Modelling Stakeholder Valuation: An Example Using the Surgical Treatments for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Background Assessing the value of a treatment is of great importance. Typical methods are directed toward policy decisions. However, individual stakeholders will have different valuation based on their interests. Methods Formulas were developed to quantify the value of a treatment from the patient, surgeon, hospital, and private third-party payer. These formulas are based on observed factors that go into treatment decision-making for each stakeholder. Using the example of four surgical treatment options for gastroesophageal reflux disease, values for each factor were obtained from publically available documents or were arbitrarily estimated. Results From the patient perspective, the laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) provided the best value at 2.99 quality-adjusted life years per $1,000 spent. From the surgeon perspective, it provided the best value at $752.20 earned per hour effort. From the hospital perspective, LNP provided the best value at $3,446 earned per episode of care. Lastly, from the third-party payer perspective, total incisionless fundoplication provided the best value at $13,336 per year. Conclusions Because value is measured differently for each stakeholder, there will be conflicts as to how treatment options are valued.