Choice defines value: Using discrete-choice experiments to understand and inform health care decisions

Abstract

Almost every activity in health care or health care systems involves the evaluation of alternatives based on multiple criteria. At the regulatory level, policy makers evaluate alternatives to define general principles that shape national and local policies for the provision of health care. At the clinical level, physicians and manufacturers of drugs evaluate alternatives within the broad criteria defined by policy makers to treat patients and improve their health. Finally, patients evaluate the specific treatment alternatives laid out before them in an effort to improve their overall level of well-being.