Feasibility and Challenges of Virtual Time Trade-Off Interviews: The Case of the EQ-5D-3L Valuation Study in Jordan

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Valuation studies are usually implemented through face-to-face interviews. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has its own impact on conducting valuation studies around the world. The Jordanian EQ-5D-3L valuation study team conducted Time Trade-Off (TTO) tasks virtually using video conferencing. This study aims to describe and assess the feasibility and challenges of conducting TTO valuation studies virtually in Jordan. Method(s) This is a descriptive study of the implementation of the EQ-5D-3L valuation study in Jordan during the period October 2021 to March 2022. Feasibility was tested using 4 indicators interviewers' compliance with protocol, availability of computers, internet accessibility, accessing elderly participants. Challenges were described based on reasons for dropout and interviewers' feedback throughout the study implementation. Result(s) Data were collected from 301 participants covering the 12 governorates of Jordan. The sample was representative to the Jordanian national population in term of region, age, and gender. Interviewers were compliant with the protocol with only one flagged interview out of 301 conducted interviews. 39% of the approached population could not participate due to not having computers, 11% could not participate due to not having access to internet, while 12% could not participate because they do not have either internet access or a computer. The quota for elderly (age above 65) participants was achieved with only 2% difference from general population percentage. The main study challenges were no response by participants after providing initial consenting and no show after scheduling the interview. Conclusion(s) Virtual Time Trade-Off interviews for valuation studies can be a useful mode of administration option in upper middle-income countries with access to internet and availability of computers. However, it is recommended to test the feasibility of using a hybrid method that includes both virtual and face to face interviews. Copyright © 2022