How we informed on customer requirements for a single infusion pump utilizing pre-filled syringes for subcutaneous immunoglobulin therapy
The Challenge
Our client, who envisions pre-filled syringes (PFS) as the future of subcutaneous immunoglobulin therapy, was developing a new single infusion pump (Product X) that would utilize all available PFS, eliminating the need for patients or caregivers to perform the onerous task of vial-to-syringe transfers. Our client needed to understand whether the benefits of the pump outweigh the increased pump weight and size and would elicit an interest in adoption by Specialty Pharmacy.
The Approach
We used a multi-phase research approach with US Specialty Pharmacists who are primary decision makers, and Specialty Pharmacy Nurses who train patients and take part in decisions for new product adoption
Phase 1 Quantitative: 20-minute online surveys, which included a MaxDiff to identify the most and least compelling features of Product X
Phase 2 Qualitative: 20-minute follow-up depth interviews with a subset of respondents from Phase 1 to understand any changes from their initial perceptions of Product X. Respondents were sent Product X prototypes ahead of the interviews, and their web-cam was enabled during the interviews so the moderator could observe non-verbal cues. The discussion was structured to allow us to assess potential trade-offs impacting adoption of Product X
The Impact
We found that both pharmacists and nurses were highly interested in adopting Product X, even at a price premium, with both groups highly prioritizing ease of use, compatibility with all available PFS, and reduction of steps in the infusion process.
Placing Product X in respondents’ hands for the qualitative interviews allowed us to provide our client with a more thorough assessment of the trade-offs. The pharmacists and nurses acknowledged the increased weight and size compared to current devices, but did not identify either as barriers and instead identified associated benefits.
Through our research engagement, we were able to provide our client with a clear and effective path forward for their product’s launch by best positioning themselves for widespread adoption, with the goal of alleviating the burden that subcutaneous immunoglobulin therapy places on patients and administering nurses as well as minimizing the associated medical waste.
Our expertise
With a combined heritage of 50+ years in MedTech we leverage our extensive experience in innovating methodologies and approaches to offer a research design uniquely tailored to the MedTech industry. Contact us today to discuss your market research needs.