After evaluating and identifying the right patient representatives and assessing the regulatory framework conditions some companies may still struggle with a question that may sound simple but can be really tricky when it comes to acting: How to approach a patient or a patient organization in the best way?
Typical traps that should be avoided
Confusion occurs from some worst-case examples, negative experiences, and the fear of reinforcing a bad image of pharmaceutical companies.
Typical traps could be:
The communication is “weird” and therefore overwhelming and discouraging to patients.
The documents for data protection and compensation are too complex to be well understood by patients because they are written by professionals.
Planned meetings would mean a burdensome travel experience for patients that were not taken into account and no support was provided or there is not even barrier-free access for impaired persons.
So, it doesn’t seem too far-fetched that patients may be concerned about the real intentions and interests of the industry. Some may imply that patient-centricity talking is just lip service and pharmaceutical companies just want to make money without caring for the real interests of patients.
Why could that happen?
It is so obvious and yet often forgotten…
Patients are very different actors! They are special and may also have a critical view of the pharmaceutical industry. It is therefore of utmost importance to understand and carefully secure the most important aspects for patients when it comes to collaborations with the industry.
How can that be realized?
Understand important aspects for patients and make them your principles when interacting with patients, such as:
Credible communication o Be clear about the value/need for the patient and your company o Secure your company‘s long-term commitment and be very transparent about agendas
Inclusiveness o Understand the burden for the patient partners you work with o Adapt contract templates to laymen / not-for-profit
Reliability o Skilfull project management and moderation o Measurable outcomes
Shared data pool o Define the goals of all stakeholders precisely and confirm with them o Share results and outcomes
General guidelines for contacting patients
Helpful guidelines are also provided by international coalitions such as the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) and the EUPATI guidance for patient involvement.