Case examples

Device testing and usability

As part of a formative usability study for a new medicinal product, 210 personal interviews with potential users (patients and their relatives, nurses and pharmacists) were conducted at a facility in New York City. The survey was completed within a period of 5 weeks.

After a differentiation test to ensure the product was not confused with any similar device, respondents performed a simulated injection with the device to check its usability. The IFU and labelling were also tested.

The analysis was based on observational and video protocols as well as questionnaires.
The study outcome allowed our sponsoring client to validate their decisions regarding product design, IFU and labelling. Results were also submitted to the competent authorities as part of the device’s approval process.

Tracking study to evaluate market success

We have accompanied the market success of an oncological product for over 10 years in an ever-changing competitive environment. This includes conducting one or two waves of telephone interviews annually with 150 decision makers in the field of chemotherapy/targeted therapy to assess their treatment approach in different oncological indications.

The results of this study reflect the current treatment landscape in Germany and provide information on this product’s role, type and frequency of use in different indications, and the size of the potential patient segment.

Patient research

Qualitative study

In order to assess cancer patient compliance, 10 patients in or after adjuvant therapy were interviewed in a qualitative study.
Following an initial qualitative telephone interview, the patients kept a diary for 7 days and were subsequently interviewed at home on their current medication therapy. The general findings were supplemented by interviews with doctors and nurses.

Quantitative study

In a quantitative patient study, 720 pain patients were interviewed about their pain perception. Study respondents were recruited by pain specialists who are office-based or work at hospital out-patient centres.

The tablet-assisted interviews were performed on site. Collating anonymised patient data, provided by doctors in the form of a patient documentation, allowed us to perform a detailed analysis.

Payor study

Within the scope of a payor study on the image of a major pharmaceutical company in Germany, we have been conducting interviews for several years with employees of German statutory health insurance companies, pharmacists and payors.
Respondents were recruited ad-hoc via telephone. The survey itself, which lasted approximately 20 minutes, was done online. In total, 50 respondents were interviewed per wave.

This client obtained valuable information on their image and were also able to improve collaboration with payors.