Table 1.

Attributes and levels in the discrete choice experiment

Attribute	Level #	Level description
Diagnosis	1	Patient has long-standing symptoms that can be managed by a family doctor but the patient would like to see a gastroenterologist for help with residual symptoms.
	2	Patient has no gastrointestinal symptoms but requires an elective screening test for cancer.
	3	The patient has an abnormal test which may indicate a gastrointestinal disease but needs a procedure to confirm diagnosis.
	4	Patient has long-standing diarrhea. The patient requires evaluation by a gastroenterologist to find the reason for the symptoms and start treatment.
	5	Patient has no gastrointestinal symptoms but is at high risk of cancer and needs a preventative test.
	6	Patient has symptoms that may include pain, blood in the stool or a new change in the bowel movements. The patient requires evaluation by a gastroenterologist to find the reason for the symptoms and start treatment
Function	1	The patient is fully active, able to carry on all daily activities without restrictions.
	2	The patient is restricted in physically strenuous activity but ambulatory and able to carry out work of a light or sedentary nature, e.g., light house work, office work
	3	The patient is ambulatory and capable of all self-care but unable to carry out any work activities; up and about more than 50% of waking hours
	4	The patient is capable of only limited self-care; confined to bed or chair more than 50% of waking hours.
Time waiting	1	24 weeks
	2	12 weeks
	3	4 weeks
	4	1 week