Assessing Time Trade-Off Utilities in Health States of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps: A Pilot Study in Brazil

OBJECTIVES: Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP) considerably affects patients' quality of life, with symptoms varying in severity. This study aimed to elicit time trade-off (TTO) utility values for different CRSwNP health states, enhancing our understanding of its impact on quality of life from a societal perspective.

METHODS: In this cross-sectional survey, healthcare professionals and medical students in Brazil, without a diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis, were engaged to evaluate the impact of CRSwNP from a societal viewpoint. Data collection was conducted via videoconference. Vignettes for mild, moderate, and severe CRSwNP health states were developed through literature review and clinical expert consultation. Participants assigned TTO utility values to these vignettes. The study's vignettes and methodology are documented in the Open Science Framework database (doi: 10.17605/OSF.IO/6EJAC).

RESULTS: Sixteen participants (75% female, mean age = 31.1 ± 8.1 years) completed the interviews, including four 4th-year medical students (25%), three physicians (19%), and nine other healthcare professionals (56%). The mean TTO utility values were 0.934 ± 0.122 (mild), 0.821 ± 0.186 (moderate), and 0.662 ± 0.258 (severe) CRSwNP. Adjusted to Brazilian population norms (mean adult utility = 0.824), the values were 0.769 ± 0.100 (mild), 0.677 ± 0.153 (moderate), and 0.545 ± 0.213 (severe) CRSwNP.

CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study offers insights into the societal perception of life quality across different CRSwNP health states through TTO utility values. The results indicate a decline in perceived quality of life with increasing severity of CRSwNP. These values, particularly when aligned with population norms, provide benchmarks for healthcare professionals and policymakers. The developed vignettes can be utilized in other contexts to evaluate and compare perceived quality of life. These findings highlight the importance of targeted interventions and resource allocation for effective CRSwNP management, aiming to enhance patient care and overall well-being.