Patterns in Attribute Selection and Development Reporting in Patient Preference Studies Between 2007-2024: A...

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Patient-Reported Outcomes
• Health Economics

Background:

• Discrete choice experiments (DCEs) are vital for understanding patient preferences in healthcare.
• The validity of DCEs hinges on rigorous attribute selection and development.
• This review addresses reporting patterns and gaps in patient preference studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify reporting patterns and gaps in the formative attribute selection and development process for patient preference DCEs.
• To inform future reporting standards for patient preference studies.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted using Ovid (MEDLINE, EMBASE) for studies on patients, DCEs, and attribute selection.
• Two reviewers screened studies for eligibility, focusing on formative attribute development methods and reporting quality.
• Data were synthesized narratively, adhering to PRISMA guidelines.

Main Results:

• Twenty-eight studies were reviewed, identifying six categories of formative methods.
• While most studies reported objectives, methodological transparency decreased for details on rationale, sampling, data collection, and analysis.
• Fewer than half of studies reported how formative findings informed attribute selection, level selection, or wording decisions.
• Patient engagement as research partners was reported in only 7% of studies.

Conclusions:

• Inconsistent reporting of formative methods for attribute selection and development was observed.
• Low reporting levels exist for how formative research informed key attribute decisions.
• Increased patient engagement as research partners and improved reporting standards are crucial for enhancing the validity and relevance of patient preference research.