By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: What Do Patients Want From Pharma?
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Wellness > What Do Patients Want From Pharma?
Wellness

What Do Patients Want From Pharma?

Pam Todd
Pam Todd
Share
4 Min Read
pharma questions
SHARE

pharma questionsIf it seems like we are always asking ourselves this question, that’s probably a good thing. All relationships require nurturing and regular self-examination.

pharma questionsIf it seems like we are always asking ourselves this question, that’s probably a good thing. All relationships require nurturing and regular self-examination. The only way to create strong partnerships is to ask ourselves now and then what we’re contributing and whether or not it is what the other party in the relationship is truly seeking.

So what do patients want from pharma? The obvious answer is, of course, effective and safe treatment. That never has and never will change. But a recent study from Manhattan Research has me thinking about what else patients are seeking from pharma.

Patients want support
One thing patients want, it appears, is access to support. 30 percent of online consumers with a chronic condition and 38 percent of caregivers are interested in registering for a patient support program, according to the Manhattan Research study. These programs appear to be working, since 75 percent of online consumers who used online pharma patient support programs said they feel confident the prescription they have is right for them or those they take care of because of these services. The most popular features mentioned by the 6,607 US adults in the study were financial assistance, meal plans and recipes, tools to track and manage a condition and a registered nurse hotline.

For rare diseases, which are often challenging and lifelong conditions, assistance like this may be especially valuable, so long as it truly meets the needs of the people who are affected–and providing that patients and caregivers know how to access assistance. Monique Levy, Vice-President of Research, notes that “pharma isn’t top-of-mind as a destination, so marketers must consider partnering with other health resources such as general health websites, pharmacies and hospitals in an effort to gain traction for these programs.”

More Read

patient engagement
Person-Centered HealthCare: What Makes a Patient-Centered Provider Website?
Top 10 April Fools Day Jokes of 2013
Patient Engagement Explored at the ePharma Summit
Is the Healthcare Industry Prepared for Human Immortality?
New Research Highlights Treatment Options For Adrenal Fatigue

The key word is partnership
After last year’s World Orphan Drug conference, Melissa Hogan wrote a compelling post entitled “What We Want from (Big) Pharma,” on her Saving Case blog, that is definitely worth a second look. She talks about four things that caregivers want from companies that go beyond the foundation, which is excellent science:
– Transparency
– Commitment
– Compassion
– Partnership

Here is how Melissa Hogan elaborates on the last one: “We see it as a partnership and expect to be treated as an equal partner in this process of trying to save the lives of our children. It’s not even necessarily ‘patient-centered’ relationships as that term is now being bantered about so much, it is partnered relationships, with parents, physicians, payors, regulators, and pharma as equal partners. We’ll play our part, and we’ll even give you guidance as to how to play yours.”

Know your partners’ needs
What do patients and caregivers want?  All you have to do is ask.  We are constantly impressed with how open-hearted rare disease patients and caregivers are, sharing their lives and stories to help others who face the same challenges…and how willing and even anxious they are to help us understand their needs.

There are rules and regulations to observe of course, but to echo Melissa Hogan, let’s not forget that we are truly partners in improving the lives of people with rare diseases. The relationship between patients, caregivers and pharma companies is one of mutual interest, but it also must be one of mutual respect.

And if you have any questions, just ask.

Photo courtesy of Bilal Kamoon on Flickr

TAGGED:doctor/patient relationshiphealth literacyhealthcare marketingpatient engagementpatient supportpharma
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

a woman walking on the hallway
6 Easy Healthcare Ways to Sit Less and Move More Every Day
Health
September 9, 2025
Clinical Expertise
Healthcare at a Crossroads: Why Leadership Matters More Than Ever
Global Healthcare
September 9, 2025
travel nurse in north carolina
Balancing Speed and Scope: Choosing the Nursing Degree That Fits Your Goals
Nursing
September 1, 2025
intimacy
How to Keep Intimacy Comfortable as You Age
Relationship and Lifestyle Senior Care
September 1, 2025

You Might also Like

faith and healing
Wellness

A Tale of Divine Healing: Faith and Reason

August 10, 2013

Patient Engagement Is A Physician-Patient Communication Challenge…Not A Health Information Technology Challenge

September 11, 2012
Home HealthWellness

Tips On How To Be More Disciplined About Your Health

May 11, 2020

CDC’s State of Aging and Health in America [VIDEO]

October 18, 2013
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?