scholarly journals Using discrete choice experiments to explore how bioecological attributes of sites drive birders’ preferences and willingness to travel

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria De Salvo ◽  
Giuseppe Cucuzza ◽  
Giovanni Signorello
Keyword(s):  
Discrete Choice ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Choice Experiments ◽  
Latent Class Models ◽  
Discrete Choice Experiments ◽  
Biological Attributes ◽  
Birding Sites ◽  
Welfare Changes ◽  
Class Models

AbstractA study based on discrete choice experiments is conducted to investigate how bioecological attributes of birding sites enter the utility functions of specialized birders and affect their travel intentions. Estimates are based on generalized multinomial and scales-adjusted latent class models. We find that the probability of observing a rare or a new bird species, and the numerosity of species significantly affect birders’ choice destination. We also find that individual preferences among attributes are correlated and affected by scale and taste heterogeneity. We identify two latent classes of birders. In the first class fall birders attaching a strong interest in qualitative aspects of sites and low importance on distance from home. Class 2 groups birders addicted both on all qualitative and quantitative bioecological attributes of sites as well as on the distance. In general, we assess that the majority of birders prefer to travel short distances, also when the goal is viewing rare or new birds. Finally, we estimate marginal welfare changes in biological attributes of sites in terms of willingness to travel.

scholarly journals Public, medical professionals’ and patients’ preferences for the allocation of donor organs for transplantation: study protocol for discrete choice experiments

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. e026040 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carina Oedingen ◽  
Tim Bartling ◽  
Christian Krauth
Keyword(s):  
Discrete Choice ◽  
Study Protocol ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Choice Experiments ◽  
Fractional Factorial ◽  
Discrete Choice Experiments ◽  
Medical Professionals ◽  
The Public ◽  
Donor Organs

IntroductionOrgan transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with severe organ failure. Nevertheless, donor organs are a scarce resource resulting in a large mismatch between supply and demand. Therefore, priority-setting leads to the dilemma of how these scarce organs should be allocated and who should be considered eligible to receive a suitable organ. In order to improve the supply–demand mismatch in transplantation medicine, this study explores preferences of different stakeholders (general public, medical professionals and patients) for the allocation of donor organs for transplantation in Germany. The aims are (1) to determine criteria and preferences, which are relevant for the allocation of scarce donor organs and (2) to compare the results between the three target groups to derive strategies for health policy.Methods and analysisWe outline the study protocol for discrete choice experiments, where respondents are presented with different choices including attributes with varied attribute levels. They were asked to choose between these choice sets. First, systematic reviews will be conducted to identify the state of art. Subsequently, focus group discussions with the public and patients as well as expert interviews with medical professionals will follow to establish the attributes that are going to be included in the experiments and to verify the results of the systematic reviews. Using this qualitative exploratory work, discrete choice studies will be designed to quantitatively assess preferences. We will use a D-efficient fractional factorial design to survey a total sample of 600 respondents according to the public, medical professionals and patients each. Multinomial conditional logit model and latent class model will be analysed to estimate the final results.Ethics and disseminationThis study has received Ethics Approval from the Hannover Medical School Human Ethics Committee (Vote number: 7921_BO_K_2018). Findings will be disseminated through conference presentations, workshops with stakeholders and peer-reviewed journal articles.

Using Both Time Tradeoff and Discrete Choice Experiments in Valuing the EQ-5D: Impact of Model Misspecification on Value Sets

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 483-497
Author(s):  
Ian Waudby-Smith ◽  
A. Simon Pickard ◽  
Feng Xie ◽  
Eleanor M. Pullenayegum
Keyword(s):  
Linear Relationship ◽  
Hybrid Model ◽  
Discrete Choice ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Model Misspecification ◽  
Choice Experiments ◽  
Discrete Choice Experiments ◽  
Time Tradeoff ◽  
Value Sets ◽  
The Impact

Introduction. The EQ-5D-5L valuation protocol contains both time tradeoff (TTO) tasks and discrete choice experiments (DCE), raising the question of how to best use these in creating a value set. The hybrid model, which combines TTO and DCE data, has emerged as a commonly used approach. However, this model assumes independence among responses from the same individual, a linear relationship between TTO and DCE utilities, and, in many implementations, homoscedastic residuals. The aims of this study are to examine alternatives to these assumptions and determine the impact of misspecification on value sets. Methods. We performed a simulation study, parameterized using the US EQ-5D-5L valuation study, to assess the impact of model misspecification. We simulated TTO and DCE data with nonlinear relationships between TTO and DCE utilities, heteroscedastic errors, and correlated responses. Simulated data were analyzed using hybrid models with and without heteroscedasticity, Tobit models with and without heteroscedasticity, a latent class model, and a mixed model. Results. Mean absolute errors (MAEs) for correctly specified models were <0.05, whereas models that incorrectly assumed a linear relationship between TTO and DCE utilities or homoscedasticity of TTO responses featured states with an MAE >0.1. When a linear relationship between TTO and DCE utilities held, using both TTO and DCE data under correct specification yielded smaller MAEs compared with using TTO data alone but yielded larger MAEs when a linear relationship did not hold. Mistakenly assuming homoscedasticity led to increased MAEs, whereas ignoring dependence did not. Conclusions. Because heteroscedasticity in TTO utilities and nonlinear associations between DCE and TTO utilities have been noted, we recommend careful assessment of scedasticity and linearity to ascertain the suitability of a hybrid model.

OP340 Kidney Patients’ Preferences For A Wearable Digital Health Technology To Support Self-Management Of Chronic Kidney Disease - A Discrete Choice Experiment

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (S1) ◽  
pp. 14-15
Author(s):  
Vijay S. Gc ◽  
Cynthia Iglesias ◽  
Seda Erdem ◽  
Lamiece Hassan ◽  
Andrea Manca
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Discrete Choice ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Latent Class Models ◽  
User Preferences ◽  
Discrete Choice Experiments ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Health Technologies

IntroductionWearable Digital Health Technologies (WDHTs) can support and enhance self-management by giving individuals with chronic conditions more control over their health, safety and wellbeing. Involving patients early on in the design of these technologies facilitates the development of person-centered products. It may increase the potential uptake of (and adherence to) any intervention they are designed to deliver. This research aims to elicit chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients’ preferences for WDHTs that may help patients manage their conditions.MethodsWe used discrete choice experiments (DCE) to elicit preferences for WDHTs characterized by their generalizable characteristics. The study design was informed by a multi-stage mixed-method approach (MSMMA). This included a review of the published literature, focus group interviews and one-to-one interactions with CKD patients to identify relevant characteristics (that is, attributes and levels) associated with wearable DHTs. We collected the data from 113 patients (age ≥18 years) with stage 3 or above CKD. The analysis started with a conventional multinomial logit model and was extended by investigating heterogeneity in preferences via latent class models.ResultsOur MSMMA yielded ten potential attributes for consideration in a choice task. The final list included five attributes, cross-checked and validated by the research team, and patient representatives. The most preferred attributes of WDHTs were device appearance, format and type of information provided, and mode of engagement with patients. Respondents preferred a discreet device, which offered options that individuals could choose from and provided medical information.ConclusionsWe show how to use MSMMA to elicit user preferences in (and to inform the) early stages of the development of WDHTs. Individuals with CKD preferred specific characteristics that would make them more likely to engage with the self-management support WDHT. Our results provide valuable insights that can be used to inform the development of different WDHTs for different segments of the CKD patients population, moving away from a one-size-fits-all provision and resulting in population health gains.

scholarly journals Are Consumers Willing to Pay a Premium for Pure Rice Noodles? A Study of Discrete Choice Experiments in Taiwan

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (15) ◽  
pp. 6144
Author(s):  
Yu-Hui Chen ◽  
Kai-Han Qiu ◽  
Kang Ernest Liu ◽  
Chun-Yuan Chiang
Keyword(s):  
Willingness To Pay ◽  
Marketing Strategy ◽  
Discrete Choice ◽  
Metropolitan Area ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Corn Starch ◽  
Latent Class Model ◽  
Choice Experiments ◽  
Discrete Choice Experiments ◽  
Class Model

Most consumers in Taiwan have never eaten pure rice noodles (PRNs) and some may mistakenly treat corn starch-based rice noodles as PRNs. This study examines consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for PRNs using discrete choice (DC) experiments with a blind tasting test to understand consumers’ ability to identify PRNs with varying rice content on the basis of their appearance and taste. Collecting data from the Taipei metropolitan area, our DC experimental results of both pre- and post-experiment conditions show that Taiwanese consumers do prefer PRNs and their WTP for PRNs was strengthened. A latent class model highlights that attribute preferences tend to differ by group and thus rice content ratios should be properly labeled so that consumers can make a better choice according to their preferences. Our WTP estimates also imply that offering tasting trials to consumers is an effective marketing strategy to encourage potential purchases of PRNs for the rice noodle industry.

scholarly journals Economic considerations and patients' preferences affect treatment selection for patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a discrete choice experiment among European rheumatologists

2016 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 126-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Hifinger ◽  
M Hiligsmann ◽  
S Ramiro ◽  
V Watson ◽  
J L Severens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Discrete Choice Experiment ◽  
Discrete Choice ◽  
Choice Experiment ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Latent Class Models ◽  
Economic Considerations ◽  
Class Models

ObjectiveTo compare the value that rheumatologists across Europe attach to patients' preferences and economic aspects when choosing treatments for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.MethodsIn a discrete choice experiment, European rheumatologists chose between two hypothetical drug treatments for a patient with moderate disease activity. Treatments differed in five attributes: efficacy (improvement and achieved state on disease activity), safety (probability of serious adverse events), patient's preference (level of agreement), medication costs and cost-effectiveness (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER)). A Bayesian efficient design defined 14 choice sets, and a random parameter logit model was used to estimate relative preferences for rheumatologists across countries. Cluster analyses and latent class models were applied to understand preference patterns across countries and among individual rheumatologists.ResultsResponses of 559 rheumatologists from 12 European countries were included in the analysis (49% females, mean age 48 years). In all countries, efficacy dominated treatment decisions followed by economic considerations and patients’ preferences. Across countries, rheumatologists avoided selecting a treatment that patients disliked. Latent class models revealed four respondent profiles: one traded off all attributes except safety, and the remaining three classes disregarded ICER. Among individual rheumatologists, 57% disregarded ICER and these were more likely from Italy, Romania, Portugal or France, whereas 43% disregarded uncommon/rare side effects and were more likely from Belgium, Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden or UK.ConclusionsOverall, European rheumatologists are willing to trade between treatment efficacy, patients' treatment preferences and economic considerations. However, the degree of trade-off differs between countries and among individuals.

Latent Class Models Reveal Poor Agreement between Discrete-Choice and Time Tradeoff Preferences

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 421-436 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleanor M. Pullenayegum ◽  
A. Simon Pickard ◽  
Feng Xie
Keyword(s):  
Random Effects ◽  
Discrete Choice ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Latent Class Models ◽  
Latent Classes ◽  
Poor Agreement ◽  
Health States ◽  
Time Tradeoff ◽  
Anxiety Depression ◽  
Class Models

Background. In health economics, there has been interest in using discrete-choice experiments (DCEs) to derive preferences for health states in lieu of previously established approaches like time tradeoff (TTO). We examined whether preferences elicited through DCEs are associated and agree with preferences elicited through TTO tasks. Methods. We used data from 1073 respondents to the Canadian EQ-5D-5L valuation study. Multivariate mixed-effects models specified a common likelihood for the TTO and discrete-choice data, with separate but correlated random effects for the TTO and DCE data, for each of the 5 EQ-5D-5L dimensions. Multivariate latent class models allowed separate but associated latent classes for the DCE and TTO data. Results. Correlation between the random effects for the 2 tasks ranged from −0.12 to 0.75, with only pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression having at least a 50% posterior probability of strong (>0.6) correlation. Latent classes for the TTO and DCE data both featured 1 latent class capturing participants attaching large disutilities to pain/discomfort, another capturing participants attaching large disutility to anxiety/depression, and the third class capturing the remainder. Agreement in class membership was poor (κ coefficient: 0.081; 95% credible interval, 0.033–0.13). Fewer respondents expressed strong disutilities for problems with anxiety/depression or pain/discomfort in the TTO than the DCE data (17% v. 55%, respectively). Conclusions. Stated preferences using TTO and DCEs show association across dimensions but poor agreement at the level of individual health states within respondents. Joint models that assume agreement between DCE and TTO have been used to develop national value sets for the EQ-5D-5L. This work indicates that when combining data from both techniques, methods requiring association but not agreement are needed.

scholarly journals SELECTION OF BREEDING STOCK BY U.S. MEAT GOAT PRODUCERS

2017 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 416-437 ◽  
Author(s):  
NARAYAN NYAUPANE ◽  
JEFFREY GILLESPIE ◽  
KENNETH MCMILLIN ◽  
ROBERT HARRISON ◽  
ISAAC SITIENEI
Keyword(s):  
Latent Class ◽  
Mixed Logit ◽  
Nationwide Survey ◽  
Latent Class Models ◽  
Discrete Choice Experiments ◽  
Preference Heterogeneity ◽  
Breeding Stock ◽  
Meat Goat ◽  
Class Models ◽  
Selection Of

AbstractUsing nationwide survey data, we investigate U.S. meat goat producer preferences and willingness to pay for meat goat breeding stock attributes. Discrete choice experiments were employed, and mixed logit and latent class models were used for analysis. Results showed that producers preferred animals that were highly masculine/feminine, had good structure and soundness, and were of the Boer breed, whereas they preferred fewer animals that were older, of Kiko and Spanish breeds, and priced higher. Significant preference heterogeneity was found among the respondents. Larger-scale producers had greater preference for high masculinity/femininity, good structure and soundness, and Boer bucks.

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