Pharmaceutical Medical Information Research Articles

Optimizing patient (pt) care through pt-focused resources to prevent and manage hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR).

e24144 Background: Research has shown that pts and caregivers (non-HCPs) seek medical and disease-related information more than once a month, and this has accelerated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, they find it difficult to understand the information they receive and thus, can be misinformed. By understanding the use of fair-balanced medical information (MI) resources by non-HCPs, pharmaceutical companies can develop scientifically accurate yet pt-friendly resources to meet their needs (Goettner, 2022; Rai, 2022). Upon reviewing the unsolicited oncology inquiries received by our MI department, approximately 25% of inquiries were from non-HCPs seeking information. Over the past 3 years, non-HCPs have submitted almost 10,000 inquiries regarding our oncology products, in which 191 inquiries were specifically regarding HFSR and regorafenib and sorafenib. Historically, our MI department responded to non-HCP inquiries by sharing the product label information. However, we identified an unmet need for trustworthy, comprehensive, and accurate pt resources in plain language. Methods: A full literature review was performed, and the relevant data were summarized in plain language for pts. Both HCPs and pts participated in developing the global pt resource on the prevention and management of HFSR for regorafenib and sorafenib. The seven-page interactive brochure was written in 4th to 6th grade reading level which included images and graphics to enhance the understanding of data, easy navigation to the content of interest, and glossary to define key terms. Furthermore, these materials were translated for pts who participated in the regorafenib and sorafenib Patient Support Program in Brazil to further educate and support pts who have started therapy. Results: As of June 2023, the global pt medical resource has been deployed 28 times in Brazil, delivering key information to non-HCPs on their disease and treatment while emphasizing its practical utility and addressing health literacy challenges. We collected feedback from pts who utilized the translated material, and they described it to be “informative” and “helpful” since it empowered them to effectively navigate and address HFSR-associated discomforts during their treatment journey. The feedback has also been utilized to further enhance the resource’s feasibility. Conclusions: The pt feedback on the brochures showcases the value of pt-focused approach in oncology and the positive impact of collective efforts across all stakeholders including pts, pharmaceutical MI departments and pt programs. Furthermore, it demonstrates how MI can bridge the gap between pt insights and clinical knowledge by addressing their needs and providing practical and trustworthy tools. Not only does this initiative enhance pt understanding but also empowers pts to take a more active role in their treatment and fosters shared-decision making.

Pharma Collaboration for Transparent Medical Information (phactMI™) Benchmark Study: Trends, Drivers, and Value of Product Support Activities, Key Performance Indicators, and Other Medical Information Services: Insights from a Survey of 27 US Pharmaceutical Medical Information Departments.

A benchmarking survey was conducted by the pharmaceutical collaboration for transparent Medical Information (phactMI™) consortium, with the goal to capture insights from the 27 member companies and their medical information organizations. phactMI™ Benchmarking Committee delivered an electronic survey to 27 United States (US) member companies' Medical Information (MI) departments between December 12, 2017 and February 20, 2018. The survey consisted of approximately 300 questions, divided into 9 topics which included multiple choice and open-ended questions about the following categories: medical information support provided based on different product lifecycles, key metrics measured to assess department performance, and other key services provided by medical information groups. The extent of MI product support varied across the lifecycle of a product. Most companies provided MI product support throughout the product lifecycle starting from investigational all the way through mature; however, the extent of activities varied. The top key performance indicators (KPIs) that were reported to senior leadership included response turnaround time (59%) and inquiry volume (48%). Among the 27 companies, 85% noted using customer satisfaction surveys administered via links within written response documents and 52% verbally via the company's call center. Other services with which MI groups noted most involvement included congress booth support (100%), insights/metric reporting (96%), and training the sales force on the MI function (74%). Additional services included payor support clinical pathway submissions (22%), presenting at advisory boards (22%), and competitive intelligence (26%). The results of this survey provide pharmaceutical MI groups with opportunities to consider services or activities that could enhance the support these groups provide to their customers and business partners.

The Role of Pharmaceutical Medical Information in Promotional Review: Three Benchmarking Surveys

Pharmaceutical Medical Information (MI) departments have many different responsibilities within the organization. In addition to the traditional roles of Medical Information professionals, promotional review is a growing responsibility. Three benchmarking surveys explored the role and involvement of the Medical Information department in promotional review and were conducted within a similar timeframe (2009). The surveys were designed to provide insights into current practices within the pharmaceutical industry and to characterize the function and contribution of Medical Information departments in the promotional review process. The surveys focused on promotional review in terms of types of materials reviewed, procedures, and time commitment. Most pharmaceutical Medical Information professionals surveyed reported that they participated in the promotional review process. They have a number of responsibilities as part of the promotional review process that may include reviewing promotional materials, attendi...

Pharmaceutical Medical Information Contact Centers: Results of Three Benchmarking Surveys

Pharmaceutical medical information contact centers are often a key interface among a company, the medical community, and the general public. Results from three benchmarking surveys are reviewed. The surveys were designed to provide contact center leaders with unbiased and relevant information for use in assessing operations and setting strategic direction. The surveys were similar in focus and conducted at three time points (2004, 2005, and 2008). The surveys focused on the organizational structure and operations, sourcing options, technology, and globalization. These findings provide not only a snapshot of current contact centers, but also a view over time of the progression of changes to organizational and operational processes of medical information contact centers. The trends and challenges faced by pharmaceutical medical information contact centers included (a) increasing efficiency and productivity of the process to handle increased call volumes to meet customer expectations; (b) creating or maintai...

Pharmaceutical Industry-Based Medical Information in Canada

The medical information departments within the Canadian pharmaceutical industry have experienced a steady increase in demand over the past five years. Consumers are becoming more sophisticated, resourceful, and demanding of information regarding their health conditions and treatment options. Consumers are being bombarded with information on a variety of conditions and treatments with herbal, over-the-counter, or prescription products. This information is partially driven by the industry and the media. The result is at times confused consumers, but always consumers who demand more information. This creates a ripple effect within the health care continuum, which results in an increase in information requests from physicians, pharmacists, and consumers. Canadian pharmaceutical medical information departments have changed and are continuing to evolve in response to the increasing level of demand for information. Ten years ago, information requests that came in from health care professionals may have been handled by a medical information specialist, a medical director, or a product manager on an ad-hoc basis. Many companies would refuse to respond to consumer inquiries at all. Currently, most pharmaceutical companies have a designated medical information specialist/associate or department to deal with inquiries. In recognizing that the push for information is being driven by consumers, many companies are now responding to consumer inquiries with a basic level of information, but still referring them back to their health care professional to get thorough, unbiased, knowledgeable advice regarding their condition and the appropriateness of the various therapies available.