When it comes to the patient journey, pharma is still figuring it all out
Here's how life sciences companies can improve engagement at every step of the therapeutic process (Issue #303; 1,100 words; 5 minutes)
Navigating the patient journey is a complex endeavour encompassing multiple stages of interaction with healthcare professionals, treatment protocols, and support networks. For pharmaceutical companies, grasping the nuances of this journey is vital to enhance patient outcomes and build enduring loyalty, especially as patients increasingly take an active role in managing their health. Opportunities to deepen engagement arise at every phase, from diagnosis through treatment to continuous care, aiming to tailor the patient experience for greater personalization and efficacy.
This is increasingly evident in diseases such as Alzheimer’s, where innovative diagnostics and therapeutics are emerging. Companies such as Hoffman-LaRoche are developing early diagnostics that allow quicker identification and treatment, which can influence patient outcomes. By offering diagnostic and therapeutic solutions, Roche is addressing multiple stages of the patient journey cohesively. This integrated approach improves the chances of early intervention and provides a more streamlined experience for patients and healthcare providers.
The patient journey starts with a diagnosis, a pivotal moment for pharmaceutical companies to build trust and deliver value, as the consulting group Alphanumeric notes. Active engagement during treatment is crucial to prevent adherence issues caused by side effects or intricate medication plans. Companies can offer tools like mobile apps and educational content for patient support. Post-treatment, ongoing communication is critical to enduring success. A holistic engagement approach that caters to each phase of the patient journey with specific solutions can foster a smoother experience, ensuring patients are consistently supported and well-informed.
IQVIA Technologies notes that digital technology is critical in maintaining engagement throughout the patient journey. According to the report, virtual patient communities transform how pharmaceutical companies interact with patients by providing platforms for information exchange and emotional support. These communities offer companies valuable insights into patient behaviour and preferences, which can be leveraged to improve treatment adherence and overall patient experience.
Another consultant stresses effective patient engagement for informed decision-making, treatment adherence, and control over health. Research shows a strong link between engagement and treatment effectiveness. Clear communication and tailored approaches, considering cultural competence and diverse patient needs, enhance satisfaction and engagement.
Additional reading:
Journal of Patient Experience - Impact of Patient Engagement on Healthcare Quality: A Scoping Review
THIS WEEK 10/15/24
Pfizer Canada and the Skin Spectrum Summit announced the winners of the 2024 Canadian Skin of Colour & Diversity Scholarship program, which aims to improve dermatological care for underrepresented populations. This year’s winners are dermatology residents Dr. Edgar Akuffo-Addo [pictured below, left] from the University of Toronto and Dr. Farhan Mahmood from McGill University [below, right]. Each scholarship recipient will receive $20,000 to fund their innovative projects. They are pictured with Drs. Akuffo-Addo and Mahmood are (centre, l-r) dermatologist and committee chair Dr. Marissa Joseph, Thamarra Baptiste of Pfizer, and Mitch Shannon of Chronicle Companies, organizer of Skin Spectrum Summit.
Roche Canada’s glofitamab for injection (Columvi) is now publicly funded in seven provinces, including Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland. Columvi offers an additional treatment option for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, an aggressive type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Duchesnay Pharmaceutical Group, one of the eight companies nationwide chosen to participate in the Government of Canada's Global Hypergrowth Project, announced that its treatment portfolio for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy global footprint has expanded to include additional regulatory approvals in over 40 countries. This product portfolio comprises a combination of doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride, available in different strengths and formulations under various trade names such as Xonvea and Bonjesta.
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals has submitted a supplemental New Drug Application to the U.S. FDA for vutrisiran, an investigational RNAi drug in development for treating ATTR amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy.
NOW LISTEN UP: HERE’S JOHN McKENDRY
In season 13 of the NPC Podcast, John McKendry, President and CEO of KYE, gives insights into the importance of operating within regulations, leadership in pharma, and new treatment and delivery options for ADHD. Hear him in conversation with podcast hosts Mitch Shannon, Jim Shea, and Mark McElwain.
HEALTHBIZ REWIND
This feature of NPC Healthbiz Weekly looks back at some of the most insightful moments from previous NPC Podcast episodes. In Healthbiz Rewind, you’ll read bold life sci predictions made during the renowned “Prognostication Korner” segment of the NPC Podcast.
Aldona Armstrong
Commercial Solutions Lead, Immunology
UCB Pharma
Oakville, Ont.
Season 12, episode 02
Listen to this episode here
What bold predictions do you have about the sciences or life sciences industry over the next 12 to 24 months or even longer?
The short answer is change, but the longer answer is that many people in our industry—healthcare professionals, government, and payors—want to make the healthcare system better. And I want that, too. We all do. The pandemic exposed a lot of cracks in the system, and it’s not just a leaky tap. The whole house will flood if we don’t bring in the plumber soon. But there will be missteps before we get it right because so much needs to change. As you start pulling at the threads, you realize problems are everywhere. It’s like a home renovation where a straightforward fix uncovers layers of issues. The health care system is the same. Change management will continue to be a highly sought-after skill. We’ll take steps forward and back toward a future where health care and medications are more accessible. The life sciences industry, which supports this, is also going through a transformation—companies downsizing or reorganizing. There will be missteps there, too. But if we push through, we’ll see significant change, and I’m hopeful we’ll see some fast-acting progress within the next 12 months. It’s not going to be easy.
INTRODUCING DERMATOLOGY.BUSINESS and the DERMATOLOGY.BUSINESS DEEP DIVE PODCAST
Suppose you’ve been digging Dermatology.Business, the new newsletter from the same fine folks who bring you NPC Healthbiz Weekly, here’s some exciting news. Now, you can dive deeper into the Dermasphere with our supplemental podcast, published every other Wednesday at precisely 6:00 a.m. EDT. It has plenty of breaking news to tell you about, as reported directly from the Dermasphere. It’s a treat for both your eyes and ears. As far as your other senses go, you must figure that out for yourself.
Check it out here and request your free subscription.
NEXT WEEK
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