A Comparison of Ordered Categorical versus Discrete Choices within a Stated Preference Survey of Whole-Blood Donors

Med Decis Making. 2023 Apr;43(3):362-373. doi: 10.1177/0272989X221145048. Epub 2022 Dec 24.

Abstract

This article compares the relative preferences from stated preference (SP) questions requiring ordered categorical versus discrete choice responses. The approaches were contrasted for blood donation service characteristics that offer opportunities to donate blood.The estimates of relative preferences for alternative blood donation service characteristics were similar between the 2 forms of SP approach.This study illustrates how SP survey questions can be formulated to provide responses on an ordered categorical scale and to estimate marginal rates of substitution between different attributes, which can be compared with those derived from discrete choice experiment (DCE) choices.The article highlights the potential value of considering alternative choice framings rather than relying solely on DCEs.

Keywords: blood donation; discrete choice experiments; stated preferences.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Blood Donors*
  • Choice Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Patient Preference
  • Surveys and Questionnaires