In real life, Prescribers focus groups are a tried & tested method for qualitative studies. They enable to stimulate the production of ideas and build new concepts by encouraging discussion between participants.
But how is this possible when there are few prescribers in a given specialty and who also practices in healthcare establishments that are geographically far apart or even in several countries as is the case for example for some specialties in oncology, hematology, orphan diseases, etc.?
In Healthcare Market Research, we hold Online Focus Groups regrouping prescribers who are few and far between and spread out over several regions or countries. Our clients can follow the Focus Groups in real-time and interact Live with the moderator.
Online Prescribers Focus Groups come with numerous advantages:
- Possibility of bringing together physicians from specialties with a restricted physician population spread out over several regions/countries
- No travel time or Viewing Facility costs
- No specific equipment is required apart from a computer
- Multi-media content can easily be integrated
Pharmaceutical companies face a unique challenge when it comes to bringing together prescribers who are few and far between. In many cases, these prescribers are specialists who are geographically dispersed, making it difficult to coordinate focus groups and other market research activities.
However, there are several strategies that pharmaceutical companies can use to overcome this challenge and bring together prescriber focus groups for valuable insights and feedback.
1. Utilize Online Focus Groups
Online focus groups have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They offer several advantages over traditional in-person focus groups, including greater flexibility and convenience. With online focus groups, participants can join from anywhere with an internet connection, making it easier to reach prescribers who are geographically dispersed.
Online focus groups also tend to be more cost-effective than in-person focus groups, as they eliminate the need for travel and lodging expenses. Additionally, they tend to be more efficient, as participants can join from their office or home, saving time and increasing convenience.
2. Partner with Professional Associations
Partnering with professional associations can be an effective way to reach prescribers who are few and far between. These associations often have a large network of members who are specialists in their field, making them an ideal target audience for market research activities.
Partnering with professional associations can also help to establish credibility and build relationships with prescribers. Pharmaceutical companies can work with these associations to coordinate focus groups and other market research activities, while also providing valuable insights and feedback to members of the association.
3. Use Social Media to Identify and Recruit Participants
Social media can be a powerful tool for identifying and recruiting participants for focus groups. Pharmaceutical companies can use social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to identify prescribers who are specialists in their field and invite them to participate in market research activities.
Social media can also be used to build relationships with prescribers and establish credibility. By sharing valuable content and engaging with prescribers on social media, pharmaceutical companies can demonstrate their expertise and build trust with potential participants.
4. Offer Incentives and Rewards
Incentives and rewards can be powerful motivators for prescribers to participate in market research activities. Pharmaceutical companies can offer incentives like cash payments, gift cards, and other rewards to encourage prescribers to participate in focus groups and other market research activities.
Incentives and rewards can also help to build relationships with prescribers and establish credibility. By demonstrating a commitment to providing value to prescribers, pharmaceutical companies can build trust and establish themselves as trusted partner in the healthcare industry.
5. Leverage Technology to Improve Coordination and Communication
Technology can be a powerful tool for improving coordination and communication between prescribers and pharmaceutical companies. Software tools like scheduling apps, online collaboration platforms, and video conferencing software can help to streamline the coordination of focus groups and other market research activities.
These tools can also improve communication between prescribers and pharmaceutical companies, making it easier to share information and feedback. Additionally, technology can help to improve the quality and accuracy of market research data, by providing a more structured and organized approach to data collection and analysis.
6. Conduct Hybrid Focus Groups
Hybrid focus groups are a combination of in-person and online focus groups. They offer the benefits of both formats, including the convenience and flexibility of online focus groups and the interpersonal interaction of in-person focus groups.
Hybrid focus groups can be an effective way to bring together prescribers who are geographically dispersed, while also providing a more interactive and engaging experience than traditional online focus groups.
Bringing together prescribers who are few and far between can be a challenging task for pharmaceutical companies. However, by utilizing online focus groups, partnering with professional associations, using social media to identify and recruit participants, offering incentives
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The growing presence of digital technology in the pharma industry -Consider 6 factors