As Bruce Buffer, voice of the UFC, would say, "IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT'S TIME!"
In this case, it's time for big pharma to stop just defending its prices and to start to tap into the consumerism that is transforming healthcare.
Check out these stats (mostly from Google and Decisions Resources Group):
More surprising is that only half of both large and small pharmaceutical companies see the growth of consumerism in healthcare as an opportunity. But that's EXACTLY where the opportunity for growth lies. To thrive in the new era of value-based care, pharma companies will need to change their marketing strategy toward partnering and will certainly need to focus far more on the individual consumer.
See also: Checklist for Improving Consumer Experience
Trying to scare politicians away from lower-price reforms with the “It will kill our R&D” excuse is becoming the “BOO!” that no longer scares the grown-ups. Both 2016 presidential candidates, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, plan to stimulate price competition through imports — and there is bipartisan pressure to lift the ban on Medicare's negotiating drug prices. Apart from trade groups and shareholders, high-priced pharma doesn't have many friends.
Payer pressure is bad enough, but if you don't get into the value-based care game, you are going to be on the wrong side of a very emotional equation.
Patients have greater financial burdens because of higher deductibles and greater cost-sharing requirements, with varying medication tiers. Providers are ever-burdened with less time, and, now, a greater level of risk is being put on them to deliver higher-quality care, better outcomes and greater patient satisfaction — all at a lower price.
Patients are not just seeking advice from providers. They are increasingly online, and at all hours. Plus, we're going to start to see greater levels of patient-generated healthcare data with wearables and digital technology. And, as we have seen, half of consumers spend their online time on social media. (HINT: Tap into consumers' behaviors and beliefs, show that you genuinely care and engage them in ways that let them feel as though you are part of their health team.)
The writing is on the wall. Consumers are practically screaming out what they want and need from you. Partner with wearable and EHR companies. Start developing ways to capture and interact with your customers — specific to individuals, at the best times to engage. Find ways you can partner with hospitals, physicians and affordable care organizations (ACOs) to get into their care pathway in ways that help them lower costs to patients and payers.
See also: Stop Overpaying for Pharmaceuticals
Say “yes” to predictive modeling, big data, analytics, lots of testing and customer segmentation. “Yes” to retaining some of the traditional marketing. Most of all, become human in your approach. Put yourself out there and let people know that you are no longer on an island, separate from everyone else. Let them know your port and beaches are open to more boats and more people than ever before.
- One in 20 online searches is for health-related questions.
- According to comScore, health topics are the No. 1 search category on mobile.
- 72% of people with pre-existing conditions searched for medical info online.
- Half of all patients and caregivers already turn to digital channels to look up formulary or dosing information.
- After a diagnosis, 84% of patients searched for options.
- In a report by Decision Resources Group of 1,000 physicians, more than 50% reported their patients are more actively involved in treatment decisions — and these doctors called on pharma to support affordable options, provide relevant information and make online information more understandable.
More surprising is that only half of both large and small pharmaceutical companies see the growth of consumerism in healthcare as an opportunity. But that's EXACTLY where the opportunity for growth lies. To thrive in the new era of value-based care, pharma companies will need to change their marketing strategy toward partnering and will certainly need to focus far more on the individual consumer.
See also: Checklist for Improving Consumer Experience
Trying to scare politicians away from lower-price reforms with the “It will kill our R&D” excuse is becoming the “BOO!” that no longer scares the grown-ups. Both 2016 presidential candidates, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, plan to stimulate price competition through imports — and there is bipartisan pressure to lift the ban on Medicare's negotiating drug prices. Apart from trade groups and shareholders, high-priced pharma doesn't have many friends.
Payer pressure is bad enough, but if you don't get into the value-based care game, you are going to be on the wrong side of a very emotional equation.
Patients have greater financial burdens because of higher deductibles and greater cost-sharing requirements, with varying medication tiers. Providers are ever-burdened with less time, and, now, a greater level of risk is being put on them to deliver higher-quality care, better outcomes and greater patient satisfaction — all at a lower price.
Patients are not just seeking advice from providers. They are increasingly online, and at all hours. Plus, we're going to start to see greater levels of patient-generated healthcare data with wearables and digital technology. And, as we have seen, half of consumers spend their online time on social media. (HINT: Tap into consumers' behaviors and beliefs, show that you genuinely care and engage them in ways that let them feel as though you are part of their health team.)
The writing is on the wall. Consumers are practically screaming out what they want and need from you. Partner with wearable and EHR companies. Start developing ways to capture and interact with your customers — specific to individuals, at the best times to engage. Find ways you can partner with hospitals, physicians and affordable care organizations (ACOs) to get into their care pathway in ways that help them lower costs to patients and payers.
See also: Stop Overpaying for Pharmaceuticals
Say “yes” to predictive modeling, big data, analytics, lots of testing and customer segmentation. “Yes” to retaining some of the traditional marketing. Most of all, become human in your approach. Put yourself out there and let people know that you are no longer on an island, separate from everyone else. Let them know your port and beaches are open to more boats and more people than ever before.
