OBJECTIVE: Screening for islet autoantibodies can predict the risk of developing type 1 diabetes and reduce the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at diagnosis as well as long-term complications. The purpose of this study was to understand the relative importance of the attributes of screening tests for type 1 diabetes among parents and pediatricians in the United States.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This study used a discrete-choice experiment methodology to quantify parent and pediatrician preferences for type 1 diabetes screening tests in children. Online surveys presented hypothetical Screening Test profiles from which respondents were asked to choose their preferred test profile. Data were analyzed using random-parameters logit models.
RESULTS: Parents placed the highest relative importance on monitoring programs that could reduce the risk of DKA to 1%, followed by treatment to delay onset of insulin dependence by 1 or 2 years, and, finally, avoiding a $50 out-of-pocket cost. Physicians placed equal importance on monitoring programs that reduced a patient’s risk of DKA to 1% and on avoiding a $50 outof- pocket cost for the screening test, followed by the option of a treatment to delay the onset of insulin dependence. The mode of administration and location and timing of the screening were much less important to both parents and physicians.
CONCLUSIONS: Parents and physicians preferred screening tests accompanied by education and monitoring plans to reduce the risk of DKA, had available treatment to delay type 1 diabetes, and had lower out-of-pocket costs.
