Strengths
Strengths of this study include various data sources to inform attributes and levels; relevant key attributes as distinct as possible from one another; the use of choice sets with random pairing; orthogonal design to minimize correlation among attributes and levels; non-labeled design to minimize selection bias; and analysis of uncertainty.This study enables the understanding of the strength of preferences and trade-offs between attributes and provides welfare estimates, despite uncertainty, for pharmacy services where market choices are constrained by regulatory factors and there is potential for reimbursement. Patients must choose an alternative, trade-offs can be measured, and WTA can be estimated. It further attempts to incorporate DCE into an economic evaluation using trial costs previously estimated. Finally, it offers a mechanism for patients to participate in decision-making and seeks to capture other benefits not captured in CEA or CUA.