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Updated: May 4, 2026
A Multimodal Imaging- and Stimulation-based Method of Evaluating Connectivity-related Brain Excitability in Patients with Epilepsy
Published on: November 13, 2016
Eliciting patients' preferences for epilepsy diagnostics: a discrete choice experiment
B F M Wijnen1, R J A de Kinderen1, A J Colon2
1CAPHRI, Research School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands; Department of Health Services Research, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands; Department of Research & Development, Epilepsy Centre Kempenhaeghe, PO Box 61, 5590 AB Heeze, The Netherlands.
Patient preferences for epilepsy diagnostics are influenced by factors like movement freedom and the chance of further tests. Routine electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) show similar patient-centered utility scores.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Medical Diagnostics
- Patient-Centered Care
Background:
- Epilepsy diagnosis is a lengthy and burdensome process.
- A patient-centered approach is needed, but evidence on diagnostic preferences is lacking.
- This study addresses patient preferences for epilepsy diagnostic procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify key attributes influencing patient preferences for epilepsy diagnostic procedures.
- Determine the relative importance of these attributes.
- Calculate utility scores for routine electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG).
Main Methods:
- A discrete choice experiment with pairwise comparison of hypothetical scenarios.
- Scenarios varied by brain activity measurement, duration, movement freedom, travel time, and additional examination type/chance.
- Mixed multinomial logistic regression analyzed preferences from 289 questionnaires.
Main Results:
- All six attributes significantly influenced preferences, with 'freedom of movement' and 'chance of additional examination' being most important.
- Significant heterogeneity in preferences was observed across all attributes.
- Overall utility scores for routine EEG and MEG did not substantially differ.
Conclusions:
- Attributes like movement freedom and examination likelihood significantly impact patient choices in epilepsy diagnostics.
- Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is not inherently more patient-friendly than routine electroencephalography (EEG) for initial diagnosis.
- Patients prefer long-term 24-hour EEG over sleep-deprived EEG for additional diagnostics, highlighting the importance of individual preferences in decision-making.
