Quantifying health utilities of adult prosthodontic patients using the time trade-off method: A cross-sectional study.

Time-Trade-Off is a method used to elicit individuals’ preferences for different health states. Items widely used in health economics and outcomes research to measure the quality of life associated with various health conditions. We can conclude and render better treatment options by analyzing the data and considering the patient’s psyche. A patient in the Dental OPD complaining of missing teeth is mainly concerned with three problems- aesthetics, phonetics, and functional capability. Understanding the effects of treatment to replace teeth on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is an important aspect of clinicians. No studies have been conducted that imply studying the feasibility of the time trade-off method in prosthodontic patients and their preferences and choices. This study investigates the various factors that determine a patient’s choice of treatment in the department, mainly focusing on Time-Trade-Off principles. Participant Information Sheets and Informed Consent Forms for clinical examination will be given to the participants willing to participate in the study. Only the participants who are either coming for the first time to get a prosthesis or are already prosthesis wearers will be selected. A standard questionnaire is distributed; each participant is expected to answer within 15 minutes. The participants are asked to choose between two alternatives: A. Living for a specified amount of time in a less desirable health state. B. Living for a shorter amount of time in full health. The point at which a participant is indifferent between the two options provides a measure of their value on their current health state compared to full health. This will allow us to understand the effects of treatment on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL)