Thompson M S, Read J L, Liang M
Med Decis Making. 1984;4(2):195-215. doi: 10.1177/0272989X8400400207.
Quantification of nonmonetary aspects of disease is a major challenge for economic analysts. Using the amounts of money recipients are willing to pay for nonmonetary benefits has theoretical appeal, but it has proven difficult to implement. Difficulties encountered include noncomprehension by subjects, misrepresentation of preferences, extraneous determinants of answers, and ethical concerns. In a preliminary exploration of feasibility, 184 patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis were asked their willingness to pay (WTP) for hypothetical complete cure. With minimal pressure put on the patients to respond, 27 percent gave plausible answers. People with more schooling, with paid employment, or who were having more treatments for their arthritis were more likely to respond. Patients were willing on average to pay 17 percent of family income for arthritis cure. Methods for measuring WTP are being strengthened and may soon play an important role in health services research.
对疾病的非货币方面进行量化，是经济分析师面临的一项重大挑战。利用受助者为非货币利益愿意支付的金额，具有理论吸引力，但事实证明难以实施。遇到的困难包括受试者不理解、偏好表述不实、答案的外在决定因素以及伦理问题。在一项可行性初步探索中，询问了184名骨关节炎和类风湿关节炎患者对假设的完全治愈的支付意愿（WTP）。在对患者施加最小回应压力的情况下，27%给出了合理答案。受教育程度更高、有带薪工作或接受更多关节炎治疗的人更有可能做出回应。患者平均愿意为治愈关节炎支付家庭收入的17%。衡量支付意愿的方法正在得到加强，可能很快会在卫生服务研究中发挥重要作用。
