For professionals e.g. physicians, reimbursement should be:

• “…reasonable and reflect the fair market value of the services” (ABPI Code of Practice)
• Kept to a minimum
• Proportionate to the amount of time involved
• No more than the respondent’s normal hourly fee or internal company rate

There are no industry guidelines published. Refer to your company compliance department if in any doubt

For patients and members of the public remuneration should be:

reasonable and in line with fair market value agreed with sponsoring end client. Fair market value will depend on a number of elements including kind of activity, amount of time invested and experience and skills of the people involved.

Reimbursement must not be such that it:

• Could influence opinion or behaviour
• Requires the respondent to spend money
• Is subject to using the sponsoring company’s goods or services

The incentive to be paid must be entirely clear and incentive fees must be specified separately from other recruitment costs including reimbursement for the cost of travel. Any payments to a respondent must be transparent, documented and agreed with the Client, including any changes to payment levels.

Refer to section E4.9 of the Guidelines for further information about reimbursing respondents