Qualitative primary and secondary market research: ambulatory clinical practice of antibiotic associated diarrhea

Hict was asked to perform a qualitative market research to give better insight into the clinical practice of antibiotic associated diarrhea (AAD) in the ambulatory market:

• Perception of AAD depending on different sources and stakeholders (definition, degree of severity, etc.)
• The different steps (patient flow) that ambulatory patients on antibiotics (AB's) go through incl. all relevant information: most common infections, most prescribed AB, guidelines, preventive measurements AAD, treatment AAD, registration of patient information, etc.
• The different steps (patient flow) that patients on AB's in residential homes go through, incl. all relevant information
• Perception and information on Biocodex products within the context of AAD

Approach

In a first phase, the strategic questions of Biocodex were determined in collaboration with Hict. Subsequently, a twofold approach was executed.

1. Primary market research

Collection of information obtained from interviews with pharmacists (n=12), GPs (n=12) and physicians in residential homes (n=3). For this purpose, a semi-structured questionary was developed and tested by pilot interviews. Semi-structured interviews enables to collect crucial information without disabling the interviewer’s freedom to assess in more detail other data that can contribute in answering the strategic questions.

2. Secondary market research

All existing sources and databases were investigated during the desk research phase: protocols, guidelines, patient organizations, professional associations, and all other national and international organizations.

Finally, all information was processed and presented in a structured way to the client.