Willingness-to-pay for improvement of hypothetical health status in patients visiting the emergency department: A contingent valuation study

Background: The use of willingness-to-pay (WTP) to value the benefits of health (care) in monetary terms is increasing. The objective of this study was to estimate private and altruistic willingness to pay for improvement of hypothetical health status in patients visiting the emergency department. Methods: A cross-sectional study was used from June to July 2018. We surveyed 300 patients visiting a hospital emergency department in Tehran, Iran. Data were collected via open-ended questionnaire in a face to face interview. We asked them about the maximum amount of money they were willing to pay for improvement of hypothetical health status using contingent valuation method. Determinant factors on willingness to pay was calculated through a regression model. Data were analyzed on STATA version 13. Results: The mean of willingness to pay increases with worsening health status. The average of private willingness to pay for improvement from first and last health status were 101 and 714 respectively. The average of altruistic willingness to pay for improvement from first and last health status were 74 and 231 respectively. The mean of willingness to pay was influenced by household monthly income (P < 0.01). Age, sex, marital status and education don't have significant associations with willingness to pay. Conclusions: Our study findings show that all people are willing to pay for improvement from health status and The WTP amount is higher for those who have higher incomes. This information may be useful for health policy maker in the decision-making process. © 201