Patients' Preferences for Healthcare System Reforms in Hungary: A Conjoint Analysis

Abstract

Objectives: To illustrate how conjoint analysis can be used to identify patient preferences for healthcare policies, and to measure preferences for healthcare reforms in Hungary. Data source/study setting: Data was collected via a mail-based survey and a direct survey administered in a rheumatology out-patient centre in Flor Ferenc County Hospital, Budapest, Hungary (n = 86). Study design: We designed and administered a conjoint analysis to the study population. Attributes and attribute levels were developed on the basis of key informant interviews and a literature review. Additional demographic, occupation and healthcare utilisation data were also collected using surveys. A mixed effects linear probability model was estimated holding respondent characteristics constant and correcting for clustering. Data collection: Conjoint analysis questionnaires were administered by a physician to 50 consecutive rheumatology patients in a clinic and an additional 36 were mailed by post. Principal findings: The response rate for the physician-administered survey was 98% (but 18% of these were excluded for inconsistent preferences) and 53% for the mail survey, leaving a final sample of 59. Regression results (R2 = 56.8%) indicated that patients preferred a health system that was not cost constrained (p = 0.003), was based on solidarity (pData-collection, Health-policy, Patient-preference