Patients' preferences for healthcare system reforms in Hungary: a conjoint analysis

To illustrate how conjoint analysis can be used to identify patient preferences for healthcare policies, and to measure preferences for healthcare reforms in Hungary.

Data was collected via a mail-based survey and a direct survey administered in a rheumatology out-patient centre in Flór Ferenc County Hospital, Budapest, Hungary (n = 86).

We designed and administered a conjoint analysis to the study population. Attributes and attribute levels were developed on the basis of key informant interviews and a literature review. Additional demographic, occupation and healthcare utilisation data were also collected using surveys. A mixed effects linear probability model was estimated holding respondent characteristics constant and correcting for clustering.

Conjoint analysis questionnaires were administered by a physician to 50 consecutive rheumatology patients in a clinic and an additional 36 were mailed by post.

The response rate for the physician-administered survey was 98% (but 18% of these were excluded for inconsistent preferences) and 53% for the mail survey, leaving a final sample of 59. Regression results (R2 = 56.8%) indicated that patients preferred a health system that was not cost constrained (p = 0.003), was based on solidarity (p < 0.001) and where patients were empowered (p = 0.024). Further, they would choose a system with no choice of provider to avoid co-payments (p = 0.005).

This study demonstrates that patients have clear preferences for healthcare system policy. In order to develop evidence-based healthcare policy and to empower patients in the healthcare system, methods such as conjoint analysis offer a simple yet theoretically grounded basis for policy making.