BACKGROUND: Genital herpes (GH) is widespread, and detrimental to patients' quality of life. It is not always adequately treated, however, with potential consequences for patients' well-being and healthcare costs. Involving patients in treatment decisions can increase their satisfaction and adherence. We investigated patients' preferences for different GH treatments. METHODS: A discrete choice experiment was administered to 154 subjects with GH. Subjects chose between different treatment options: episodic, suppressive, or no treatment, described according to: chance of GH recurrence; chance of transmitting the GH virus to a partner; chance of becoming infected with HIV; number of tablets to be taken every day and during an outbreak; and out-of-pocket cost. Subjects' willingness to pay and probability of treatment uptake were estimated. RESULTS: Subjects preferred antiviral treatment to no treatment, and subjects receiving suppressive treatment preferred this treatment to no treatment. Effect of treatment on GH recurrence and HIV infection rates was a significant influence on subject's choice, as were the number of tablets taken daily and during an outbreak and out-of pocket treatment cost. Subjects were willing to pay between $15.50 and $73.41 for treatment. Subjects' willingness to pay depends on the type of treatment and their current treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects' preferences are influenced by both the treatment they follow and attributes of treatment including cost. Knowledge of patients' preferences, together with their clinical status, could help decision-makers to optimize therapy uptake and success.
BACKGROUND: Genital herpes (GH) is widespread, and detrimental to patients' quality of life. It is not always adequately treated, however, with potential consequences for patients' well-being and healthcare costs. Involving patients in treatment decisions can increase their satisfaction and adherence. We investigated patients' preferences for different GH treatments. METHODS: A discrete choice experiment was administered to 154 subjects with GH. Subjects chose between different treatment options: episodic, suppressive, or no treatment, described according to: chance of GH recurrence; chance of transmitting the GH virus to a partner; chance of becoming infected with HIV; number of tablets to be taken every day and during an outbreak; and out-of-pocket cost. Subjects' willingness to pay and probability of treatment uptake were estimated. RESULTS: Subjects preferred antiviral treatment to no treatment, and subjects receiving suppressive treatment preferred this treatment to no treatment. Effect of treatment on GH recurrence and HIV infection rates was a significant influence on subject's choice, as were the number of tablets taken daily and during an outbreak and out-of pocket treatment cost. Subjects were willing to pay between $15.50 and $73.41 for treatment. Subjects' willingness to pay depends on the type of treatment and their current treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects' preferences are influenced by both the treatment they follow and attributes of treatment including cost. Knowledge of patients' preferences, together with their clinical status, could help decision-makers to optimize therapy uptake and success.
Authors: David A Walsh; Marco Boeri; Lucy Abraham; Jo Atkinson; Andrew G Bushmakin; Joseph C Cappelleri; Brett Hauber; Kathleen Klein; Leo Russo; Lars Viktrup; Dennis Turk Journal: Eur J Pain Date: 2022-01-08 Impact factor: 3.651
Authors: Sieta T de Vries; Folgerdiena M de Vries; Thijs Dekker; Flora M Haaijer-Ruskamp; Dick de Zeeuw; Adelita V Ranchor; Petra Denig Journal: PLoS One Date: 2015-10-07 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: John M Humphrey; Violet Naanyu; Katherine R MacDonald; Kara Wools-Kaloustian; Gregory D Zimet Journal: PLoS One Date: 2019-10-30 Impact factor: 3.752