Economic Aspects of Clinical Trials of Medicines: Latvia – Example of Small Population Country

Proceedings of The 3rd International Conference on Research in Management

Year: 2021

DOI:

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Economic Aspects of Clinical Trials of Medicines: Latvia – Example of Small Population Country

Māra Pētersone

ABSTRACT: 

The clinical trial (CT) process has become a significant type of services that provides huge added value to any national economy. Undoubtedly, the primary group of stakeholders in CT of medicines is pharmaceutical companies that obtain a product as a result of successful CT. However, other groups involved will also obtain materials and intangible benefits from the process of CT of medicines. In this context, the authors tended to find out: What are considered to be the primary economic benefits of CT of medicines in a society with small population? Aim of the research is to analyse economic factors of CT of medicines in countries with small population, taking Latvia as an example. Object of the research: economic factors of CT of medicines. The principle of snowball has been used to make the selection of the participants’ survey. The empirical analysis and evaluation of economic factors in unique CT of medicines are based on the qualitative research method of semi-structured individual (in-depth) interviews. According to the survey, the most important economic type of CT of medicinal products in Latvia is “socioeconomic factors”, the average index of the factor being 0.82. The most significant three categories of the socioeconomic factors are “Access to the latest treatment methods and preparations” (Index max 1), “Improved patient care (time used per patient)” (Index 0.87) and “Exchange of experience, transfer of knowledge on the most innovative treatment methods” (Index 0.86). Society with small population values the primary economic benefits from CT of medicines. It can be concluded that the socioeconomic factor is the most significant, compared to the direct economic factor and the alternative cost savings factor.

Keywords: alternative cost savings factor; clinical trials; direct economic factor; socioeconomic factor; small population countries.