Case Studies

The study aimed to pinpoint symptoms of iron, anaemia and CKD separately and to look at how each of these symptoms affected the individual’s life. The discussion focused around symptoms and iron supplements side effects. Interviews lasted 45 minutes each and were conducted over the phone. Patients were carefully selected through an extensive screener document, which incorporated – beside the actual screening questions – a clinical form on medications and blood test values and a socio-demographic form. After the interview each patient had to complete a 4 page questionnaire which investigated further patients’ quality of life and general well-being (physical, social, emotional and functional well-being) as well as any other concerns that the patient may have had. Markets UK – 10 pre-dialysis and 10 dialysis patients (20 patients in total) Germany – 5 pre-dialysis and 5 dialysis patients (10 patients in total) Spain– 5 pre-dialysis and 5 dialysis patients (10 patients in total)   Recruitment The main challenge was, of course, to reach the required quota in all markets and recruit patients who fully met all screening criteria. Some of those criteria – like the [...]

Markets India, Russia and China Methodology 1 hour face to face interview and transcript with a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Russia and China. 1 hour face to face interviews with Orthopaedic Surgeons and Heads of Administrations or billing dept from 8 hospitals in India, 6 in Russia and 10 in China and one summary report per hospital. Our client opted for an extremely lengthy process monitored through weekly conference calls over one year. Challenges The main challenge encountered with this study was trying to achieve the results without divulging the reason for the study considering the level of media attention which was already out there. The key issue with the study had been to ascertain if there were any SME similar to ones in Westernised markets and whether they would have an understanding of the healthcare systems in their country. What became apparent pretty quickly was that these countries did not have SME’s as defined but there were still SME’s available to help with understanding the market. Once the SME interviews were completed, they to be re-contacted to get additional information based on their [...]

UK – London and Leeds, Germany – Berlin and Munich, France – Paris and Lyon, Italy – Milan and Rome, Spain – Barcelona and Madrid.   Focus Group Discussions in central location in 2 cities per country, 2 groups per city and 16 participants in total per market (8 GPs and 8 Psychiatrists) Each discussion included patients profiles which needed to be assessed by each physician independently without influencing others. To achieve this we used iPads and a web program supplied to the moderators and each of the Physicians. With this the moderator could immediately read each physician’s response while avoiding influence on the other physicians, and use this information to drive the discussion forward.

UK – London, Germany – Berlin, Brazil – Sao Paulo, China – Shanghai, India – Mumbai, Russia – Moscow   Focus Group Discussions in central location , x20 respondents split in 2 x 120 minutes of 10 respondents each per market. One group consisted of Graduate and Postgraduate students (BA, MA, PhD) and the other group with MBA students. Challenges Understanding the varied educational systems and how the cultural differences impact on the expectations of the students in the different countries: how they see their potential employers, what they expect from them and from the job market, what they are looking for in their future careers, their attitudes towards work and life in general. Solutions and Outcome We were able to overcome this information gap through our in-depth knowledge of the local markets, streamlining the recruitment methodology and client’s expectations to better fit within the context of each market.

UK – 4 patients and 1-2 carers, USA – 15 patients and 5 carers, Italy – 6 patients and 3 carers, Germany – 6 patients and 3 carers   Patients had to compile a diary prior to their in-home interviews. Caregivers were also interviewed. They described their journey through the disease, their emotions, the impact of the disease in their lives, their environment, by using written texts, drawings, photographs and magazine cuttings. These were patients suffering from a combination of very serious conditions. They are extremely rare and difficult to find, and often not willing to participate for obvious reasons. We completed all aspects of the study, yielding data that was more robust, more direct, and more clearly on-target in line with the client’s objectives.

UK – London, Italy – Rome, Germany – Berlin   4 hour group discussion in central location with 8 participants per city (24 participants in total). Participant specialties per market: 1 PCT member 1 GP 1 or 2 secondary/ primary joint formularies members 1 or 2 regional HTA members 3 KOLs (2 in Stroke prevention in Atrial Fibrillation, 1 in Venous Tromboembolism treatment) The project was a great success on all fronts. We recruited very strong candidates in all 3 cities and the outcome was excellent. The client was extremely satisfied.

Markets UK and France Methodology 60 minute telephone depth interviews per market Sample size N=10 patients affected by Haemophilia in each country Challenges The key challenges were that with only a few hundred people in each country meeting the selection criteria the chances of locating these were slim. This also included parents of children with Haemophilia. Solutions and Outcome By combining panel, HCP recruitment, working with patients associations and social media recruitment we were able to reach the numbers in both countries.