As the COVID-19 situation develops and as AplusA teams have been receiving questions regarding the impact of COVID-19 on market research activity. We are posting this info series in order to keep our clients and community updated with key developments in our industry and activity.

Here are the latest updates from AplusA as of April 3, 2020.

AplusA at Work

Our main objectives continue to be to minimize the impact of the current situation on employees' health and on delivering research results to our clients. A statement issued by ESOMAR stated the importance of market research during the current climate, and Quirk's Media published an article echoing the response we had from HCPs within the AplusA respondent community; that they are willing and wanting to participate in market research studies in order for their voices to be heard. 

Key updates on AplusA activity in the last week

• Awaited reports have been delivered on time 
• Most clients are continuing with market research 
• 15+ data collections are to be launched in the coming weeks

Read our post on AplusA's Business Continuity Plan to learn more on what has been put in place since the beginning of the pandemic.

AplusA is monitoring data collection closely

Fieldwork progression remained steady over the past 2 weeks with:

• 120+ data collections in-field

  • 30+ completed on time over this period

  • 10+ have been launched

• 12 data collections have been delayed

• 5 on hold (3 of these were the client's own decision)

35+ countries in-field with AplusA this week

New report available to download: COVID-19: French GP Reaction

General practitioners are an essential line of defense within the healthcare system in the fight against COVID-19 in France as across the world. French GPs are the subject of this poll which has been conducted to research both the diagnoses and suspected infections they have confronted as part of their activity, as well as their morale while faced with current responsibilities. 

The study provides results according to the type of consultation (in-surgery, home visit, tele-consultation, and nursing home visits) and according to the severity level of the French regions.

Key results from the poll:

• 21% of GP medical interactions led to a suspected COVID-19 case and 2% to a hospitalizable case.  

• There are more suspected cases among tele-consultations (42%). 

• GPs in the worst hit regions of France as of April 2nd (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Grand-Est, Hauts-de-France, Ile-de-France), obviously stated a larger number of suspected COVID-19 cases (26% versus 15% in the other regions) and therefore almost three times as many hospitalizable cases (2.4% versus 0.9%). 

• Despite all of this, and including in the worst hit regions, 71% of surveyed GPs in France said they retained a good or very good level of morale.