The Intrinsic Value of the Information Contained in Medicine Leaflets

Abstract

This paper applies contingent valuation methodology to estimate the monetary value of the information contained in medicine leaflets. By surveying a sample of the general population, we obtain willingness-to-pay estimates of the value of providing additional quantitative information on potential benefits and side effects of a hypothetical medicine, according to the best evidence available about risk communication. The willingness-to-pay estimates found in our study ranged from 60 cents to 1 euro per month. In addition, some consistency tests of the robustness of our estimates are also presented, as well as evidence on their feasibility, reliability and validity.