Discrete Choice Experiments and Conjoint Analyses in Health Screening Programs for Type 2 Diabetes and Liver Disease:...

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Public Health
• Health Economics

Background:

• Screening programs for type 2 diabetes (T2D) and liver diseases are crucial for early detection and management.
• Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is an emerging liver condition often associated with T2D.
• Quantifying stakeholder preferences is essential for designing effective and acceptable screening programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize evidence on discrete choice experiments (DCEs) and conjoint analyses (CAs) for stakeholder preferences in T2D and liver disease screening.
• To specifically assess the application of DCEs/CAs to MASLD screening within the context of T2D.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive scoping review of five databases (MEDLINE, PubMed Central, EMBASE, Europe PMC, Google Scholar) was conducted.
• Studies published after January 1990 in English, French, or Spanish using DCE/CA for T2D and liver disease screening were included.
• Two independent reviewers screened deduplicated records.

Main Results:

• Nine studies (7 high-income, 2 low-income countries) were included, focusing on various liver diseases, hepatitis, and cardiovascular conditions, but not MASLD in T2D.
• Stakeholders included patients, healthcare providers, and the general population.
• Key attributes influencing choices were screening sensitivity, setting, duration, provider, cost, and physician support for treatment.

Conclusions:

• There is a significant gap in research regarding stakeholder preferences for MASLD screening in T2D patients.
• The development of DCEs for MASLD screening is urgently needed to inform patient-centered care pathways.
• Future research should prioritize understanding preferences to optimize screening program design and implementation.