title: Acceptability of computerized visual analog scale, time trade-off and standard gamble rating methods in patients and the public.
abstract: One technique to enhance patient participation in clinical decision making is formal measurement of preferences and values. Three commonly applied methods are a visual analog scale(VAS), the standard gamble(SG), and the time trade-off(TTO). We studied participants subjective experience using computer implementations these methods using scale we call the VIBE (for Value Instrument Battery--Evaluation) that measures four aspects of user acceptance (clarity, difficulty, reasonableness, and comfort level) Studies were performed in two groups: patients with HIV infection (n=75) and a convenience sample of the general public(n=640). In the patient study, VIBE scores appeared reliable (Cronbach s alpha of 0.739, 0.826, and 0.716, for VAS, SG, and TTO ratings, respectively.) Patients  acceptance of the VAS the highest, followed by the TTO and the SG method (p<0.05 for all comparisons). Despite significant enhancements in computer software for measuring SG preferences, observed differences in acceptance between SG and VAS methods were replicated in the general public study (p<0.0001 for differences). The results suggest developers of clinical decision support systems should use VAS and TTO rating methods where these methods are theoretically appropriate.
authors.affiliation: Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA.
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Lenert
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Sturley
mesh_terms: D003658:Decision Making, Computer-Assisted; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000628:therapy; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D010358:Patient Participation; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000628:therapy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013995:Time; D016896:Treatment Outcome