Using discrete choice experiments to estimate a preference-based measure of outcome—An application to social care for older people

Abstract: This paper reports the results of a study that used discrete choice experiment (DCE) methodology to estimate quality weights for a social care outcome measure. To reflect different states of need, a five-dimensional profile measure was developed. Experimental design techniques were used to derive a sample of states for which preferences were elicited. The DCE approach was employed to elicit values and regression techniques used to estimate a model that could predict index scores for all 243 possible outcomes. The utility model, estimated on the basis of 297 responses, had good test and retest reliability and converged with preferences elicited from a rating exercise. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]