic questions and choice cards was conducted to explore women's preferences (i.e., factors that may influence their decision). Each participant responded to 12 choice cards with 6 attributes/factors (i.e., birth mode, duration of the labor phase, pain sensation, risk of severe perineal tears, risk of death of the newborn, and newborn general condition). Utilities were estimated using logit, latent class, and hierarchical Bayesian analyses.

FINDINGS

A total of 1088 subjects completed the survey in 2019. The risk of death of the newborn was given high priority by women in all but one analyses, while the risk of severe perineal tears was always considered the least important attribute. The latent class analysis clearly revealed three classes of women. The largest class including 52.9% of women was interested in water birth if it could reduce pain and would be risk-free for the newborn. The second class included 30.8% of women interested in water immersion but only during the labor phase. Finally, the third class (16.2%) did not want to consider water immersion during labor and birth, regardless of its risks and benefits. Follow-up questions revealed that many women were interested in water birth only if they could be assured that there would be no risk for the newborn.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

This study provided insights in favor of water immersion during labor and birth contingent upon the safety of the procedure for the newborn.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

No discrete choice experiment on women's preference for water immersion during childbirth was previously conducted. Six attributes/factors were used for the discrete choice experiment. Water immersion is poorly used in Quebec with only 49 (7.9%) women over 621 with childbirth experience reporting such immersion. A majority of women (70-80%) were in favor of water immersion.

Willingness-to-pay for cancer treatment and outcome: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Understanding patient preferences in cancer management is essential for shared decision-making. Patient or societal willingness-to-pay (WTP) for desired outcomes in cancer management represents their preferences and values of these outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review is to critically evaluate how current literature has addressed WTP in relation to cancer treatment and achievement of outcomes.

METHODS

Seven databases were searched from inception until 2 March 2021 to include studies with primary data of WTP values for cancer treatments or achievement of outcomes that were elicited using stated preference methods.

RESULTS

Fifty-four studies were included in this review. All studies were published after year 2000 and more than 90% of the studies were conducted in high-income countries. Sample size of the studies ranged from 35 to 2040, with patient being the most studied population. There was a near even distribution between studies using contingent valuation and discrete choice experiment. Based on the included studies, the highest WTP values were for a quality-adjusted life year (QALY) ($11,498-$589,822), followed by 1-year survival ($3-$198,576), quality of life (QoL) improvement ($5531-$139,499), and pain reduction ($79-$94,662). Current empirical evidence suggested that improvement in QoL and pain reduction had comparable weights to survival in cancer management.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review provides a summary on stated preference studies that elicited patient preferences via WTP and summarised their respective values. Respondents in this review had comparable WTP for 1-year survival and QoL, suggesting that improvement in QoL should be emphasised together with survival in cancer management.

The Value of Genomic Testing: A Contingent Valuation Across Six Child- and Adult-Onset Genetic Conditions

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to elicit the willingness-to-pay (WTP) for genomic testing, using contingent valuation, among people with lived experience of genetic conditions in Australia.

METHODS

Parents of children with suspected mitochondrial disorders, epileptic encephalopathy, leukodystrophy, or malformations of cortical development completed a dynamic triple-bounded dichotomous choice (DC) contingent valuation. Adult patients or parents of children with suspected genetic kidney disease or complex neurological and neurodegenerative conditions completed a payment card (PC) contingent valuation. DC data were analyzed using a multilevel interval regression and a multilevel probit model. PC data were analyzed using a Heckman selection model.

RESULTS

In total, 360 individuals participated in the contingent valuation (CV), with 141 (39%) and 219 (61%) completing the DC and PC questions, respectively. The mean WTP for genomic testing was estimated at AU$2830 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2236-3424) based on the DC data and AU$1914 (95% CI 1532-2296) based on the PC data. The mean WTP across the six cohorts ranged from AU$1879 (genetic kidney disease) to AU$4554 (leukodystrophy).

CONCLUSIONS

Genomic testing is highly valued by people experiencing rare genetic conditions. Our findings can inform cost-benefit analyses and the prioritization of genomics into mainstream clinical care. While our WTP estimates for adult-onset genetic conditions aligned with estimates derived from discrete choice experiments (DCEs), for childhood-onset conditions our estimates were significantly lower. Research is urgently required to directly compare, and critically evaluate, the performance of CV and DCE methods.

Valuing treatment in oncology: embracing a broader notion of value

Over the past decade, we have witnessed unprecedented, groundbreaking innovation in pharmaceuticals. This has been particularly true in oncology, where new therapies have increased survival and at times offered clinical cure. However, the impact of these promising treatments has been attenuated by persistent access and cost challenges that may limit their effect. A narrative has emerged that many of these so-called breakthroughs are not priced according to the value they provide. Traditional cost-effectiveness analyses would appear to support these doubts, often suggesting that innovative therapies do not represent value for money. However, there is a case to be made that innovative therapies require equally innovative value assessments. To explore this emerging viewpoint, this article provides a brief introduction to the current value debate and oncology-specific considerations when assessing elements of value. We offer a brief background on the nature and development of quality-adjusted life-years as a part of cost-effectiveness analyses and some of their key limitations; a primer on "novel" elements of value, which capture specific aspects of patient and societal preferences not included in quality-adjusted life-years; and their applicability to oncology including discussion on areas where further thought and research might be needed. We conclude with a potential checklist of novel elements of value that should be considered. DISCLOSURES: This Viewpoints article was funded by Novartis, Inc., which also provided funding to COVIA Health Solutions for manuscript development. The sponsor was involved in developing the manuscript. Kamal-Bahl and Puckett are employees of COVIA Health Solutions, a consulting firm that provides services to biopharmaceutical clients, trade organizations, and foundations. Kamal-Bahl holds stock in Merck and Pfizer. Singh is an employee of Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Willke received personal fees from COVIA Health Solutions for work on the manuscript.

The patients view on genetics and functional imaging for precision medicine: a willingness-to-pay analysis

Purpose: Willingness-to-pay (WTP) analyses can support allocation processes considering the patients preferences in personalized medicine. However, genetic testing especially might imply ethical concerns that have to be considered. Methods: A WTP questionnaire was designed to compare preferences for imaging and genetic testing in cancer patients and to evaluate potential ethical concerns. Results: Comparing the options of imaging and genetics showed comparable WTP values. Ethical concerns about genetic testing seemed to be minor. Treatment success was the top priority irrespective of the diagnostic modality. In general, the majority of patients considered personalized medicine to be beneficial. Conclusion: Most patients valued personalized approaches and rated the benefits of precision medicine of overriding importance irrespective of modality or ethical concerns.

Differential Willingness to Pay for Kidney Transplantation From Living and Deceased Donors: Empirical Study Among End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) Patients

Kidney transplantation has developed to the stage where it is currently the most cost-effective treatment for patients suffering from end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and, when available, offers them the highest quality of life. Yet, kidney transplantation is challenged by cultural and traditional beliefs; thus, this study sought to evaluate the willingness to pay for a kidney transplant in a culturally sensitive population. A self-administered survey was completed by 734 end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients. A quantitative method and survey design were chosen and employed descriptive, correlational, nonparametric, and multivariate statistical tests. Participants were willing to pay a mean amount of $40 751.36 for a living donor kidney transplant, whereas the mean is considerably lower, $18 350.51, for a deceased donor kidney. Significant predictors of the willingness to pay (WTP) for a kidney transplant from a living donor and a deceased donor were found, among them: religiosity and ethnicity. The participants' willingness to pay for a kidney transplant could attest to significant benefits in enhancing patient well-being. The willingness to pay differentially for a donation from a deceased or a living donor stems from the higher chances of success with a living-donor organ as well as from moral and religious motives. In Israel kidney transplantation is not tradable in the free market and is fully funded by the state. The average cost of kidney transplantation in Israel is $61 714.50. Since the cost exceeds the utility and since the economic literature suggests that the funding of healthcare interventions should be provided up to the point where the costs of that funding equal the benefits that society derives from it, crucial revisions in public health policy should be made. Education may have a significant impact on the approach to kidney donation and organ donation in general.

Willingness to Pay for Preventive Dental Care Amongst Older Adults

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were (1) to investigate willingness to pay (WTP) for preventive and curative dental care procedures and (2) to determine the factors that influence older adults' WTP for dental care.

METHODOLOGY

Older, independently living adults from Singapore aged 60 years and older and eligible for government-subsidised dental care were nonrandomly recruited for this study. Data were collected using questionnaires and a clinical examination which recorded details of caries experience, number and distribution of posterior occluding contacts, prosthodontic status, and periodontal status. Using a contingent valuation method, participants were asked to rate WTP in Singapore dollars [SGD$] for 4 aspects of care: dental fillings, dental scaling, dental extraction, and disease prevention advice. Negative binomial regression was used to assess the relationship between the predictor variables associated with WTP for dental fillings, scaling, extraction, and preventive advice.

RESULTS

The mean value of WTP for a dental filling was SGD$30.23 (SGD$31.05), for scaling was SGD$30.28 (SGD$29.46), for dental extraction was SGD$35.08 (SGD$58.54). In a multivariate model, factors associated with higher WTPfees were as follows: (1) dental filling: age (younger), level of education (higher), and frequency of dental visits (regular); (2) scaling: level of education (higher), agree that dental problems affect overall health, and frequency of dental visits (regular); (3) dental extractions: age (younger), level of education (higher), frequency of dental visits (regular), and prosthodontic status (not wearing); (4) preventive advice: age (younger), gender (male), ethnicity (Chinese), level of education (higher), marital status (married), self-perceived oral health (good), and dental visits (regular).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of our study suggest that older adults are willing to pay most for extraction and least for preventive advice.

Valuation of Local Demand for Improved Air Quality: The Case of the Mae Moh Coal Mine Site in Thailand

While the district of Mae Moh, Thailand has been well known for its atmospheric pollution associated with coal power production, economic assessment of demand for improved air quality has not been conducted to date. This study estimated local residents’ individual and aggregate willingness to pay (WTP) for mitigation of atmospheric pollution in Mae Moh using the contingent valuation method (CVM), and analyzed the factors associated with the individual WTP using the bivariate tobit and double-hurdle regression techniques. Primary data were collected through face-to-face interviews with a stratified sample of 200 residents. The hypothetical scenarios used in the CVM module were 50% and 80% mitigation of atmospheric concentrations of major pollutants. The weighted average WTP was found to be THB 251.3 and 307.9 per annum (USD 8.4 and 10.3) for the 50% and 80% reduction scenarios, respectively. The aggregate WTP for the entire population of Mae Moh was THB 10,008,733 and 12,264,761 per annum (USD 336,294 and 412,096), respectively. Education, occupation type, income, expenses, satisfaction with ambient quality, and perceived sources of pollution had significant associations with the individual WTP. The paper concludes by discussing policy implications for atmospheric pollution management and avenues for future research.

A Study of Patients' Willingness to Pay for a Basic Outpatient Copayment and Medical Service Quality in Taiwan

Patients might be willing to pay more to obtain better quality medical services when they recognize that high-level hospitals have better quality. However, published papers have not found solid empirical evidence to support this possibility. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to empirically investigate patients’ willingness to pay (WTP) for an outpatient copayment. The study aims to analyze the difference between the two WTP values: to implement a hierarchy of medical care and to improve the quality of medical services. This study administered a questionnaire using the contingent valuation method with a quasi-bidding game for patients’ WTP and the SERVQUAL scale for medical service quality. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was employed to test the difference between the two WTP values, notably to implement a hierarchy of medical care and to improve the quality of medical services. Both of the WTP values are higher than the academic medical centre’s current copayment NT$420 (approximately US$14); the percentage of respondents willing to pay a higher copayment declined when the outpatient copayment was increased, and the patients’ WTP to have better medical service quality was significantly higher than that to implement a hierarchy of medical care. Patients’ desire to receive better medical services from higher-level hospitals might be stronger than their desire to implement hierarchical medical care. This study reported the relationship between the respondents’ perceived medical service quality and WTP for having better service quality by using regression models. The respondents’ perceptions of medical service quality, especially for “reliability” and “assurance,” would positively affect their WTP. Policy makers should focus on improving the quality of medical services.

And When I Die: Theory of Planned Behavior as Applied to Sperm Cryopreservation

The present study investigates fertility intentions of men, aged 18-59, as expressed in willingness to cryopreserve sperm for future use in procreation. An economic stated-preference framework is combined with the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to investigate which attributes are important in the decision to cryopreserve sperm, what is the Willingness to Pay (WTP) for cryopreservation, and which attributes influence it. A structured, two-part questionnaire was used, based on WTP and Conjoint analysis (CA) applied in tandem to elicit respondents' preferences in evaluating utility. Findings show which attributes are important in the decision to cryopreserve sperm among them Risk of Infertility, Personal monthly income, Chance of pregnancy from frozen semen, Age and what are significant predictor variables for the WTP which are Personal monthly income, Importance of the risk of infertility, Initial registration fee to sperm bank and cryopreservation, and Degree of religious observance. The findings further demonstrate that respondents value sperm cryopreservation and have a positive WTP for it as it seems to contribute to improving well-being. As a result of these findings, governments should consider state funding for cryopreservation as part of national health policy.

Risk aversion, trust in institutions and contingent valuation of healthcare services: trying to explain the WTA-WTP gap in the Dutch population

Background

The preferences of citizens are a basic element to incorporate into the decision-making process when planning health policies. Contingent valuation (CV) is a common method for calculating the value for citizens that new technologies, interventions, and the provision of services or policies have. However, choosing the correct CV tool may not be a neutral decision. This work aims to assess the substitution of a healthcare service by comparing valuation differences between the willingness to pay (WTP) for the maintenance of the service versus the willingness to accept compensation (WTA) for its substitution, both of which are related to subject characteristics, with a particular focus on trust in institutions and risk aversion.

Methods

A CV study was designed to study Dutch population preferences when physician assistants replace anaesthesiologists. Differences between the distributions of WTA and WTP were compared through full decomposition methods, and conditional quantile regression was performed.

Results

Nearly two-thirds of surveyed citizens expressed null values for WTA and WTP. The other third systematically reported a value of WTA higher than that of WTP, which increased further with lower income and the possible presence of a strategic bias. In contrast, being more than 65 years old, having trust in government, and preferring anaesthesiologists decreased the WTA-WTP difference. Risk aversion had no clear association with the WTA-WTP gap.

Conclusions

Known differences between the perceived value of health services from the perspective of gains and losses could be related to people’s characteristics. Trust in government but not aversion to risk was related to the WTA-WTP differences. Identifying a profile of citizens who are averse to losing health services should be considered when designing and implementing health services or interventions or making disinvestment decisions.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12962-021-00281-9.

Barriers to Access to New Gonorrhea Point-of-Care Diagnostic Tests in Low- and Middle-Income Countries and Potential Solutions: A Qualitative Interview-Based Study

BACKGROUND

To assess the potential market for 2 hypothetical diagnostic tests, one for Neisseria gonorrhoeae/Chlamydia trachomatis (NG/CT) detection and one for NG antimicrobial resistance (AMR) marker identification.

METHODS

This is a qualitative interview-based study. Semistructured interviews with global- and country-level experts were performed. Interviewees were provided with simplified versions of Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics/World Health Organization-developed target product profiles for each test. Interviewees were asked to comment on use cases, test characteristics, and factors that may influence test adoption.

RESULTS

Twenty-one experts were interviewed, including 15 country-level experts (from South Africa, India, Zimbabwe, Ghana, China, Peru, Kenya, and Cambodia). Interviewees welcomed an NG/CT point-of-care test, with near-universal preference for a test that could detect symptomatic and asymptomatic infections. Interviewees also saw value in a test that could be used to screen high-risk populations. Factors that may drive adoption of the NG/CT test identified by interviewees included price, cost-effectiveness, evidence of public health benefit, and World Health Organization guidance. Interviewees felt that AMR test use would likely be limited to patients failing first-line treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the potential target population for an NG/CT diagnostic test in low- and middle-income countries is sizeable, there are areas of uncertainty relating to the price of the test and its intended use, warranting further research to determine the most effective positioning. An NG AMR test would likely be used very selectively.

Assessing the Patient-Perceived Monetary Value of Patient-Reported Outcome Improvement for Patients With Chronic Knee Conditions

PURPOSE

The high cost of orthopaedic care has attracted criticism in the current value-based health care environment. The objective of this work was to assess the properties of a willingness to pay (WTP)-based approach to estimate the monetary value that patients place on health improvements in chronic knee conditions following orthopaedic treatment.

METHODS

A sample of patients with a chronic knee condition were surveyed between January and May of 2018 at a large orthopaedic practice. Each patient provided their WTP for restoration to ideal knee health and completed the Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE) to describe their baseline knee state. Average WTP was calculated for the total sample and stratified by income, age, and baseline SANE (for which 0 is the worst and 100 is the best) levels. The patient-perceived monetary value of each unit of SANE improvement was assessed.

RESULTS

The study sample included 86 patients seeking orthopaedic care for a chronic knee condition. Mean baseline SANE score was 45.5 (standard deviation: 25.0). Mean WTP to obtain ideal knee function from baseline was $18,704 (standard deviation: $18,040). For the full sample, patients valued a 1-unit improvement in SANE score at $291.1 (β: 291.1; P<0.05). The amount of money patients were willing to pay to achieve ideal knee function varied with age, income, and baseline knee state.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients appear to highly value improvement in chronic knee conditions. Willingness-to-pay survey results appear to track expected variation in patient outcome valuation by income and baseline knee condition and could be a valuable approach to assess value-based care in orthopaedics.

Patient Perspectives and Willingness to Accept Incentives for Tuberculosis Diagnostic Evaluation in Uganda

OBJECTIVES

We assessed attitudes and perceptions and willingness to accept (WTA) varying incentive structures for completing tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic evaluation among patients in Uganda.

METHODS

We surveyed 177 adult patients undergoing TB evaluation at 10 health centers between September 2018 and March 2019. We collected household sociodemographic information and assessed attitudes and perceptions of incentives. We surveyed patients regarding their willingness to complete TB diagnostic evaluation in exchange for incentives ranging in value from 500 Ugandan shillings (USh) to 25 000USh (~$0.15-$6.75). We compared associations between WTA and patient characteristics using ordered logistic regression.

RESULTS

Participant willingness to return to the health center to complete TB diagnostic evaluation increased proportionally with incentive amount. The median participant accepted between 2000 and 5000 USh. Cash (52%) and transportation vouchers (34%) were the most popular incentive types. Half of respondents preferred unconditional incentives; for a multiday evaluation, 84% preferred conditioning incentive receipt upon returning to the health center. In multivariate models, we found the pairwise difference between the third and lowest income quartile (aOR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.20-4.69; P = .01), younger age, and difficulty returning to the health center to be significantly associated with WTA higher incentive thresholds.

CONCLUSIONS

In Uganda, incentives such as cash transfers or transportation vouchers are an acceptable intervention for facilitating adherence to TB diagnostic evaluation. Household income is associated with preferred incentive structure and amount, especially for those at the cusp of the poverty threshold who are more likely to prefer unconditional and higher valued incentives. Targeted and context-specific socioeconomic supports for at-risk patients are needed to optimize outcomes.

An overview of the methodological aspects and policy implications of willingness-to-pay studies in oral health: a scoping review of existing literature

BACKGROUND

Demands for dental services seem to be beyond the capacities of most healthcare systems these days. Patient preferences have been increasingly emphasized to be considered in the joint decision-making process. Willingness-to-pay (WTP) is a recommended method for measuring the utility of health services; increasingly being used in recent decades. Taking these points into consideration, this article aims to provide an overview of the methodological aspects and policy implications of WTP studies in the field of oral health.

METHODS

The research was conducted in ISPOR, PubMed and Google Scholar databases. In addition, reference lists of included articles were checked to identify the relevant studies. All studies published were included that were in the English language and reported using WTP for oral health-related goods and services. A data-charting form was developed by a focus group discussion panel of seven experts to derive the main methodological aspects of WTP. Also, Core policy suggestions were categorized through thematic content analysis of the included papers.

RESULTS

The search strategy yielded 389 studies of which 52 were included. WTP studies in oral health show an increasing trend in global publications. The UK and Canada have a greater share in published material than in any other country. The dominant field of these researches is in restorative and prosthetic dentistry, and a wide range of different methodological aspects was documented. Policy suggestions were categorized in three main themes: (A) setting new tariffs or subsidizing the item, (B) provision of the item due to population preferences, and (C) improving literacy regarding the item.

CONCLUSIONS

An urgent need for a common framework regarding the design of WTP studies in dentistry seems paramount. Some policy suggestions seem not to be applicable, perhaps due to insufficient familiarity of the researchers with the complexities of the public policymaking process.

Longitudinal changes and determinants of parental willingness to pay for the prevention of childhood overweight and obesity

BACKGROUND

Willingness to Pay (WTP) is an alternative to measure quality-adjusted life years for cost-effectiveness analyses. The aim was to evaluate longitudinal changes and determinants of parental WTP for the prevention of childhood overweight and obesity.

METHODS

Longitudinal data from post- (T2) and follow-up (T3) measurements of a school-based health promotion program in Germany. Parental questionnaires included general WTP and the corresponding amount to reduce incidental childhood overweight and obesity by half. Longitudinal differences were examined with the McNemar test for general WTP and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for the amount of WTP. Regression analyses were conducted to detect determinants.

RESULTS

General parental WTP significantly decreased from 48.9% to 35.8% (p < 0.001, n = 760). Logistic regression analysis (n = 561) showed that parents with a tertiary education level and a positive general WTP at T2, families with a higher monthly household income, and those with abdominally obese children were significant predictors of general WTP at T3. Median amount of WTP at T3 was €20.00 (mean = €27.96 ± 26.90, n = 274). Assuming a WTP of €0 for those who were generally not willing to pay or did not answer, resulted in a median amount of WTP at T3 of €0 (m = €8.45, sd = €19.58, n = 906). According to linear regression analysis WTP at T2 was the only significant predictor for the amount of WTP at T3 (p = 0.000, n = 181).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the decline of general WTP, these results are a reflection of the public awareness of the problem and the need for action. Policy makers should recognize this and initiate sustainable public preventive strategies.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

DRKS, DRKS00000494. Registered 25 August 2010, https://www.drks.de/drks_web/.

Web Comparison of Three Contingent Valuation Techniques in Women of Childbearing Age: The Case of Ovulation Induction in Quebec

Background

In Canada, 11.5% to 15.7% of couples suffer from infertility. Anovulation, or failed ovulation, is one of the main causes of infertility in women. In Quebec, the treatment for ovulation induction and other services related to assisted reproductive technology (ART) have been partially reimbursed by the government since 2010.

Objective

This study aimed to compare the willingness to pay (WTP) of women of childbearing age to receive drug treatment in the event of failed ovulation according to 3 different contingent valuation methods.

Methods

The following elicitation techniques were used: simple bid price dichotomous choice (DC), followed by an open-ended question (DC-OE), and a simplified multiple-bounded discrete choice (MBDC). Each participant was randomly assigned to 1 of 3 elicitation techniques. Bid prices ranged from Can $200 to Can $5000. Of the 7 bid prices, 1 was randomly proposed to each participant in the DC and DC-OE groups. For the DC-OE group, if the answer to the DC bid price was no, respondents were asked what was the maximum amount they were willing to pay. For the MBDC group, each respondent was offered an initial bid price of Can $1500, and the subsequent bid price offer increased or decreased according to the answer provided. “Do not know” responses were considered as a “no”, and each individual was questioned as to their certainty after each choice. WTP values were estimated using probit and bivariate models; the Welsh and Poe model was also performed for the MBDC group.

Results

The survey was conducted from 2009 to 2010 with a total sample of 680 women. Analyses were performed on 610 respondents (199 DC, 230 DC-OE, and 181 MBDC). Of the 70 respondents who were excluded, 6 did not meet the age criterion, 45 had an annual income less than Can $2500, and 19 did not respond to the WTP question. Mean WTP values were Can $4033.26, Can $1857.90, and Can $1630.63 for DC, DC-OE, and MBDC, respectively. The WTP for MBDC “definitely yes” and “probably yes” values were Can $1516.73 and Can $1871.22, respectively. The 3 elicitation techniques provided WTP value differences that were statistically significant (P<.01). The MBDC was the most accurate method, with a lower confidence interval (Can $557) and a lower (CI/mean) ratio (0.34).

Conclusions

A positive WTP for ovulation induction was found in Quebec. Adding a follow-up question resulted in more accurate WTP values. The MBDC technique provided a more accurate estimate of the WTP with a smaller and, therefore, more efficient confidence interval. To help decision making and improve the effectiveness of the fiscal policy related to the ART program, the WTP value elicited with the MBDC technique should be used.

Willingness to pay for family education and counselling services provided by critical care advanced practice nurses

Aim

The aim of this study was to estimate the economic value of a family education and counselling service provided by critical care advanced practice nurses in South Korea utilizing a contingent valuation approach.

Methods

A double‐bounded dichotomous choice contingent valuation method was utilized to estimate the public's willingness to pay value for an education and counselling service provided by critical care advanced practice nurses. A web‐based self‐administered survey was conducted.

Results

Median willingness to pay was 43 112 Korean won (35 US dollars). Higher income and younger age were associated with higher willingness to pay.

Conclusion

This study captured the economic value of an education and counselling service provided by critical care advanced practice nurses that is not on the benefit list under the fee‐for‐service system of the Korean National Health System. Policy makers should consider including such services in the health care system.

What is already known about this topic?

Patients in intensive care units and their family members need education and counselling.

Nurses and physicians recognize the importance of the education and counselling services provided by critical care advanced practice nurses.

No studies have evaluated the economic value of the family education and counselling services provided by critical care advanced practice nurses.

What this paper adds?

The Korean people in this study recognized the economic value of a service provided by critical care advanced practice nurses.

Income and age were found to be factors related to the economic value of the education service provided by critical care advanced practice nurses.

The implications of this paper:

This study captured the economic value of an education and counselling service provided by critical care advanced practice nurses, the fee for which is not reimbursed by the current Korean health care fee‐for‐service system.

Policy makers should consider the public perception of the economic value of the education and counselling services provided by critical care advanced practice nurses when determining the benefits and the prices of services included in the Korean National Health Insurance System.

Willingness to Pay for Cataract Surgeries Among Patients Visiting Eye Care Facilities in Dhaka, Bangladesh

BACKGROUND

Cataract is the leading cause of avoidable blindness globally. It is estimated that 89% of people with visual impairment live in low- and middle-income countries where the cost of cataract surgery represents a major barrier for accessing these services. Developing self-sustaining healthcare programs to cater the unmet demands warrants a better understanding of patients' willingness to pay (WTP) for their services.

OBJECTIVES

Using a sample of patients visiting eye care facilities in Dhaka, Bangladesh, we estimate WTP for two different cataract extraction techniques, namely small incision cataract surgery (SICS) and phacoemulsification.

METHODS

We used contingent valuation (CV) approach and elicited WTP through double-bounded dichotomous choice experiments. We interviewed 556 randomly selected patients (283 for SICS and 273 for phacoemulsification) from five different eye care hospitals of Dhaka. In this paper, we estimated the mean and marginal WTP using interval regression models. We also compared the estimated WTP and stated demand for cataract surgeries against the prevailing market prices of SICS and phacoemulsification.

RESULTS

We found the mean WTP of BDT 7579 (US$93) for SICS and BDT 10,208 (US$126) for phacoemulsification are equivalent to 12 and 16 days of household income, respectively. Household income and assets appeared as the major determinants of WTP for cataract surgeries. However, we did not find any significant association with gender, occupation, and household size among other socioeconomic characteristics. Comparisons between market prices and average WTP suggest it is possible to have a viable market for SICS, but a subsidy-based model for phacoemulsification will be financially challenging because of low WTP and high costs.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest lower-cost SICS can potentially provide patients access to surgeries to treat cataract conditions. Moreover, price discrimination and cross-subsidization could be a viable strategy to increase the service-uptake as well as ensure financial sustainability.

Willingness to pay for osteoporosis risk assessment in primary dental care

BACKGROUND

Fragility fracture related to osteoporosis among postmenopausal women is a significant cause of morbidity. The care and aftercare of these fractures are associated with substantial costs to society. A main problem is that many individuals suffer from osteoporosis without knowing it before a fracture happens. Dentists may have an important role in early identification of individuals with osteoporosis by assessment of dental radiographs already included in the dental examination. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate postmenopausal women's preferences for an osteoporosis risk assessment in primary dental care.

RESULTS

Most respondents (129 of 144 (90%)) were willing to pay for an osteoporosis risk assessment in primary dental care. The overall mean willingness to pay (WTP) including respondents that denoted none or zero WTP was 44.60 € (CI 95% 38.46-50.74 €) (median 34.75 €). A majority (80.6%) of the respondents that denoted WTP also gave a motivation for their answer. The two most common reasons denoted for being willing to pay for osteoporosis risk assessment were the importance of early diagnosis and preventive care to avoid fractures (41.0%) and the importance of knowledge of a risk of osteoporosis (26.4%). A majority of respondents (67.8%) considered it valuable if dental clinics would offer osteoporosis risk assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

Postmenopausal women seem to find it valuable to be offered osteoporosis risk assessment in primary dental care and are willing to pay for such a risk assessment. From a societal perspective early diagnosis of osteoporosis by risk assessment in primary dental care could prevent osteoporotic related fractures and benefit women's health and quality of life, as well as have a major impact on the health-care budget in terms of cost-savings.

Willingness to pay for medical treatments in chronic diseases: a multicountry survey of patients and physicians

AIM

The objective was to investigate factors influencing patients' willingness to pay (WTP) and physician's views on the cost of therapy for two contrasted chronic diseases, chronic heart failure and psoriasis.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in ten developing countries, using a stated WTP contingent valuation method. Multivariate analyses were performed by linear regression.

RESULTS

Independent factors influencing patient WTP were income (+0.04 $PPP [purchasing power parity] in WTP per $PPP in monthly income; p < 0.001) and purchase of branded treatment for chronic heart failure therapy, and income, out-of-pocket treatment costs but also education level higher than secondary school (+115 $PPP in WTP comparatively to patients with none/primary school level; p = 0.008) for psoriasis therapy, suggesting the influence of sociopsychological factors in this disease.

CONCLUSION

Disease-specific factors may affect WTP for treatment that should be accounted for to support effective public health programs in developing countries.

Estimating Willingness to Pay for an Improved Service Delivery to Patients Referring Namazi Hospital Chemical Therapy Ward in Iran Using Contingent Valuation

Objective

The aim of this study was to estimate patients’ willingness to pay (WTP) for improving the quality of non-medical aspect in Namazi hospital patients chemotherapy an assessment using the contingent valuation method (CVM).

Patients and Methods

This was an applied, cross-sectional and analytical-descriptive study carried out in Iran, Shiraz in 2013. A sample of 185 patients was determined using random sampling. Multiple choice questions and follow-up open-ended questions were employed to elicit patients’ WTP. The question asked patients would have to pay for this improving their own pocket. linear regression were used to Econometrically estimate the maximum WTP using STATA 11 software.

Results

The results of this study indicated that 31% were male and 69% were female and the adjusted mean WTP was PPPUS$15 for pat maximum amount of willing to pay was for to get the same quality service in own city respondents (PPPUS$16) and minimum amount of willing to pay was to get advice of experienced nurse(PPPUS$10) Patients were willing to pay more if their satisfaction with two attributes of care were increased. The cancer type and income taking care of you are significant factors influencing a patient’s WTP.

Conclusions

In the worst socio-economic conditions of the people were willing to pay to improve the reducing wait times in receiving a drug and get the same quality service in own city respondents. In Future efforts Health policymakers should consider the ability to pay when making their decision.

Assessment of willingness to pay for expanded carrier screening among women and couples undergoing preconception carrier screening

Background

Expanded carrier screening can provide risk information for numerous conditions. Understanding how individuals undergoing preconception expanded carrier screening value this information is important. The NextGen study evaluated the use of genome sequencing for expanded carrier screening and reporting secondary findings, and we measured participants’ willingness to pay for this approach to understand how it is valued by women and couples planning a pregnancy.

Methods

We assessed 277 participants’ willingness to pay for genome sequencing reporting carrier results for 728 gene/condition pairs and results for 121 secondary findings. We explored the association between attitudes and demographic factors and willingness to pay for expanded carrier screening using genome sequencing and conducted interviews with 58 of these participants to probe the reasoning behind their preferences.

Results

Most participants were willing to pay for expanded carrier screening using genome sequencing. Willingness to pay was associated with income level and religiosity, but not risk status for a condition in the carrier panel. Participants willing to pay nothing or a small amount cited issues around financial resources, whereas those willing to pay higher amounts were motivated by “peace of mind” from carrier results.

Conclusion

Women and couples planning a pregnancy value genome sequencing. The potentially high out-of-pocket cost of this service could result in healthcare disparities, since maximum amounts that participants were willing to pay were higher than a typical copay and related to income.

Satisfying Product Features of a Fall Prevention Smartphone App and Potential Users' Willingness to Pay: Web-Based Survey Among Older Adults

Background

Prohibiting falls and fall-related injuries is a major challenge for health care systems worldwide, as a substantial proportion of falls occur in older adults who are previously known to be either frail or at high risk for falls. Hence, preventive measures are needed to educate and minimize the risk for falls rather than just minimize older adults’ fall risk. Health apps have the potential to address this problem, as they enable users to self-assess their individual fall risk.

Objective

The objective of this study was to identify product features of a fall prevention smartphone app, which increase or decrease users’ satisfaction. In addition, willingness to pay (WTP) was assessed to explore how much revenue such an app could generate.

Methods

A total of 96 participants completed an open self-selected Web-based survey. Participants answered various questions regarding health status, subjective and objective fall risk, and technical readiness. Seventeen predefined product features of a fall prevention smartphone app were evaluated twice: first, according to a functional (product feature is implemented in the app), and subsequently by a dysfunctional (product feature is not implemented in the app) question. On the basis of the combination of answers from these 2 questions, the product feature was assigned to a certain category (must-be, attractive, one-dimensional, indifferent, or questionable product feature). This method is widely used in user-oriented product development and captures users’ expectations of a product and how their satisfaction is influenced by the availability of individual product features.

Results

Five product features were identified to increase users’ acceptance, including (1) a checklist of typical tripping hazards, (2) an emergency guideline in case of a fall, (3) description of exercises and integrated workout plans that decrease the risk of falling, (4) inclusion of a continuous workout program, and (5) cost coverage by health insurer. Participants’ WTP was assessed after all 17 product features were rated and revealed a median monthly payment WTP rate of €5.00 (interquartile range 10.00).

Conclusions

The results show various motivating product features that should be incorporated into a fall prevention smartphone app. Results reveal aspects that fall prevention and intervention designers should keep in mind to encourage individuals to start joining their program and facilitate long-term user engagement, resulting in a greater interest in fall risk prevention.

Disentangling the determinants of interest and willingness-to-pay for breast cancer susceptibility testing in the general population: a cross-sectional Web-based survey among women of Québec (Canada)

OBJECTIVES

To identify common and specific individual factors that favour or impede women's interest in and willingness-to-pay (WTP) for breast cancer susceptibility testing (BCST) and to identify the most impactful factors on both outcome measures.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This study used a self-administered cross-sectional Web-based questionnaire that included hypothetical scenarios about the availability of a new genetic test for breast cancer.

PARTICIPANTS

French-speaking women of the general population of Québec (Canada), aged between 35 and 69 years, were identified from a Web-based panel (2410 met the selection criteria, 1160 were reached and 1031 completed the survey).

MEASURES

The outcomes are the level of interest in and the range of WTP for BCST. Three categories of individual factors identified in the literature were used as potential explanatory factors, that is, demographic, clinical and psychosocial.

RESULTS

Descriptive statistics indicated that the vast majority of sampled women are interested in BCST (90%). Among those, more than half of them are willing-to-pay for such a test (57%). The regression models pointed out several factors associated with both outcomes (eg, age, income, family history, locus of control-powerful others) and marginal effects were used to highlight the most impactful factors for each outcome.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study provide a proxy of the readiness of women of the general population to use and to pay for BCST. They also offer insights for developing inclusive and specific strategies to foster informed decision-making and guide the services offered by health organisations corresponding to women's preferences and needs.

Identifying cost-effective screening algorithms for active hepatitis C virus infections in a high prevalence setting

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of different screening patterns for active chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections utilizing the hepatitis C core antigen test compared to standard care in the context of a general screening program in a high-prevalence country.

METHODS

This study developed a decision analytic model to estimate the cost-effectiveness of four screening algorithms for the detection of active HCV infections among asymptomatic individuals with an unknown HCV status in a context of high (>5%) HCV prevalence. Three algorithms started with a serological test for antibodies (AB) followed by a nucleic acid test for HCV-RNA (RNA), the HCVAg (AG) assay, or both. An additional single marker screening strategy with AG was added to the analysis. By the example of the Republic of Georgia, strategies were compared in terms of total costs for screening and diagnosis of an active infection from a health system perspective.

RESULTS

Replacing RNA with AG for confirmation of positive AB identified fewer active infections (-110 per 100,000 screened subjects) at significantly reduced total costs (-$2.74 per screened) and costs per diagnosed infection (-$44). Adding a subsequent RNA confirmatory test on AG negative results captured at least the same rate compared to the standard (AB followed by RNA) at still reduced costs (-$1.16 per subject screened, -$22 per case detected). Utilizing AG as the frontline test revealed the highest detection rate (97.9%) at the highest costs (+$3.80 per subject, +$323 per case detected vs standard).

CONCLUSION

A combined pattern of HCV AB screening followed by sequential confirmation with AG and RNA on AG negatives would provide equal or better diagnostic performance at lower cost over a broad range of scenarios. Potential long-term consequences of screening strategies to patients and society have to be considered, since the latency period for HCV to develop into severe liver disease is long.

A Systematic Review and Aggregated Analysis on the Impact of Amyloid PET Brain Imaging on the Diagnosis, Diagnostic Confidence, and Management of Patients being Evaluated for Alzheimer's Disease

BACKGROUND

Amyloid PET (aPET) imaging could improve patient outcomes in clinical practice, but the extent of impact needs quantification.

OBJECTIVE

To provide an aggregated quantitative analysis of the value added by aPET in cognitively impaired subjects.

METHODS

Systematic literature searches were performed in Embase and Medline until January 2017. 1,531 cases over 12 studies were included (1,142 cases over seven studies in the primary analysis where aPET was the key biomarker; the remaining cases included as defined groups in the secondary analysis). Data was abstracted by consensus among two observers and assessed for bias. Clinical utility was measured by diagnostic change, diagnostic confidence, and patient management before and after aPET. Three groups were further analyzed: control patients for whom feedback of aPET scan results was delayed; aPET Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC+) cases; and patients undergoing additional FDG/CSF testing.

RESULTS

For 1,142 cases with only aPET, 31.3% of diagnoses were revised, whereas 3.2% of diagnoses changed in the delayed aPET control group (p < 0.0001). Increased diagnostic confidence following aPET was found for 62.1% of 870 patients. Management changes with aPET were found in 72.2% of 740 cases and in 55.5% of 299 cases in the control group (p < 0.0001). The diagnostic value of aPET in AUC+ patients or when FDG/CSF were additionally available did not substantially differ from the value of aPET alone in the wider population.

CONCLUSIONS

Amyloid PET contributed to diagnostic revision in almost a third of cases and demonstrated value in increasing diagnostic confidence and refining management plans.

Integrating pharmacogenetic testing into primary care

Introduction

Pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing has greatly expanded due to enhanced understanding of the role of genes in drug response and advances in DNA-based testing technology development. As many primary care visits result in a prescription, the use of PGx testing may be particularly beneficial in this setting. However, integration of PGx testing may be limited as no uniform approach to delivery of tests has been established and providers are ill-prepared to integrate PGx testing into routine care.

Areas covered

In this paper, the readiness of primary care practitioners are reviewed as well as strategies to address these barriers based on published research and ongoing activities on education and implementation of PGx testing.

Expert Commentary

Widespread integration of PGx testing will warrant continued education and point-of-care decisional support. Primary care providers may also benefit from consultation services or team-based care with laboratory medicine specialists, pharmacists, and genetic counselors.

Critical review of willingness to pay for clinical oral health interventions

OBJECTIVES

This critical review aimed to identify, consolidate and evaluate the quality of Willingness to Pay (WTP) studies applied to clinical contexts in the field of dentistry.

METHODS

PubMed and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for relevant publications. Screening and data extraction was then performed. Primary literature in English-language were included to assess the WTP for oral health interventions, when the valuations were applied to a clinical measure. Twenty-six publications met the inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

WTP was elicited mainly via face-to-face interviews (13 publications) and questionnaires (12 publications). The majority (24) of publications selected an out-of-pocket payment vehicle. Eleven publications adopted a bidding method, nine publications adopted an open-ended format, and the remaining six studies adopted a payment card or choice method. Pre-testing was reported in only nine publications, and few studies accounted for starting point bias. Eight of 11 publications found that higher incomes were associated with higher WTP values. The female gender, a younger age and higher education levels were associated with a higher WTP in select studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Only a small minority of the studies used strategies to avoid well documented biases related to WTP elicitation. Cost versus benefit of many clinical scenarios remain uninvestigated.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

WTP studies in dentistry may benefit from pre-testing and the inclusion of a script to minimise hypothetical bias. They may also be better conducted face-to-face and via a shuffled payment card method. Income levels, and potentially education levels, gender and age, should be assessed for their influence on WTP values.

A Feasibility Study of Supply and Demand for Diabetes Prevention Programs in North Carolina

Introduction

Diabetes Prevention Programs (DPPs) have shown that healthy eating and moderate physical activity are effective ways of delaying and preventing type 2 diabetes in people with impaired glucose tolerance. We assessed willingness to pay for DPPs from the perspective of potential recipients and the cost of providing these programs from the perspective of community health centers and local health departments in North Carolina.

Methods

We used contingent valuation to determine how much potential recipients would be willing to pay to participate in DPPs under 3 different models: delivered by registered professionals (traditional model), by community health workers, or online. By using information on the minimum reimbursement rate at which public health agencies would be prepared to provide the 3 models, we estimated the marginal costs per person of supplying the programs. Matching supply and demand, we estimated the degree of cost sharing between recipients and providers.

Results

Potential program recipients (n = 99) were willing to pay more for programs led by registered professionals than by community health workers, and they preferred face-to-face contact to an online format. Socioeconomic status (measured by education and employment) and age played the biggest roles in determining willingness to pay. Leaders of public health agencies (n = 27) reported up to a 40% difference in the cost of providing the DPP, depending on the delivery model.

Conclusion

By using willingness to pay to understand demand for DPPs and computing the provider’s marginal cost of providing these services, we can estimate cost sharing and market coverage of these services and thus compare the viability of alternate approaches to scaling up and sustaining DPPs with available resources.

HEADROOM BEYOND THE QUALITY- ADJUSTED LIFE-YEAR: THE CASE OF COMPLEX PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY

Objectives: The headroom method was introduced for the very early evaluation of the potential value of new technologies. It allows for establishing a ceiling price for technologies to still be cost-effective by combining the maximum effect a technology might yield, the maximum willingness-to-pay (WTP) for this effect, and potential downstream expenses and savings. Although the headroom method is QALY-based, not all innovations are expected to result in QALY gain.

Methods: This study explores the feasibility and usefulness of the headroom method in the evaluation of technologies that are unlikely to result in QALY gain. This will be illustrated with the diagnostic trajectory of complex pediatric neurology (CPN).

Results: Our headroom analysis showed a large room for improvement in the current diagnostic trajectory of CPN in terms of diagnostic yield. Combining this with a maximum WTP value for an additional diagnosis and the potential downstream expenses and savings, resulted in a total headroom of €15,028. This indicates that a new technology in this particular diagnostic trajectory, might be cost-effective as long as its costs do not exceed €15,028.

Conclusions: The headroom method seems a useful tool in the very early evaluation of medical technologies, also in cases when immediate QALY gain is unlikely. It allows for allocating healthcare resources to those technologies that are most promising. It should be kept in mind, however, that the headroom assumes an optimistic scenario, and for that reason cannot guarantee future cost-effectiveness. It might be most useful for ruling out those technologies that are unlikely to be cost-effective.

Handling Protest Responses in Contingent Valuation Surveys

OBJECTIVES

Protest responses, whereby respondents refuse to state the value they place on the health gain, are commonly encountered in contingent valuation (CV) studies, and they tend to be excluded from analyses. Such an approach will be biased if protesters differ from non-protesters on characteristics that predict their responses. The Heckman selection model has been commonly used to adjust for protesters, but its underlying assumptions may be implausible in this context. We present a multiple imputation (MI) approach to appropriately address protest responses in CV studies, and compare it with the Heckman selection model.

METHODS

This study exploits data from the multinational EuroVaQ study, which surveyed respondents' willingness-to-pay (WTP) for a Quality Adjusted Life Year (QALY). Here, our simulation study assesses the relative performance of MI and Heckman selection models across different realistic settings grounded in the EuroVaQ study, including scenarios with different proportions of missing data and non-response mechanisms. We then illustrate the methods in the EuroVaQ study for estimating mean WTP for a QALY gain.

RESULTS

We find that MI provides lower bias and mean squared error compared with the Heckman approach across all considered scenarios. The simulations suggest that the Heckman approach can lead to considerable underestimation or overestimation of mean WTP due to violations in the normality assumption, even after log-transforming the WTP responses. The case study illustrates that protesters are associated with a lower mean WTP for a QALY gain compared with non-protesters, but that the results differ according to method for handling protesters.

CONCLUSIONS

MI is an appropriate method for addressing protest responses in CV studies.

Willingness to Pay for a Newborn Screening Test for Spinal Muscular Atrophy

OBJECTIVES

The current US mandatory newborn screening panel does not include spinal muscular atrophy, the most common fatal genetic disease among children. We assessed population preferences for newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy, and how test preferences varied depending on immediate treatment implications.

METHODS

We conducted an online willingness-to-pay survey of US adults (n = 982). Respondents were asked to imagine being parents of a newborn. Each respondent was presented with two hypothetical scenarios following the spinal muscular atrophy screening test: current standard of care (no treatment available) and one of three randomly assigned scenarios (new treatment available to improve functioning, survival, or both). We used a bidding game to elicit willingness to pay for the spinal muscular atrophy test, and performed a two-part model to estimate median and mean willingness-to-pay values.

RESULTS

Most respondents (79% to 87%) would prefer screening their newborns for spinal muscular atrophy. People expressed a willingness to pay for spinal muscular atrophy screening even without an available therapy (median: $142; mean: $253). Willingness to pay increased with treatment availability (median: $161 to $182; mean: $270 to $297) and respondent income. Most respondents considered test accuracy, treatment availability, and treatment effectiveness very important or important factors in deciding willingness to pay.

CONCLUSIONS

Most people would prefer and would be willing to pay for testing their newborn for spinal muscular atrophy, even in the absence of direct treatment. People perceive the spinal muscular atrophy test more valuable if treatment were available to improve the newborn's functioning and survival. Despite preferences for the test information, adding spinal muscular atrophy to newborn screening programs remains controversial. Future studies are needed to determine how early detection may impact long-term patient outcomes.

Assessing the Value of Treatment to Address Various Symptoms Associated with Multiple Sclerosis: Results from a Contingent Valuation Study

BACKGROUND

Although it is well recognized that people with multiple sclerosis (MS) may experience impairments in addition to limited mobility, there has been little effort to study their relative importance to patients with the condition. The objective of this study was to assess patient preferences for addressing various MS symptoms.

METHODS

This study was conducted at Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts. We developed a national online survey of MS patients and neurologists to estimate the value each group places on treating specific MS symptoms. Each respondent was presented with two randomly selected scenarios with different symptoms and treatments. MS patients were asked about their own preferences, whereas neurologists were asked to consider what a patient of theirs would do or think in each scenario. We used a bidding game approach to elicit respondents' willingness to pay (WTP) for the treatments.

RESULTS

To treat mobility alone, WTP for MS patients averaged US$410-US$520 per month, depending on the scenario. For paired symptoms, MS patients would pay most to treat mobility and upper limb function (US$525/month) or mobility and cognition (US$514/month), somewhat less to treat mobility and eyesight (US$445/month), and least to treat mobility and fatigue (US$371/month). Patient WTP values increased with income and education. Neurologists believed their patients would be willing to pay US$216-US$249 per month to treat mobility alone, depending on the scenario. For paired symptoms, neurologists believed patients would pay most to treat mobility and fatigue (US$263/month) and least to treat mobility and upper limb function (US$177/month).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest MS patients may value one outcome (e.g., improved arm and hand coordination) over another (e.g., less fatigue). Further, MS patients and neurologists may rank the importance of treating various symptoms differently. Given this potential mismatch, it is crucial for MS patients and their clinicians to discuss treatment priorities that take into account patient preferences.

Would you test for 5000 Shillings? HIV risk and willingness to accept HIV testing in Tanzania

OBJECTIVES

Despite substantial public health efforts to increase HIV testing, testing rates have plateaued in many countries and rates of repeat testing for those with ongoing risk are low. To inform policies aimed at increasing uptake of HIV testing, we identified characteristics associated with individuals' willingness-to-accept (WTA) an HIV test in a general population sample and among two high-risk populations in Moshi, Tanzania.

METHODS

In total, 721 individuals, including randomly selected community members (N = 402), female barworkers (N = 135), and male Kilimanjaro mountain porters (N = 184), were asked in a double-bounded contingent valuation format if they would test for HIV in exchange for 2000, 5000 or 10,000 Shillings (approximately $1.30, $3.20, and $6.40, respectively). The study was conducted between September 2012 and February 2013.

RESULTS

More than one quarter of participants (196; 27 %) stated they would be willing to test for Tanzania Shilling (TSH) 2000, whereas one in seven (98; 13.6 %) required more than TSH 10,000. The average WTA estimate was TSH 4564 (95 % Confidence Interval: TSH 4201 to 4927). Significant variation in WTA estimates by gender, HIV risk factors and other characteristics plausibly reflects variation in individuals' valuations of benefits of and barriers to testing. WTA estimates were higher among males than females. Among males, WTA was nearly one-third lower for those who reported symptoms of HIV than those who did not. Among females, WTA estimates varied with respondents' education, own and partners' HIV testing history, and lifetime reports of transactional sex. For both genders, the most significant association was observed with respondents' perception of the accuracy of the HIV test; those believing HIV tests to be completely accurate were willing to test for approximately one third less than their counterparts. The mean WTA estimates identified in this study suggest that within the study population, incentivized universal HIV testing could potentially identify undiagnosed HIV infections at an incentive cost of $150 per prevalent infection and $1400 per incident infection, with corresponding costs per quality adjusted life year (QALY) gained of $70 for prevalent and $620 for incident HIV infections.

CONCLUSIONS

The results support the value of information about the accuracy of HIV testing, and suggest that relatively modest amounts of money may be sufficient to incentivize at-risk populations to test.

Hospitalized women's willingness to pay for an inpatient screening mammogram

Lower rates for breast cancer screening persist among low income and uninsured women. Although Medicare and many other insurance plans would pay for screening mammograms done during hospital stays, breast cancer screening has not been part of usual hospital care. This study explores the mean amount of money that hospitalized women were willing to contribute towards the cost of a screening mammogram. Of the 193 enrolled patients, 72% were willing to pay a mean of $83.41 (95% CI, $71.51-$95.31) in advance towards inpatient screening mammogram costs. The study's findings suggest that hospitalized women value the prospect of screening mammography during the hospitalization. It may be wise policy to offer mammograms to nonadherent hospitalized women, especially those who are at high risk for developing breast cancer.

The patient perspective of diabetes care: a systematic review of stated preference research

BACKGROUND

The importance of understanding the perspective of patients towards their own care is increasingly recognized, both in clinical practice and in pharmaceutical drug development. Stated preference methods to assess the preference of patients towards different aspects of diabetes treatment have now been applied for over a decade.

OBJECTIVE

Our goal was to examine how stated preference methods are applied in diabetes care, and to evaluate the value of this information in developing the patient perspective in clinical and policy decisions.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement. The information sources were MEDLINE, EMBASE, Biosis, Current Contents, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and EconLit.

RESULTS

Three contingent valuation studies and 11 discrete choice experiments were retrieved. The majority of studies were conducted from 2009 onwards, but some date back to 1998. The reasons provided for applying the stated preference methods were to help differentiate between products, or to enable inclusion of the patient's perspective in treatment decisions. The main aspects of treatment examined were related to glucose control, adverse events, and drug administration. The majority of patients preferred glucose control over avoiding minor hypoglycemic events. Patient willingness to pay was above $US100/month for glucose control, avoiding immediate health hazards such as nausea, and oral or inhaled drug administration. Preference towards drug administration was highly associated with previous experience with injectable diabetes medicine.

CONCLUSIONS

The ability of a drug to lower glucose levels plays a decisive role in the choice between alternative treatments. Future research should strive to develop questionnaire designs relevant for the decision context of the study. That is, if the aim is to foster shared decision making, in clinical practice or drug development, this should guide the study design. Furthermore, concise reporting of all study dimensions-from the qualitative prework to the analysis stage-is warranted.

Patients' diagnosis decisions in Alzheimer's disease: the influence of family factors

It is surprising to observe that the number of patients receiving a late diagnosis for Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains high even in countries promoting early diagnosis campaigns. We explore the impact of family history and family support on the risks of receiving a delayed diagnosis. We use French data of 1131 patients diagnosed between 1991 and 2005. We find that the presence of AD history in the family increased the risks of receiving a delayed diagnosis. This was true especially when AD history involved brothers, sisters and other relatives (uncles or cousins). The presence of an informal caregiver at the time of the first warning signs reduced the risks of receiving a late diagnosis, regardless of the informal caregiver concerned (spouse, son, daughter etc.). We identify several opportunities for early detection campaigns. Families with history of disease should be targeted. Campaigns should also target isolated patients, who do not benefit from informal care. Our results underline the importance of improving the diagnosis access for old patients and for men.

Willingness to pay for genetic testing for inherited retinal disease

This paper investigates the willingness of adults with inherited retinal disease to undergo and pay for diagnostic genetic testing in three hypothetical scenarios and to explore the factors that influence decision making. Fifty patients were presented with three scenarios whereby genetic testing provided increasing information: confirming the diagnosis and inheritance pattern alone, providing additional information on future visual function, and identifying in addition a new treatment which could stabilise their condition. Willingness to pay (WTP) was elicited using an iterative bidding game. Regression analysis was used to investigate the probability of agreeing to and paying for testing. Qualitative data were also reviewed to provide a comprehensive understanding of WTP and decision making. The majority of participants agreed to undergo genetic testing in each of the three scenarios. Scenario 2 was the least acceptable with 78% of participants agreeing to genetic testing. The probability of agreeing to genetic testing decreased with age. Between 72 and 96% of participants reported a WTP for genetic testing. Average WTP was £539, £1516, and £6895 for scenarios 1, 2, and 3 respectively. Older participants and participants with higher incomes were willing to pay more for testing. Qualitative data provided additional detail about the rationale behind participants' decisions. The study suggests that patients with inherited retinal disease were willing to undergo and to pay for diagnostic genetic testing, suggesting that they valued the information it may provide. However, several patients preferred not to receive prognostic information and were less willing to pay for genetic testing that yielded such detail.