Brunel University

Methodological issues for the measurement of Utility in Pain states: Qualitative surveys and pilot

Pain has overarching consequences on people�s life. It impacts bodily functions and needs (e.g. sleep), family and social life in addition to its �intrinsic� effect. Pain has a large incidence. The purpose of this research is to contribute to the body of evidence allowing evidence-based funding of interventions to relieve pain.

Measurement aspects for utility have been explored in order to recommend the most appropriate methods to use in testing the theoretical aspects: Time-trade-off (TTO) and Willingness to pay (WTP) were identified as being sound from a theoretical point of view but need to be operationalised before starting a large survey.
Testing different way of operationalise measurement methods is one the objectives of the qualitative research.