Developing French Population Tariffs for the ICECAP-A Using Best-Worst Scaling

There is growing recognition of the importance of measuring well-being on the basis of individuals' capabilities, rather than focusing solely on health outcomes when evaluating health and social care interventions. The ICEpop Capability Measure for Adults (ICECAP-A) operationalizes this approach by assessing five core dimensions of capability well-being. Capability value sets for ICECAP-A have already been developed in the UK, the Netherlands, and Hungary.

This study aims to establish the first French value set for the ICECAP-A. We conducted an online, self-administered survey with a representative sample of the French general population (N = 3,546). Respondents completed a series of profile-case best-worst scaling tasks. Preferences for ICECAP-A attributes were analyzed using a scale-adjusted latent class best-worst choice model, which accounts for heterogeneity in choice behavior.

A latent class model with four classes provided the best fit to the data. The first class displayed a strong preference for Autonomy. The second class expressed relatively balanced preferences across all capabilities. The third and fourth classes prioritized enjoyment and attachment, respectively; however, the fourth class did not value Stability. On the basis of these findings, a capability value set was estimated for the French population. At the aggregate level, Attachment and Enjoyment emerged as the most important capabilities, followed by Autonomy, Stability, and Achievement.

This study presents the first ICECAP-A value set for France. It can be applied in economic evaluations and policy decision-making to better reflect well-being beyond traditional health-related outcomes.