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Editorial
. 2001 Jul-Aug;21(4):329-34.
doi: 10.1177/0272989X0102100408.

Visual analog scales: do they have a role in the measurement of preferences for health states?

G W Torrance, D Feeny, W Furlong
Editorial

Visual analog scales: do they have a role in the measurement of preferences for health states?

G W Torrance et al. Med Decis Making. 2001 Jul-Aug.

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.

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