Study design
A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was used to gain insight in treatment
preferences of women with DE and bowel involvement when they have to
choose between conservative or surgical treatment. This DCE technique
assumes that patients value different characteristics of a treatment,
(e.g. pain reduction, pregnancy chance, risk of complications) which
will determine their preference. When presenting different choices,
patients will usually choose the option that is most beneficial (13,
14).