Real-life patient case studies in healthcare market research…

Medical market research fieldwork agency, GKA, has a long track in recruiting patients for a wide range of research studies. Below are some recent patient healthcare market research projects…

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written by GKA
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Metastatic renal cell carcinoma

GKA recruited five patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma, who were asked to record a video diary over several days, then take part in an in-home interview. During the follow-up interview, the moderator and patient reviewed the video diary together and discussed the findings in detail.

We worked with our healthcare professional’finders’, briefing them fully to ensure they were comfortable with the study. Interested patients were also briefed during the screening stage to ensure they understood the requirements of the study and to reassure them that if they felt unwell at any point they can withdraw. The project  was a great success, providing the client with high-quality patient insights.

Chronic heart failure

This study was a 2.5-hour focus group in London with ten patients with chronic heart failure, where ensuring the patients were well informed was vital. As the study called for patients who were NYHA class 2 (the second of four stages in heart failure), we worked with HCPs and support groups to ensure we recruited patients with the correct classification.

This study was challenging as we needed a large number of GPs, cardiology nurses and cardiologists to assist with the search. However, we succeeded in recruiting all 10 patients, liaising with them over travel and accommodation costs. Our client was happy with the information that the respondents were able to provide.

Ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel disease

GKA recruited ten patients with ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel disease who were taking a specific medication to take part in a one-day filming exercise and a follow-up telephone interview. The client wanted patient insight into articles they were writing for a magazine, online forum and for a DVD to assist with a patient support programme.

The patients were recruited through a variety of resources, including GKA’s support group network, our Physician and Nurse finders, and our pre-existing panel of validated patients.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

GKA was asked to recruit several waves of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and their parents. In total, we recruited eleven parent/child duos; the children between 3 and 18 years of age, including a wave that concentrated on transitional patients moving from paediatrics to adult care.

Our approach to recruitment for these 60-minute in-home interviews was targeted due to the age of the  respondents and the therapy area, and we worked closely with JIA centres around the country. We delivered a full sample and the client was very happy with the end result.

We have experience in an extensive range of therapy areas and as a result we have created a series of Therapy Area Guides providing a spotlight into a number of topics. To download these guides, click here.

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