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Home Research Research Library Methods for Performing Survival Curve Quality-of-Life Assessments Methods for Performing Survival Curve Quality-of-Life Assessments 2014 Author(s) Sumner, W, Ding, E, Fischer, I, and Hagen, Michael D Topic(s) Role of Primary Care, and Achieving Health System Goals Keyword(s) Quality Of Care Volume Medical Decision Making Source Medical Decision Making Background: Many medical decisions involve an implied choice between alternative survival curves, typically with differing quality of life. Common preference assessment methods neglect this structure, creating some risk of distortions. Methods: Survival curve quality-of-life assessments (SQLA) were developed from Gompertz survival curves fitting the general population’s survival. An algorithm was developed to generate relative discount rate-utility (DRU) functions from a standard survival curve and health state and an equally attractive alternative curve and state. A least means squared distance algorithm was developed to describe how nearly 3 or more DRU functions intersect. These techniques were implemented in a program called X-Trade and tested. Results: SQLA scenarios can portray realistic treatment choices. A side effect scenario portrays one prototypical choice, to extend life while experiencing some loss, such as an amputation. A risky treatment scenario portrays procedures with an initial mortality risk. A time trade scenario mimics conventional time tradeoffs. Each SQLA scenario yields DRU functions with distinctive shapes, such as sigmoid curves or vertical lines. One SQLA can imply a discount rate or utility if the other value is known and both values are temporally stable. Two SQLA exercises imply a unique discount rate and utility if the inferred DRU functions intersect. Three or more SQLA results can quantify uncertainty or inconsistency in discount rate and utility estimates. Pilot studies suggested that many subjects could learn to interpret survival curves and do SQLA. Limitations: SQLA confuse some people. Compared with SQLA, standard gambles quantify very low utilities more easily, and time tradeoffs are simpler for high utilities. When discount rates approach zero, time tradeoffs are as informative and easier to do than SQLA. Conclusions: SQLA may complement conventional utility assessment methods. ABFM Research Read all 2021 Empowering Family Physicians to Drive Change in Practice: Plans for the ABFM National Journal Club Go to Empowering Family Physicians to Drive Change in Practice: Plans for the ABFM National Journal Club 2014 Which family physicians work routinely with nurse practitioners, physician assistants or certified nurse midwives Go to Which family physicians work routinely with nurse practitioners, physician assistants or certified nurse midwives 2013 Do residents who train in safety net settings return for practice? Go to Do residents who train in safety net settings return for practice? 2023 Accounting for Social Risks in Medicare and Medicaid Payments Go to Accounting for Social Risks in Medicare and Medicaid Payments
Author(s) Sumner, W, Ding, E, Fischer, I, and Hagen, Michael D Topic(s) Role of Primary Care, and Achieving Health System Goals Keyword(s) Quality Of Care Volume Medical Decision Making Source Medical Decision Making
ABFM Research Read all 2021 Empowering Family Physicians to Drive Change in Practice: Plans for the ABFM National Journal Club Go to Empowering Family Physicians to Drive Change in Practice: Plans for the ABFM National Journal Club 2014 Which family physicians work routinely with nurse practitioners, physician assistants or certified nurse midwives Go to Which family physicians work routinely with nurse practitioners, physician assistants or certified nurse midwives 2013 Do residents who train in safety net settings return for practice? Go to Do residents who train in safety net settings return for practice? 2023 Accounting for Social Risks in Medicare and Medicaid Payments Go to Accounting for Social Risks in Medicare and Medicaid Payments
2021 Empowering Family Physicians to Drive Change in Practice: Plans for the ABFM National Journal Club Go to Empowering Family Physicians to Drive Change in Practice: Plans for the ABFM National Journal Club
2014 Which family physicians work routinely with nurse practitioners, physician assistants or certified nurse midwives Go to Which family physicians work routinely with nurse practitioners, physician assistants or certified nurse midwives
2013 Do residents who train in safety net settings return for practice? Go to Do residents who train in safety net settings return for practice?
2023 Accounting for Social Risks in Medicare and Medicaid Payments Go to Accounting for Social Risks in Medicare and Medicaid Payments