Unlocking Patient Preferences: The Potential of Stated-Preference Methods in Clinical Decision Making

Stated-preference (SP) methods are gaining attention as tools to support patient-centered clinical decision making by quantifying individual preferences through structured tradeoffs. These methods may improve shared decision making by helping patients and clinicians better understand the relative importance of treatment attributes and the trade-offs patients are willing to make. However, integrating SP methods into clinical settings poses practical challenges, including concerns about complexity, patient burden, and relevance of hypothetical scenarios. Successful application will require thoughtful design, attention to accessibility, and collaboration across disciplines. Despite current limitations, SP methods hold promise for enhancing the quality and alignment of medical decisions with patient values.