Willingness to pay for complete symptom relief of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Kleinman, L., McIntosh, E. , Ryan, M., Schmier, J., Crawley, J., Locke, G.R. and de Lissovoy, G. (2002) Willingness to pay for complete symptom relief of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Archives of Internal Medicine, 162(12), pp. 1361-1366. (doi: 10.1001/archinte.162.12.1361)

Abstract

Background: Over $6 billion per year is spent on prescription medication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study is an economic analysis of patients' willingness to pay for a prescription medication that offers complete relief of GERD symptoms. <p/>Methods: The study was a cross-sectional, nonrandomized design recruiting patients from 5 clinical sites. A computer-administered discrete-choice questionnaire was used to explore patients' willingness to pay for various attributes (time to relief, amount of relief, side effects, and out-of-pocket cost) associated with GERD treatment. Patients chose between 2 different combinations of attributes by indicating which scenario they preferred. Data were gathered on health status, health-related quality of life, and sociodemographic characteristics. <p/>Results: Two hundred five patients completed the discrete-choice questionnaire with a consistency rate of 99.5%. All attributes were relevant to patient decision making. Respondents were willing to pay up to $182 to obtain complete relief in a short period of time without side effects. Patients with less severe GERD symptoms were willing to pay more to avoid side effects ($58.25 vs $38.43). Older patients were less willing to pay for better relief than younger patients. <p/>Conclusions: Results demonstrate that patients are willing to pay more per month for a medication that provides more complete and faster relief from GERD symptoms. This information can guide clinicians and formulary committees in evaluating optimal treatment for GERD.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: McIntosh, Professor Emma
• Authors: Kleinman, L., McIntosh, E., Ryan, M., Schmier, J., Crawley, J., Locke, G.R., and de Lissovoy, G.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment
• Journal Name: Archives of Internal Medicine
• ISSN: 0003-9926