Principle, strengths and weaknesses of discrete choice modelling for eliciting public preferences for health care

Patients play an increasingly active role in the medical decision making process. Hence, methods for eliciting public preferences have become essential tools for enlightening the choices of health authorities. Discrete choice modelling is the most recently applied technique in the field of health. This article deals with the principle, the strengths and the weaknesses of this method. Often used in English-speaking countries, the discrete choice method has several advantages over other elicitation methods since it allows estimation of marginal utilities. Compliance rates are also higher and more information is provided. Considering these qualities, further research should be undertaken on discrete choice modelling in France. (C) 2007 Elsevier Masson SAS. Tons droits reserves.