?
Valuing Health States in Russia: A First Feasibility Study
OBJECTIVE:
The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of different health-related quality-of-life valuation methods in a new setting. Based on a small feasibility study of 100 young Russians, we trialed different methodologies and identified key differences that have implications for the development of health technology assessment in Russia.
METHODS:
In face-to-face interviews, respondents completed a series of health self-assessments based on a modified version of the EQ-5D-3L, visual analogue scale, time tradeoff, standard gamble, and best-worst scaling methodologies, covering actual and hypothetical health states.
RESULTS:
We found that (1) the visual analogue scale produced lower health valuations and fewer logical inconsistencies than either time trade-off or standard gamble methodologies; (2) initial health states can be decisive in determining values assigned to health improvements; (3) respondents evaluate abstract health states more positively than their own actual health states; (4) there is evidence consistent with the hypothesis that actual and hypothetical health state valuation, using EQ-5D-3L, is an artifact of understanding rather than preference and that the incorporation of additional levels may therefore be no panacea if the dimensions themselves overlook important attributes; and (5) the country context is important in determining how respondents relate to the survey tools and how those survey tools are translated and delivered.
CONCLUSIONS:
Russia is commencing its health technology assessment journey and should proceed cautiously as it moves toward the valuation of health benefits. These results suggest a useful framework for a more in-depth development of health valuation methodologies in Russia.