Patients Advocating Pharma – It’s as Simple as Arming Them with the Right Information

eyeforpharma, London: Arming patients with correct and up to date knowledge on their treatments doesn't only benefit them, but it benefits the pharmaceutical industry too, says Andrew Schorr, Founder, Patient Power. 

The age of the ePatient has well and truly arrived, it's time for the pharmaceutical industry to get on board or get out of the way. But by participating in the movement and arming patients with the correct and most relevant information for their disease area, the pharmaceutical industry stands to not only assist and aid those patients in need but also to ensure it has a team of well-informed advocates in the physician's office.

Speaking to Andrew ahead of his presentation, “Give powerful patients what they want: a breaking news channel for their disease” at eyeforpharma Barcelona next month, Andrew made the argument for the pharmaceutical industry to assist in support of a greater level of new, relevant treatment data for patients – underlining not just the morality but the commercial benefits this also presents the industry:

"Numerous surveys have shown knowledgeable patients play a more active role in their care and do better - they have a better health outcome. Smarter, informed patients will advocate for state-of-the-art care as well as become informed about whether clinical trials might be appropriate for them now or in the future - those are two problems that the industry faces that an empowered patient can help with. In short, the empowered patient can be pharma's best friend."

Schorr and Patient Power recently conducted a survey of 1300 patients and caregivers and the results were promising, of the patients who found medical information online, 73% of patients felt it gave them greater control over their illness and 85% of patients will take that information to their doctor.

"Empowered patients have discussions with their doctor that have an 'afterglow effect' if you will, for the other patients in the waiting room that may be more passive. In a way an informed patient has some characteristics of a knowledgeable sales rep. They can have a discussion with the doctor, giving the doctor pause for thought and the outcome they agree on could benefit other patients who are less activated."

Providing patients with the appropriate knowledge and information will not only provide them with benefits, but also the pharmaceutical industry. By using patients as a channel of communication will reach out to an audience in a different way that has proved to be more effective.

eyeforpharma Barcelona 2014, Conference & Exhibition, March 18-20, is the only event to unite 1,000+ commercial pharma leaders to tackle patient value across sales, marketing and partnerships.

Register your place at eyeforpharma Barcelona 2014

Register via the secure link below to book your place amongst the industry elite at eyeforpharma Barcelona 2014: https://secure.eyeforpharma.com/barcelona/register.php

About eyeforpharma:

eyeforpharma is a hub for senior-level pharma executives, patient advocacy groups and other health experts to exchange ideas and stay up to date with shifting trends and practices within the pharmaceutical industry. We provide industry-focused commentary, events, reports, and other valuable expert-driven content. Our ultimate aim is to facilitate positive change through discussion and debate, enabling dialogue within the industry and driving the positive benefits that pharmaceuticals can offer.

For more information contact:

Lucy Fisher
EyeforPharma
(+44) 207-375-7225
lfisher@eyeforpharma.com