Preferences for health states: a review of measurement methods.

The preferences of patients and the public for program outcomes are an important component of program evaluation. This paper reviews methods of measuring such preferences. Topics discussed include the description of the relevant health states, the selection of appropriate subjects, the types of preference scales available and the various preference measurement methods which can be used. The three most common preference measurement techniques--rating scales, standard gamble and time trade-off--are described in detail. The application to both temporary and chronic states is presented, including the case of chronic states considered worse than death. Findings regarding the accuracy of the techniques are summarized.