HIV Alert: Study Specifications

HiVAlert: Fact Sheet

Audience

Product managers and market research analysts, as well as people in new
drug development, clinical research, and medical affairs.

Goal and focus To regularly assess practicing physician trends in order to chart and
understand changes in HIV treatment patterns and to predict future clinical
practice. Emphasis on providing qualitative reasons for physicians' choice of
treatments, understanding actual versus prescribed usage, and
differentiating disease management throughout progression of the disease.
Antiretroviral and opportunistic infection treatments for key patient types
(defined by thought-leader derived patient factors; see figure).
Method Hybrid qualitative/quantitative survey techniques. Most thought leader
interviews were conducted onsite at the physician's office; other cohorts
were surveyed in one-on-one telephone interviews.
ARV share data were collected via a patient conjoint in which physicians are
asked to report prospective treatment and rationale for a set of hypothetical
patients defined by patient factors. Perceptual basis for data collection is
inherently predictive, emphasizing the salience of the various factors in
influencing choice of treatment.
Samples * Seventy-five practicing AIDS primary care physicians (PCPs), including
thought leaders and general population physicians in selected U.S. cities
were interviewed for current perceptions of disease trends, prescribing
pattemrns and rationale, and other issues.
* Thirty HIV-positive patients-segmented by geography, sexual orientation/
route of seroconversion, CD4 count, and therapy experience-were
interviewed for their perspectives on treatment and compliance.
Multiwave format and timing Sensitivity to market changes and client needs are built-in via the multiwave
study design. Waves are fielded when market conditions dictate, every 9 to
12 months.
Wave5 was issued in Winter 1997. Wave6 is in its planning phase, with
release scheduled for Fall/Winter 1998. The conjoint component may be
administered separately, depending on client interest.
Custom features * Input to study design and discussion guide
* Post-publication support, upon request
* Proprietary research modules (optional, limited availability)
* ARV market simulator utilizing conjoint-derived data (optional)
Benefits * Uncovers and rationalizes treatment trends, giving the reasons clinicians
choose specific treatment strategies.
* Allows sophisticated, multivariate analysis of treatment.
* Acts as a bellwether for the future market.
* Serves as launching point for rigorous, focused quantitative studies.

Cost

Waves: $8,500