Discrete choice experiments or best-worst scaling? A qualitative study to determine the suitability of preference elicitation tasks in research with children and young people

Abstract Background Ordinal tasks are increasingly used to explore preferences for health states. This study aimed determine the suitability of two ordinal preference elicitation (discrete choice experiments (DCE) and best-worst scaling (BWS)) use with children young people generate state utility values. The explored children’s understanding, relationship between their age level how many they felt could complete. Methods Children aged 11–16 years were recruited from a secondary school in South Yorkshire, UK. Participants asked ‘think aloud’ as completed computer-based survey that contained both DCE BWS relating dental caries (tooth decay) Health states involved descriptions impact tooth decay on daily lives. One-to-one semi-structured interviews then held participants, topic guide. Qualitative data transcribed verbatim analysed thematically. Results A total 33 (12 male, 21 female) participated, comprising 5–6 each year group. expressed demonstrated better understanding these than DCE. There was no clear age. manage 8 10 comfortably. Conclusion suggests most appropriate type task value