Article · Pharmaceuticals · 4 min read
Formulary access research for pharmaceuticals: methods and sample sizes
By the HealthcareMarketResearch research team, Pune · Updated
Quick answer
For formulary access research in pharmaceuticals, use 8–15 in-depth interviews per stakeholder group to explore, then a survey sized so each key sub-group has enough completes to compare reliably. Rare specialists may need longer fieldwork or multiple countries.
Key takeaways
- Match sample size to the decision
- Plan sub-group comparisons up front
- Rare audiences need more time
- Combine methods for confidence
Qualitative methods
In-depth interviews, moderated calls and small group discussions reveal the why behind behaviour and are ideal early in a project.
Quantitative methods
Online surveys, conjoint and MaxDiff measure preference and trade-offs at scale, and are needed when you must prioritise or forecast.
Choosing a sample size
Start from the comparisons you need. If you want to compare three segments in two countries, each of those six cells needs enough respondents. For hard-to-reach pharmaceuticals audiences, we widen sources and extend fieldwork rather than lowering quality.
Frequently asked questions
Is a small sample enough?+
For exploration, yes. For decisions that need numbers, you need a properly sized quantitative sample.
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