Understanding patients' preferences for treatment: the need for innovative methodologies

Abstract

Treatment selection is now much more consumer driven than in the past. However, there is a need to develop investigative methodological approaches that are sensitive to differences in patient preferences if full account is to be taken of what the patient sees as the best option in terms of different possible treatments available for a particular condition. Previous attitude research has been criticised because it does not provide insight into reasons why people hold different preferences or beliefs. A methodology is described which allows people to describe their concerns and values associated with different treatment options in their own words. This is the repertory grid method of eliciting personal constructs used in conjunction with generalised Procrustes analysis (GPA). An example of the use of this methodology is provided, drawn from research directed towards understanding people's beliefs about genetic technologies. A possible application of the method to understanding treatment preferences related to type 2 diabetes is also discussed. It is concluded that the use of innovative methodologies is essential if our understanding of patient preferences regarding treatment options is to have a significant impact on patient quality of life.

Ascertaining consumer perspectives of medication information sources using a modified repertory grid technique

“…In reply to these challenges, Frewer et al [23] has suggested the use of the repertory grid technique in health-related research. Originally developed in the area of personality theory [24], the repertory grid technique has been used in eliciting consumer perceptions and attitudes to genetic engineering [25], the food industry [26], complementary medicines [27], and the treatment of angina [28].…”

The insight-value-perception (iVP) model for user-centered design

“…These independent entities included health care providers, patients, insurers, regulators and hospitals. In order to identify entities or constituents with an influential role in the acceptance or rejection of new products and policies, several studies have examined motivations for technology adoption from the individual perspectives of industry stakeholders, including hospitals (Teplensky et al, 1995;Irwin et al, 1998;Burns et al, 2002), patients (Frewer et al, 2001), and physicians (Artis et al, 2006).…”

Unravelling the concept of consumer preference: Implications for health policy and optimal planning in primary care

“…This necessarily involves innovative methodologies capable of unravelling the complexities of preferences [8]. As an example, Rowe et al [1] applied the repertory grid method to examining consumers' preferences for angina treatment.…”

“…In the health context, patient satisfaction surveys are often employed but these have inherent theoretical and methodological weaknesses, simplifying what is in essence a highly individual and personal construct [7]. In-depth interviews, though useful in yielding the individual experience, do not often reveal the complexities of how consumers value different attributes of care [8]. Methods such as discrete choice experiment [9] and conjoint analysis [10] address some of the empirical challenges.…”