HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS REGISTER		Author Keyword(s) Vol Page [Advanced]

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this link to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Add article to my folders Download to citation manager Request Permissions Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Frewer, L J Articles by Lambert, N Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Frewer, L J Articles by Lambert, N

Understanding patients' preferences for treatment: the need for innovative methodologies

¹ Institute of Food Research, Norwich Research Park, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UA, UK
² NAMRU, Education Building, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK

Dr L J Frewer Lynn.frewer{at}bbsrc.ac.uk Abstract

Treatment selection is now much more consumer driven than in the past. However, there is a need to develop investigative methodological approaches that are sensitive to differences in patient preferences if full account is to be taken of what the patient sees as the best option in terms of different possible treatments available for a particular condition. Previous attitude research has been criticised because it does not provide insight into reasons why people hold different preferences or beliefs. A methodology is described which allows people to describe their concerns and values associated with different treatment options in their own words. This is the repertory grid method of eliciting personal constructs used in conjunction with generalised Procrustes analysis (GPA). An example of the use of this methodology is provided, drawn from research directed towards understanding people's beliefs about genetic technologies. A possible application of the method to understanding treatment preferences related to type 2 diabetes is also discussed. It is concluded that the use of innovative methodologies is essential if our understanding of patient preferences regarding treatment options is to have a significant impact on patient quality of life.

Key Words: patient preference; repertory grid method; diabetes

This article has been cited by other articles:

				B. C. Opmeer, R. el Moussaoui, P. M. M. Bossuyt, P. Speelman, J. M. Prins, and C. A. J. M. de Borgie Costs associated with shorter duration of antibiotic therapy in hospitalized patients with mild-to-moderate severe community-acquired pneumonia J. Antimicrob. Chemother., November 1, 2007; 60(5): 1131 - 1136. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A Robinson and R Thomson Variability in patient preferences for participating in medical decision making: implication for the use of decision support tools Qual. Saf. Health Care, September 1, 2001; 10(90001): i34 - 38. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A A Montgomery and T Fahey How do patients' treatment preferences compare with those of clinicians? Qual. Saf. Health Care, September 1, 2001; 10(90001): i39 - 43. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]