Introducing the composite time trade-off: a test of feasibility and face validity

Abstract
Introduction This study was designed to test the feasibility and face validity of the composite time trade-off (composite TTO), a new approach to TTO allowing for a more consistent elicitation of negative health state values.
Methods The new instrument combines a conventional TTO to elicit values for states regarded better than dead and a lead-time TTO for states worse than dead.
Results A total of 121 participants completed the composite TTO for ten EQ-5D-5L health states. Mean values ranged from −0.104 for health state 53555 to 0.946 for 21111. The instructions were clear to 98 % of the respondents, and 95 % found the task easy to understand, indicating feasibility. Further, the average number of steps taken in the iteration procedure to achieve the point of indifference in the TTO and the average duration of each task were indicative of a deliberate cognitive process.
Conclusion Face validity was confirmed by the high mean values for the mild health states (>0.90) and low mean values for the severe states (<0.42). In conclusion, this study demonstrates the feasibility and face validity of the composite TTO in a face-to-face standardized computer-assisted interview setting.