Measuring patient preferences
Both industry representatives, academics, regulatory and patient groups suffer from a lack of knowledge of the range of methods used in patient preference studies. A recent publication provides insight into the many methods used.
(Image removed) Vikas Soekhai, PREFER
Systematically collecting patient preference information (PPI) is gaining importance for decision-making in the medical product life cycle. Evidenced-based recommendations are in high demand for how and when PPI can be collected for decision-making. The authors of a recent Drug Discovery Today publication developed a compendium of methods used to explore and elicit patient preferences.
"Many efforts are made to address standards, quality and proper application for collecting patient preference information. The compendium is an updated resource for assessing methods and to determine which methods are most appropriate for different research questions or decisions at different points in the medicinal product and medical device lifecycle. This could help stakeholders choose between methods", says Vikas Soekhai, one of the authors.
The authors identified 32 unique methods. The trend of mixed methods studies creates a need for further investigation. The authors agree the exploration of patient preference methods provides a foundation for generating recommendations on which methods may be the best suited for different points across the lifecycle.
By Anna Holm
Soekhai V, Whichello C, Levitan B, et al., Methods for exploring and eliciting patient preferences in the medical product life cycle: a literature review, Drug Discovery Today, Avaliable online 8 May 2019.