Stated Preference Research in Otolaryngology: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Preference Research
• Otolaryngology Research Methods
• Patient-Centered Care

Background:

• Stated preference research methods (DCEs, CA, BWS, WTP/CV) are valuable for understanding patient preferences.
• Application of these methods in otolaryngology is not well-described.
• This study addresses this gap by reviewing the field.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of stated preference research in otolaryngology.
• To identify gaps in the current literature.
• To highlight future applications of these methodologies in otolaryngology.

Main Methods:

• Searched Embase, Medline, and Web of Science databases for relevant publications up to 2023.
• Included studies utilized discrete choice experiments (DCE), conjoint analysis (CA), best-worst scaling (BWS), or willingness-to-pay/contingent valuation (WTP/CV).
• Data extraction and descriptive statistical analysis were performed on 57 included studies.

Main Results:

• 57 studies from 14 countries were included, with increasing publication numbers in recent years.
• Willingness-to-pay/contingent valuation (58%) was the most common method, followed by DCE (30%).
• Otology was the most studied subspeciality (36.8%), with a focus on treatment options; methodological inconsistencies were noted.

Conclusions:

• Stated preference research in otolaryngology is currently limited and exhibits methodological inconsistencies.
• This review identifies critical research priorities for advancing patient-centered care in otolaryngology.
• Future research should focus on standardized development and application of these preference measurement tools.