Patient preferences for antihypertensive therapy in a cost benefit analysis contex

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to 1) determine the relative importance of the attributes of the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEIs) and to 2) measure the indirect willingness to pay (WTP) for improvements in ACEI attributes. A cross-sectional, telephone survey adapted discrete choice experiment was conducted using the Georgia Poll. The average respondent in this survey was white, female, with an average household income of between $35,000 and $49,999 per annum. The relative importance of ACEI attributes was risk of side effects, dosage schedule, efficacy and cost respectively. Respondents are WTP $179.32/ month for reduction in risk of side effects, WTP $52.02/ month for improvement in efficacy and respondents are WTP $61.78/ month for improvement in dosage convenience. In conclusion, this study establishes the relative importance of ACEI attributes and shows that patients are willing to participate in antihypertensive treatment choice.