From the highs of “fully feasible” to the lows of a project slowly limping into “best efforts” territory, insights experts have too frequently encountered sample partners failing to deliver on their promises. This failure can cause a chain reaction impacting the overall project timeline and final deliverables. For high-profile projects, a hiccup in the field can irreparably damage client relationships.

The top sample providers take a consultative approach at the onset of each project to help avoid costly delays. A thorough understanding of the study objectives combined with experience in managing complex and high-priority projects helps set the stage for successful fielding. Read on to learn how the best sample partners take a proactive approach to meet strategic project needs and the use case for research.

Consistent Tracking Over Time

One misstep during the initial stages of a tracking study can have ramifications for the validity of the ensuing data for months or years to come. It is critical to consider a partner’s experience and expertise before starting this type of research.

Agreement on the finer details of audience targeting will start a tracking project off on the right foot. Neither the commissioning researcher nor the sample provider should make assumptions without clarity regarding the target audience. For example, is the natural fallout of the demographics acceptable, or do the final completes require census-balanced representation?

Sample providers must carefully monitor the appropriate supply mix to ensure consistency from project wave to wave. They must also consider the exclusion requirements to guarantee the availability of sample over time.

Tracking projects are a long-term investment. There is no room for partners to overpromise and underdeliver—take time to vet sample providers and ensure they’re an excellent fit to meet project requirements.

Niche Healthcare Audience Targeting

Healthcare studies are often high-stakes research opportunities—with low incidence audiences comes higher participant incentives and the potential for bad actors to try and fraudulently squeeze their way into the sample mix. Partners must be particularly vigilant to ensure they’re providing a representative sample of the appropriate target audience.

Survey respondents for healthcare studies break down into two main categories: patients/caregivers and healthcare professionals. Both audiences require a specialized approach to ensure data quality.

In-depth profiling and screening enable sample partners to connect researchers with a variety of patient and caregiver types. Reliable partners employ data collection techniques, including validation questions and red herrings, to ensure respondents provide accurate and consistent responses. For example, participants selecting several severe conditions are asked to verify this information at a later stage in profiling. Respondents with inconsistent responses may be flagged for further review.

Healthcare providers are among the most difficult-to-reach respondent types. To reach qualified respondents, expert sample providers employ a double opt-in approach and validate qualifications through avenues such as medical license numbers.

Experienced sample providers have a thorough understanding of what it takes to access and engage medical professionals for research purposes. Doctors, nurses, and medical support professionals are often stretched for time and may take longer to respond to survey opportunities than the typical consumer or B2B respondent. The right partner can help set expectations around the appropriate timing to reach this in-demand audience.

Meaningful Show Rates for Qualitative Research

In-depth interviews count on dependable participant turnout to access meaningful insights. Experienced sample partners can provide recommendations on the appropriate recruit ratio, so the study does not end up short-handed in the final phase.

Beware of partners who don’t seem interested in learning the details of the proposed project timeline, as this is a critical factor in delivering solid, reliable show rates. If the initial recruit and follow-up interview are spaced far apart, participant attrition may be higher than anticipated. Suppose the proposed timeline details are not provided in the initial bid request. In that case, a solid sample partner will follow up to ensure they have a holistic understanding of the project schedule before estimating feasibility or making recommendations on the sample size.

Additionally, a one-and-done approach to recruitment rarely nets solid participation for in-depth interviews. Sample partners who employ screening and validation via e-mail or telephone typically yield much higher response rates in the second phase of a research project. A proactive approach at the onset and throughout fielding helps participants understand what is expected of them; stringent participant screening filters out those who are not inclined to complete all of the necessary components of a project.

Setting Up for Success

In a “go go go” world, it can be challenging to slow down, yet taking the time to form a long-term and consultative relationship with the right sample provider can yield tangible results. Rather than simply taking a few details at face value, the right sample partner will offer consultation to help ensure alignment and a successful outcome for projects—especially those requiring difficult-to-reach audiences or multiple phases where the stakes may be higher. Not all sample needs are the same, do not settle for a partner who believes in anything less.