Time trade-off utility modified to accommodate degenerative and life-threatening conditions Conference Paper


Authors: Kattan, M. W.; Fearn, P. A.; Miles, B. J.
Title: Time trade-off utility modified to accommodate degenerative and life-threatening conditions
Conference Title: 2001 AMIA Annual Symposium
Abstract: The time trade-off is often argued to be the preferred utility assessment method. When measuring current health in its classic form, it involves a comparison of two certainties: perfect health and current health, each for a fixed period of time and followed by death. This makes the time trade-off insensitive to patient fears regarding premature death or worsening health. We suggest the classic time trade-off be modified to include subjective rather than actuarial life expectancy, and relaxation of the current health option to include uncertainty in quantity and quality of life. We illustrate the mechanics of this modified time trade-off and report a preliminary application to 122 men presenting to a prostate cancer screening program. Further analysis of this modified time trade-off appears warranted.
Keywords: terminally ill patient; attitude to health; prostatic neoplasms; terminally ill; health status; evaluation; pilot study; pilot projects; prostate tumor; life expectancy; quality adjusted life year; socioeconomics; quality-adjusted life years; decision support techniques; decision support system; humans; human; male; article; value of life
Journal Title AMIA Annual Symposium. Proceedings
Conference Dates: 2001 Nov 3-7
Conference Location: Washington, DC
ISBN: 1559-4076
Publisher: American Medical Informatics Association  
Date Published: 2001-01-01
Start Page: 304
End Page: 308
Language: English
PUBMED: 11825200
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC2243360
DOI/URL:
Notes: Export Date: 21 May 2015 -- Source: Scopus
Citation Impact
MSK Authors
  1. Paul A Fearn
    59 Fearn
  2. Michael W Kattan
    218 Kattan