Advancing healthcare through research that makes a difference.

Your research interview will typically take place at a specialised research venue called a ‘viewing facility.’ However, in some cases, we may request your permission for a client’s interviewer to meet you at your home or a convenient local meeting place. You may also be invited to participate via phone or an online meeting platform. The interview is usually audio or video recorded for analysis, but your consent will always be obtained beforehand, and you will be informed of this during the recruitment process. 

We always want you to feel relaxed in the  interview  and so there is no dress code, so you’re welcome to wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. In some cases, we may suggest specific clothing to accommodate a particular exercise—for example, wearing trousers to allow a dummy skin pad to be strapped around your thigh for an injection simulation. If any specific attire is needed, we’ll always let you know in advance. 

The content of your interview must remain confidential, so you won’t be able to share any details with others. In most cases, you’ll be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement before the interview begins. This is to protect commercially sensitive information and ensure that future participants are not influenced before their own interviews. Rest assured, your personal details will also remain strictly confidential and will never be shared with anyone, including our clients. However, we encourage you to share your overall experience of taking part in research with friends and family, as they may be interested in participating in the future. 

Participating in research offers numerous benefits to patients who are willing to share their unique insights, experiences, and opinions. Whether through an online survey or a group discussion, participants have the opportunity to shape the development of medical devices, products, services, and therapies, helping to improve the future of healthcare. Beyond influencing innovation, market research provides a safe, non-judgmental space to voice opinions on conditions and treatments, connect with like-minded individuals, and contribute to the advancement of new treatments and devices—all while being compensated for their time and input. 

Healthcare research plays a crucial role in various business and product development processes, enabling the efficient and accurate collection of industry-specific data. It helps validate existing internal research, gather objective insights, and support informed decision-making at every level. In the healthcare and medical fields, research informs a wide range of decisions, from the development and enhancement of medical devices and products to identifying market opportunities, guiding business expansion, shaping advertising strategies, and refining overall business plans. Research methodologies may include both qualitative and quantitative approaches, such as interviews, focus groups, observations, surveys, questionnaires, and trials involving patients, healthcare professionals (HCPs), and caregivers. 

The application to take part can vary depending on the organiser. Typically, applicants register either with a research agency or for an individual study online and complete a screening survey to assess their suitability for a particular study or panel. This questionnaire helps identify specific conditions or match respondents with studies that best align with their characteristics. Following the screening survey, applicants may be contacted for a phone interview to verify their responses and further refine their profile. If all criteria are met, they can proceed with the study or, in the case of panel applications, officially join. Panel members may then be contacted for future research opportunities that fit their profile. 

Research participants play a vital role in providing valuable insights that professionals use to complete studies. Their involvement may include activities such as filling out questionnaires or surveys, participating in interviews, focus groups, or group discussions. The specific tasks required depend on the study. At Ascent Market Research, our participants contribute to shaping the future of medical devices, products, services, and treatments worldwide. If you’re interested in joining our research panel as a patient, carer, or healthcare professional, visit our “Join Our Panel” page to learn more. 

At Ascent Market Research, we deeply appreciate the time and effort our participants dedicate to research. To acknowledge their contribution, we offer fair compensation, which may come in the form of direct payment, an incentive, or a donation to a charity or support group. Compensation details vary depending on the study. 

Successful healthcare research benefits a wide range of people, particularly those affected by health conditions. The ultimate goal of medical market research is to develop and enhance effective medical devices, products, services, and treatments. The insights and experiences shared by real people living with these conditions play a crucial role in this process. Research also offers valuable opportunities for both patients and healthcare professionals to contribute their knowledge and expertise. Whether participating in a group discussion or an online survey, individuals can help shape the future of healthcare while engaging in meaningful conversations, connecting with like-minded people, and providing valuable feedback—all in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Additionally, participants are fairly compensated for their time and contributions. 

Focus groups are a widely used research method that allows market researchers to gather feedback and assess opinions from pre-selected participants. These sessions typically involve small to medium-sized groups and last between one and two hours. During this time, a moderator facilitates an open discussion on a specific set of topics. Participants are usually chosen based on specific traits or experiences relevant to the study. However, researchers often aim to create a diverse group, ensuring a mix of individuals with varying characteristics or from different demographics to capture a broad range of perspectives. 

The compensation for participating in medical surveys or research studies varies depending on the research organiser or agency. While some surveys may offer no payment, others may cover time, travel, and accommodation expenses when necessary. At Ascent Market Research, we highly value the time and expertise of our respondents. That’s why we ensure fair compensation for every research activity conducted by our clients. The amount offered depends on factors such as the duration of the study, the specialty or condition being discussed, specific requirements, and any additional expenses. Full compensation details will always be provided in the research overview before participation.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria are essential aspects of healthcare research. These criteria help define the target population for a study, ensuring that participants meet specific requirements. Inclusion criteria outline the necessary characteristics—such as demographic, clinical, or geographical factors—needed for participation. Conversely, exclusion criteria identify traits that may disqualify an otherwise suitable participant from a particular study. At Ascent Market Research, we carefully assess participant suitability early in the recruitment process. This ensures that individuals are matched with relevant studies, saving time and enhancing the research experience for everyone involved.