Visual Analog Scales: Do They Have a Role in the Measurement of Preferences for Health States?
Open Access
- 1 August 2001
- journal article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Medical Decision Making
- Vol. 21 (4) , 329-334
- https://doi.org/10.1177/0272989x0102100408
Abstract
Visual analog scales (VASs) have long been used as a method of measuring preferences for health outcomes. They are easy and inexpensive to implement, can be administered quickly, and lend themselves to self-completion. Over time, however, disturbing questions have emerged concerning the validity of the VAS approach. This article reviews briefly the history, theory, practice, problems, and advantages of VASs; presents some suggestions to improve the validity of VASs; and recommends a limited but useful role for VASs in the process of measuring preferences for health states.Keywords
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