There’s no doubt that participating in healthcare market research is a great way to supplement your income. But many of our Panelists derive other benefits from participating in surveys or interviews. In the last issue of our quarterly e-newsletter we asked you what you enjoyed most about it (aside from the financial benefit) and 675 of you responded. Here’s what you had to say:
Members of our Healthcare Market Research Panel participate in different types of market research including online surveys, in-depth telephone interviews, or in-person focus groups. While some Panelists favor online surveys, equally as many enjoy the in-depth and personal nature of qualitative studies, the majority of which are conducted as telephone interviews ranging from twenty minutes to an hour. In-person interviews or focus groups are not quite as common, but for those who do participate in them, they tend to deliver highly rewarding experiences because of their communal nature and the sharing of knowledge and expertise that occurs.
For those who may not be that familiar with qualitative research, here are some of the benefits from the perspective of healthcare professionals:
One of Reckner’s Panelists, Dr. Claudio Sandoval, shared that he prefers qualitative studies so that others may benefit from his clinical expertise. “I have been caring for patients with blood and cancer disorders for over 26 years and have a wealth of information and a deep reservoir of knowledge. I enjoy talking to people and contributing to the science and art of medicine,” he said.
From the perspective of the researchers, Frazier shared that these in-depth interviews allow companies to dig more deeply into a subject and get into the mindset of potential consumers. “Getting on the court of the customer” is how some researchers describe it.
Qualitative research is also used to understand the language that potential consumers use to describe certain symptoms or health issues. By talking directly with potential users of a product, one can appreciate the nuances of word and phrasing choices. For example, a company might describe their product as alleviating “irritation” but upon talking with potential consumers who describe the same symptom, they might more specifically refer to it as “sensitivity” or “burning” or “pressure,” for example. Hearing the nuance of the language used by potential consumers and prescribers can help a company get the right product to the right people.
Wondering what kind of opportunities there are for telephone interviews?
At any given time, Reckner could have up to 60 qualitative studies underway. In 2018 alone, Reckner paid nearly $7,000,000 in honoraria to almost 18,000 unique participants for both qualitative and quantitative research studies.
“There’s certainly plenty of room for new Panelists to get involved. We encourage our current Panelists to spread the word to their networks,” Frazier said. “We are really fortunate to have such a highly regarded and trusted Panel which has grown steadily over the past 28 years. Because of its longstanding and consistent record of excellence, our clients have come to rely on the Reckner Panel for their healthcare market research needs. And, as always, we are grateful for the Panel’s commitment and involvement,” concluded Frazier.
We greatly appreciate referrals. Please send the name and email address or phone number of potential Panel members to sample@reckner.com. Many thanks.
As a regular feature on its new blog, Reckner Healthcare will talk with members of its Healthcare Panel about their backgrounds and interest in participating in healthcare market research. Panelist Dr. Claudio Sandoval, renowned in the fields of pediatrics and pediatric hematology-oncology, was the first to share his views on Reckner and healthcare market research.
Dr. Claudio Sandoval is board certified in pediatrics and pediatric hematology-oncology, and in addition to his active practice, is involved in teaching medical students and residents. He currently holds the rank of Professor of Pediatrics at New York Medical College. Moreover, he is active in both clinical and basic science research in the fields of ataxia-telangiectasia and minimal disease detection in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Dr. Sandoval has been a member of Reckner’s Healthcare Panel since 2002 and has participated in more than 50 studies. “I perform these studies so that others may benefit from my clinical expertise. I have been caring for patients with blood and cancer disorders for over 26 years and have a wealth of information and a deep reservoir of knowledge. I enjoy talking to people and contributing to the science and art of medicine,” he said.
Dr. Sandoval encourages his colleagues to contribute to healthcare market research. “This way we can expand the panoramic view of ideas. I tell them it is a nice way to contribute to science, and maybe even learn something along the way.”
Reckner prides itself in efficient, friendly, and appropriate communication with the healthcare professionals on its panel. Reckner understands how busy these professionals are and makes all provisions necessary to accommodate their complex schedules. Dr. Sandoval confirmed that “the Reckner personnel are always so nice to talk to. I have never had any issues with scheduling and whenever there is a change it is done in a timely fashion.” He also notes that the subject matters of the surveys are pertinent to his areas of expertise.
Dr. Sandoval, a storyteller by nature, prefers the long form interviews over online surveys because he says he enjoys talking in person. “Growing up in Long Island and being a fisherman I became a raconteur-fishermen–always bragging about the guppies caught or the guppies that got away,” he joked.
Dr. Sandoval encourages his colleagues to contribute to healthcare market research. “This way we can expand the panoramic view of ideas. I tell them it is a nice way to contribute to science, and maybe even learn something along the way,” he concluded.
“Dr. Sandoval has been an important member of the Reckner Healthcare Panel. We appreciate his more than 17 years of service and his contributions to the field,” said Lexy Frazier, Reckner Director of Qualitative Research.
Additional Credentials
Reckner conducts market research studies for healthcare, pharmaceutical and medical device companies. In order to have respondents at the ready when our clients present us with studies, we have assembled a Panel of Healthcare Professionals. Since 1991 when the company was founded, Reckner’s Healthcare Panel has grown to become one of the most trusted and esteemed in the industry. Physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, hospital and healthcare decision-makers have all voluntarily joined Reckner’s team, and as our clients attest, comprise one of the most valuable and preferred panels in the field of healthcare market research.
We recently reached out to members of our panel with a survey of our own to find out how we were doing regarding delivery of surveys, communication, and awarding of honoraria. What we learned was both inspiring and humbling. Jason Gamber, our VP of Reckner Healthcare summed it up: “We understand the value of our panel’s time and we know that the honoraria we offer for participation are certainly important. What we were gratified to confirm as well is the degree to which panel members find the surveys informational and educational. A large number even called them ‘fun’.”
According to one survey respondent, a hospital administrator, Reckner surveys are a “good way to keep up with what’s going on in our areas of the market. You can get a great idea from a survey what direction the rest of the country is going.” Another said they are motivated to take surveys in order to have “input into field products and strategies for the future. I feel like I have something to contribute. (The extra money is nice too!)”
One emergency physician said they like to “help direct research, hopefully share my experiences in a meaningful way, point out what gaps there may be in education… I also found new options I wasn’t aware of.” And an oncologist shared how taking surveys “is a positive experience as it forces us to re-evaluate the way in which we approach important medical issues.”
Another somewhat unexpected common response was that the surveys are “fun”: “Fun and rewarding,” “fun and interesting and you learn from them,” “fun and you can get your voice heard,” and “fun and I feel good about contributing.”
Gamber concluded, “We are so appreciative of those who continue to participate in our Healthcare Panel. We value our partnership and want to continue to rise to the top of your inbox when survey requests arrive there. For those of you who haven’t signed up yet to join our Healthcare Panel, please take a moment to visit our easy online form and join us. Come have fun with us and make a difference in your field.”
What we Do
Reckner is a respected market research company that has been in business for more than 28 years. We conduct market research studies for healthcare, pharmaceutical, and medical device organizations.
When we are contracted to conduct a study, we reach out to members of our Panel we believe match the study’s criteria. We let you know what the survey is, about how long it will take, and how much you will be compensated for completing it. The first step generally always involves a screener questionnaire to further determine if you match with the specific criteria of the study.
If you meet the criteria and complete the survey or interview, you will be compensated for your time. Once the study is concluded, we send out Visa debit cards (electronic or mailed card) within two to three weeks, one of the fastest turnarounds in the business.
How to Get Started
The first step is to complete a simple sign-up form on our website. We only ask for your name, address, phone number, email address, profession, year of license/certification, and NPI number. It’s that simple. Once you are registered for the Panel, you will be invited to participate in online surveys or interviews that match your field and experience.
Answers to Commonly Asked Questions
I hope you will join our Healthcare Survey Panel if you haven’t already. It’s a great way to make a little extra money and stay abreast of some of the newest developments in your field.
