Power of Patient-Doctor Communication: Key Strategies Posted on March 6, 2025March 6, 2025 by Andrii Nikulin Here at Viseven, we believe that communication saves lives. That’s why we live and work by the motto — Saving lives by improving communication. Intro to Patient-Doctor Communication If a patient is fully open and honest with the doctor, feeling supported and heard, then the doctor has all the pertinent information to successfully diagnose them and prescribe an effective treatment. Sometimes, though, patients feel judged and/or rushed, so they can omit something or simply forget to mention critical details. This can lead to an incorrect diagnosis, unfitting treatment options, or a patient might even not stick to the treatment at all if they felt like they weren’t listened to. This is not uncommon. Effective physician-patient communication often suffers from a wide range of reasons. How do we solve those or work around them to improve patient outcomes? In this article, we will discuss how to improve doctor-patient communication: basic principles, key advice, and main obstacles. Why Is Good Communication Important in Healthcare? What was your best doctor’s visit like? Was it reassuring when they took the time to really listen and explain things clearly? That’s because good communication is absolutely crucial in healthcare. When doctors and nurses communicate well, patients feel comfortable opening up about their symptoms and concerns. Because the more connected patients feel to their healthcare providers, the more likely they are to share important details about their health that could be vital for accurate diagnosis and treatment. You know how frustrating it can be when someone explains something using complicated terms you don’t understand? And you have to either clarify multiple times or look it up later? Well, that’s especially true with healthcare’s abundant medical jargon. Effective communication means breaking down complex medical information into terms that make sense to patients. When providers take the time to explain conditions and treatment options clearly, patients can make informed decisions about their care. After all, it’s their health we’re talking about — they deserve to have active patient involvement in these important decisions. Finally, effective communication isn’t just about making patients feel better (though that’s important too). It actually plays a huge role in patient safety. When health care professionals communicate effectively with each other, whether they’re handing off patients between shifts or coordinating between different departments, they’re less likely to make mistakes. Plus, let’s not forget the emotional side of things. Being sick or injured can be scary and overwhelming. Having medical professionals who communicate with empathy and take the time to address concerns can make a world of difference in how patients cope with their conditions and stick to their treatment plans. What Patients Look for in a Doctor From most important to somewhat important, patients look for a doctor who is: able to listen to and ask for a patient’s questions and thoughts, clinically experienced, compassionate and empathetic, accessible (short wait times, visit can be booked online, has an option to consult via telemedicine), and is respectful about a patient’s gender, race, and ethnicity. That’s according to the 2022 survey from Everyday Health and Castle Connolly, which surveyed 287 healthcare professionals and almost 1,300 patients. What’s important to note is that what patients want most in their HCP does slightly differ by race: Still, it’s quite evident that good doctor patient communication is high up on a patient’s list of important qualities in doctors. Three Approaches to Doctor Patient Relationships The doctor patient relationship has come a long way over the years. Not too long ago, it was mostly about a patient seeking help and a doctor making decisions that the patient would quietly accept. This was the essence of the paternalistic model — doctors used their expertise to decide what treatments were best, often sharing just enough information to gain the patient’s consent. Obviously, this approach was very one-sided. But things have changed. Over the last couple of decades, there’s been a strong push for patients to take a more active role in their care. Critics of the old model have called for less doctor dominance, more patient control, and a shift toward collaboration. Now, there are three main approaches to how doctors and patients interact, reflecting this shift from authority to partnership: activity-passivity (paternalistic), guidance-co-operation (doctor as an advisor), and mutual participation. These models recognize that healthcare isn’t one-size-fits-all and that both doctors and patients bring unique perspectives to the table. ModelDoctor’s rolePatient’s roleApplicationPrototypeActivity-passivityFull control of decisions and treatmentPassive recipient of careMedical emergenciesParent-infant relationshipGuidance-cooperationGuides the patient, expects cooperation without significant pushbackTrusts a doctor’s expertise and cooperatesNon-acute situations where patients can cooperate with the treatmentParent-teenager relationshipMutual participationActs as a partner and advisor, engages in shared decision-makingActive participant, shares responsibility and makes decisions collaborativelyChronic disease management, or other long-term conditionsPartnership/friendship Activity-passivity approach The activity-passivity model is as paternalistic as it gets — it’s like the parent-infant relationship in many ways. In this setup, there isn’t much of a real interaction happening. The patient isn’t able to contribute actively and is often seen as helpless, fully relying on the doctor’s expertise. The doctor takes charge of the treatment process, no matter what the patient thinks or what the eventual outcome might be. That said, this approach makes perfect sense in medical emergencies. In those moments, there’s no time to explain every detail — doing so could put the patient’s health at serious risk. In these situations, the doctor is in full control, and while it meets the immediate need to save lives, it also tends to reinforce the doctor’s position of authority and mastery in the relationship. Guidance-cooperation approach The guidance-cooperation model is more common in less urgent situations. Here, even though the patient is unwell, they’re still conscious, with their own feelings, thoughts, and goals. Often, the patient may be anxious or in pain, so they actively seek the doctor’s help. In doing so, they willingly place trust in the doctor’s expertise and guidance. In this model, the doctor takes on a guiding role, expecting the patient to follow their advice and cooperate without much pushback. It’s similar to the relationship between a parent and a teenager — there’s some input from both sides, but ultimately, the doctor is still the one in charge. Mutual participation approach The mutual participation model, supported by Balint in 1964, is all about fostering collaboration and equality in doctor patient communication. This approach recognizes that patient satisfaction is best achieved when both the doctor and patient engage as equals, contributing their perspectives to the decision-making process. Rather than the doctor claiming to know exactly what’s best, the interaction is guided by shared understanding and mutual respect. At its core, this model embodies patient-centered communication, where the focus shifts to the patient’s needs, preferences, and active involvement in their care. It’s particularly effective in managing chronic conditions, where the patient plays a central role in maintaining their health. The patient-physician relationship in this context evolves into a true partnership. This approach not only empowers patients to take greater responsibility for their health but also redefines the doctor’s role. Here, satisfaction for the physician comes not from authority or control, but from the meaningful impact they have on improving lives through guidance and collaboration. How to Improve Your Communication with Patients: Tips & Tricks All forms of doctor patient interaction require good communication skills. These consist of written, non-verbal, and spoken. Healthcare professionals can increase patient satisfaction if they have a strong balance of all these abilities. Sometimes all it takes to win someone over is the correct body language or just listening intently to what they have to say. But let’s delve into all the ways how you can improve your doctor patient communication. Practice active listening Active listening is all about being fully present in the conversation. This means putting away distractions, maintaining eye contact, and truly focusing on what the patient is saying — not just their words but also their tone and body language. Simple gestures like nodding, leaning in slightly, or even saying “I understand” can make a patient feel seen and heard. It’s also helpful to ask clarifying questions or paraphrase their concerns, like “So what you’re saying is…” to show you’re on the same page. Also, encourage people to ask questions. Often, people are too scared of judgment or anger when asking their doctors about anything. However, there is no shaming in asking a medical professional to explain something or repeat what they have already said. Recognize patients’ background The survey from Everyday Health and Castle Connolly, which we discussed above, clearly showcased that being respectful and sensitive about a person’s gender, race, and ethnicity is high on the list of importance. Bias and discrimination in healthcare show up in all kinds of ways, destroying the patients’ trust in the care they receive. These biases often lead to racial and ethnic minorities getting lower-quality treatment, misdiagnoses, and poorer health outcomes. A good first step to advance health equity is recognizing your own implicit biases. Take the time to really listen to your patients, see things from their perspective, and get to know them as individuals. Empathy goes a long way in understanding their unique experiences and needs. You can also join diversity and inclusion training to learn practical ways to bridge gaps in care and address the healthcare disparities and inequities that still exist today. Small steps like these make a big difference in creating a more inclusive and equitable healthcare environment. The way you communicate matters The tone a doctor uses can set the entire mood of the conversation. Imagine a patient sitting nervously in an exam room, unsure how to explain their symptoms. If a doctor walks in, speaks hurriedly, and barely makes eye contact, the patient might feel dismissed or too intimidated to share everything they’re experiencing. On the other hand, if the doctor approaches with a calm and empathetic tone, introduces themselves warmly, and asks questions in a reassuring way, the patient is more likely to open up. Avoid jargon After 11 to 15 years of medical school, it’s no wonder that doctors don’t notice how much jargon they use in their patient communication. In fact, one study found that nearly 80% of primary care appointments included at least one instance of jargon, and many terms weren’t fully explained. This can lead to misunderstandings about diagnoses and treatment plans, which may impact how well patients follow through with your medical advice. On top of that, patients often leave consultations only remembering half of what was discussed, mainly because there’s a gap between what doctors think they’ve communicated and what patients actually understand. These miscommunications hurt both treatment adherence and patient satisfaction. To improve, you should aim to use plain language that anyone can understand, regardless of their health literacy. This can be done by: avoiding overly complex terms, explaining important medical language in simple words, encouraging patients to ask questions if anything is unclear, and using visual aids like diagrams or charts to make complex ideas easier to grasp. Leverage technology As a doctor, you’re well aware that balancing patient care with administrative demands can be challenging. Technology is changing the scene in this regard. We won’t mention EHRs, as today they are, luckily, used by almost everyone, deservingly so. Patient portals and telehealth services extend that convenience even further. Patients can schedule appointments, request refills, or send you a quick message directly, which not only saves them time but also frees you and your staff from constant back-and-forth phone calls. Telehealth visits can be a lifesaver for patients who have mobility issues or live far away, helping you reach people who might otherwise skip needed care. Mobile health apps are also a great tool — your patients can log symptoms, track vitals, or set medication reminders. Not everyone is familiar or comfortable with technology, though, so it’s important to offer alternatives and maybe walk them through the basics. By blending technology with clear communication, you’ll not only streamline your workflow but also make your patients feel more informed and supported in their care. Lastly, an AI-powered chatbot on your clinic’s website can considerably boost your patient communication. These bots work around the clock and can answer all kinds of requests, depending on how you train them. Best Provider-Patient Communication Practices To give you a clear blueprint on the best way to communicate with a patient, we took the advice from the AIDET structure developed by the Studer Group. AIDET stands for the five key behaviors that can build a good care interaction: acknowledge, introduce, duration, explanation, and thank. Acknowledge: Greet the patient (and others in the room if present) by name, make eye contact, and smile. Introduce: Tell the patient your name and position to explain your role in their medical care. Duration: Provide patients with a clear sense of how long their appointment may take, including an estimate of when they’ll see a specialist or receive lab results. If you can’t give an exact time, let them know when you’ll circle back to update them on any progress. Explain: Walk the patient through each step of what will happen next, answer any questions they might have, and make sure they know how to reach you, such as by using the nurse call button. Thank: Take a moment to thank the patient and, if appropriate, their family. Show your appreciation for choosing your hospital and for their cooperation. Bottom Line Effective communication is a lifeline in healthcare. By embracing patient-centered approaches, healthcare professionals can fundamentally transform patient experiences and outcomes. This requires more than medical expertise, it demands empathy, active listening, and a genuine commitment to understanding each patient’s unique journey. On our end, we can help you develop the instruments you need to make your relationships and communication with patients ever so better. Whether you want a portal, telehealth application, or an AI-based bot, Viseven has the skills and experience to create a user-friendly and robust solution that will cover a world of patient needs.
Interactive Visual Aids (IVAs) in Pharma Marketing Posted on February 17, 2025February 18, 2025 by Andrii Nikulin In the not-so-distant past, sales representatives handed out printed materials when they met with healthcare providers (HCPs). Those brochures covered drug efficacy, dosages, side effects, clinical trial data, contraindications, and more. It worked for a while, but it was far from perfect. When new information came up or there was a mistake, the current brochures had to be scrapped, and new ones had to be printed. The significant pitfalls were the costs of design, production, and printing, not to mention the downtime for reps while waiting for updated materials. And if a sales rep accidentally used outdated materials with errors, it could lead to legal and financial consequences for a pharma company. In the worst-case scenario, it would even harm the company’s reputation, which took years to build. Companies have started using e-detailing solutions to address these issues, including interactive visual aids (IVAs) for face-to-face visits. The Viseven team will shine a light on IVAs in pharmacy –– their role, how to design, adopt, and present them during HCPs’ meetings. Understanding IVAs in Pharma Interactive visual aids (IVAs) are tools such as augmented reality (AR), animations, videos, virtual reality (VR), or presentations that sales representatives use to keep the audience engaged and prompt action. These are a key part of e-detailing, which involves using digital platforms for presentations to HCPs. It is important to note that e-detailing can also include static elements. Interactive design elements include navigation bars, images, graphs, diagrams, and other visual aids that prompt users to take action. The content should provide clear, visual answers to providers’ inquiries about the presented products or services. Role of IVAs in Pharma Before visiting the HCP’s office, sales representatives clarify their key message. The goal is to ensure the provider understands this message and is ready to act on it. Here are the main benefits of IVAs that help reps achieve this objective: Complex data simplified Pharmacodynamics, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and clinical trial results involve large volumes of complex data, figures, and technical terms. While HCPs have the expertise to understand these concepts, they may find it overwhelming to synthesize, organize, and absorb all the information during short breaks between patients. IVAs allow healthcare professionals to grasp the data quickly. When they clearly understand a product, they are more likely to trust the pharmaceutical company and choose its drugs for prescriptions over those from competitors they do not fully comprehend. Improved retention How do pharma companies stay top of mind? They create marketing campaigns that live rent-free in customers’ heads. IVAs play a key role in achieving this for two main reasons. First, people are more likely to retain information from visuals than text. This is because images have distinctive features and engage both visual and verbal processing channels — a phenomenon known as the Picture Superiority Effect. People process information from an image instantly. Research shows it can take as little as 13 milliseconds. HCPs might choose not to dive into the content but cannot “unsee” the visuals, whether animations, interactive graphs, or diagrams. Second, interactive visuals prompt HCPs to take action. These engagement responses are closely linked to improved memory retention. Effective communication In healthcare, decisions often require the active engagement of multiple stakeholders. Sales representatives may need to secure a yes from individual providers, hospital administrators, or purchasing managers. IVAs make it easier to communicate ideas between these key stakeholders. With engaging and interactive visuals, HCPs can effectively showcase a product to other decision-makers and reach an agreement more quickly. Key Strategies for Adopting IVAs Pharma companies are keen to invest in IVA development, but adoption rates remain underwhelming. A study shows that 62% of sales reps still rely on printed materials for promotions. This drains the company’s budget and exposes it to compliance risks. These are the strategies for turning on a dime and adding IVAs into sales reps’ workflow. Capitalize on intrinsic and extrinsic motivations People are motivated by two types of drives: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation comes from within –– things like a sense of accomplishment or enjoyment. To tap into this, create an environment where sales reps can enjoy building IVAs or set goals that allow them to feel they have reached milestones. Medical representatives are more likely to embrace a new trend when they understand its benefits. With current low adoption rates, companies need to do a better job communicating the advantages of IVAs. It is essential to clearly show what’s in it for reps, not just for the company. Extrinsic motivation refers to external factors that influence a person’s behavior. To encourage IVA adoption, consider offering compensation or bonuses to your sales team. Remember to highlight their efforts during team meetings. People are inherently social, and recognition boosts their external motivation. Ensure compatibility Compatibility refers to how well sales reps perceive organizational changes as aligned with their values, experiences, and goals. If the team believes their workflow with printed materials is efficient, they are more likely to resist implementing IVAs. When a practice feels incompatible, they view it as a high-risk change. A pharmaceutical company’s goal should be to position IVAs as integrated with medical reps’ business practices. For example, pharmaceutical stakeholders can emphasize how visual aids merge with existing tools, like CRM systems. Use data analytics to challenge their assumptions. Demonstrate how medical reps using IVAs achieve better results compared to those relying on printed brochures. Drop the micromanagement If digital transformation is imposed by the C-suite with strict control, teams will perceive it as mandatory and push back. Medical reps should not feel like managers are watching their every move, like ‘Big Brother.’ Research shows that the feeling of being monitored negatively impacts reps’ productivity and makes them less willing to cooperate. If they feel they could be penalized for not using IVAs, they are more likely to dig their heels in. Designing Compelling IVAs IVAs are more than just content with interactive elements. They are strategic tools that enable pharma companies to engage with HCPs and influence their prescribing decisions. To ensure the visuals achieve their purpose, taking care of their design is essential. Here are some steps to make it right: Keep them clear and readable Your medical writers should treat text as part of the design. Conciseness and simplicity make aids memorable and engaging. HCPs are busy with patients, skimming through materials before moving on to clinical tasks. The main point is that the aids will be a waste of time and resources, if the text is too small or lacks contrasting colors. The same goes for the visuals. If your images are appealing and easy to understand, HCPs are more likely to spend time on your presentation and consider your brand for collaboration. One well-designed picture tells more than a thousand words. If possible, use images or videos instead of text. If you need to present a lot of data, try using infographics to explain. Ensure they are branded Your goal is not just to deliver content but to position yourself as an industry expert. Colors, logos, fonts, and the overall visual style should reflect your company’s branding. Include the appealing image of the drug packaging to enhance product recognition. Allow for easy navigation Any friction in navigation can prevent you from capturing audience’s attention amid their busy schedules. A hard pill to swallow is that no one will engage with your visuals if you are not intuitive. Whether it is a clickable element or dynamic content, the provider should never have to think about navigation –– they should be focused entirely on your message. Optimize IVAs for different devices HCPs might view your IVAs on their phone while on the go or explore them in depth during a face-to-face visit on a tablet or laptop. No matter the device, your visual aids must remain accessible and fully functional. Some content experience platforms, like eWizard, enable creators to preview how IVAs appear on various devices to ensure a superior user experience. How to Present IVAs to Your Audience The presentation of your IVAs matters a lot. It can either reinforce your message and capture HCPs’ attention or disrupt communication completely. Let’s explore how to ensure your well-designed aids get the attention they deserve. Create a realistic scenario The main goal of any IVA is to present a realistic scenario that shows how your drug or medical tool can address a client’s real problem. You should choose elements highlighting HCPs’ pain points and illustrating the solution. For example, you can use a case study featuring a 3D animation to demonstrate the drug’s mechanism of action or an interactive graph for clinical trial outcomes. Facilitate interaction Although IVAs include interactive elements, this does not guarantee interaction. HCPs might ignore clickable elements on your diagram or skip a built-in quiz. Your challenge is to re-engage them by encouraging actions like pressing buttons, answering questions, or providing feedback. One way to achieve this is through gamification. For example, you could require HCPs to complete a quiz to unlock access to product benefits. This type of interaction can help medical reps create positive impression, spark curiosity, and build trust. Follow up Your communication with HCPs does not have to stop after a face-to-face visit. Following up is key to reinforcing the value of your product. You can use IVAs to reference key points in your message or email or share a summary of your main takeaways. You can also provide IVAs as standalone materials, giving HCPs a convenient resource to revisit or share with other healthcare stakeholders involved in decision-making. Whenever possible, request feedback on your IVAs. Their input can help you address concerns, build stronger connections, and guide them toward making decisions. Closing Thoughts Attention is today’s currency. IVAs help medical reps spark HCPs’ interest and encourage them to learn more about the products. But to achieve this, it is essential to design and present IVAs thoughtfully and to adopt them across your med rep team in a way that minimizes resistance. For over 15 years, Viseven has delivered medical content to the top 50 pharmaceutical companies. Our experts create clear, engaging IVAs that capture attention, build rapport with HCPs, and foster trust. We also support pharma clients with omnichannel strategies, ensuring med reps’ visits align with digital channels rather than operating in isolation. Want to know more about our services? Contact our team today.
Revolutionizing Pharmaceutical Procurement: Future-Ready Strategies Posted on February 7, 2025February 7, 2025 by Andrii Nikulin Pharmaceutical procurement is one of the key factors influencing drug availability, safety, and total costs. A comprehensive procurement process should ensure a timely supply of the right pharmaceuticals in the right quantity, meeting approved quality standards. It should effectively manage supplier relationships in an ethical way while also seeking to secure the most favorable purchase price. That said, it is essential that this process was implemented by competent personnel with pharmaceutical, managerial, legal, and financial expertise. Equally important is their access to robust technology and reliable, up-to-date information. To tick all the boxes on this extensive list of requirements, pharmaceutical companies should clearly understand all challenges and remain aware of current trends to make procurement both efficient and seamless. In this article, the Viseven team aims to explain how pharma procurement works and to cover effective strategies to transform this process at any level, from local campaigns to national health programs. What is Procurement in the Pharmaceutical Industry? Pharmaceutical procurement refers to the process of managing supplier relationships to ensure pharma companies receive the correct medicines in the right quantities at reasonable prices while the supplier gets a transparent and timely payment. The procurement cycle presupposes all decisions related to selecting suppliers and monitoring drug delivery and distribution. It typically falls into the following steps: Reviewing drug selections; Determining drug quantities; Aligning needs with the budget; Selecting a procurement method; Choosing suppliers; Outlining contract terms; Tracking order status; Receiving and checking drugs; Paying for an order; Distributing pharmacy; Gathering consumption information. Pharma Procurement Landscape Pharma procurement can help navigate the intricacies of managing the global supply chains only when organizations have a complete understanding of the industry’s current landscape and challenges. Let’s have a quick review of pharmaceutical procurement in 2025: Technological advancements. The pharmaceutical industry is currently adjusting to advancing technologies, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, robotics, and many others, which also heavily influence the state of pharma procurement operations. Ethical and safety concerns. Companies must comply with all industry standards and local laws, whether integrating new technology or selecting a different supplier. However, the constantly evolving nature of the industry has made it challenging to manage regulatory compliance. Shift to value-based procurement. More and more companies are starting to embrace the patient-first approach, where the main goal of pharma procurement is to achieve better patient outcomes instead of maximum cost savings. Global supply chain management adapting to new demands. Due to current geopolitical factors, the recent pandemic, and other challenges, the state of the pharmaceutical supply chain has changed significantly. Managing it has become far too complex, increasing the need for improved practices and more strategic procurement approaches. Pharma procurement plays a crucial role in healthcare, providing an uninterrupted flow of important essential supplies that have a direct impact on patient care. This is why it’s so important to understand what key challenges pharma procurement processes can solve and how best to approach them. Key Pharma Procurement Challenges to Consider There are many balls in the air that pharma brands must keep juggling to deliver effective, safe, and reasonably priced essential pharmacy. Let’s take a closer look at some of them. The lack of supply chain transparency The lack of supply chain visibility makes it excruciatingly challenging for pharma companies to plan medicine production, forecast demand, and manage their inventory. Without consistent, standardized data, regulators fail to identify drug supply concerns, policymakers cannot make informed decisions to improve supply chain resilience, and healthcare providers (HCPs) are blindsided by the acute shortage of critical pharmaceuticals. The lack of transparency is positively correlated with improper security as well, as it becomes problematic for buyers to protect medicines they cannot track. Poor supplier performance Poor supplier performance generally results in unanticipated expenses. For example, a pharmaceutical brand can face increased acquisition costs if a supplier has not delivered on time. It also bears extra replacement expenses when drugs are discarded due to improper packaging. Hidden expenses can pile up, spiraling out of control due to many reasons related to supplier performance: the lack of appropriate documentation, storage, wrong dosage forms, and the list goes on. Unexpected geographic factors Many pharmaceutical companies relying on global markets for drug materials are particularly vulnerable to shifting geopolitical situations. For instance, depending on sources in tariff-affected countries can substantially increase a pharma company’s operational expenses. Climate change is another factor, potentially disrupting supplies and contributing to hefty price tags. Regions that were once the sources of raw materials may be plagued by adverse weather events, hindering production and causing inflated costs. What are the Main Pharmaceutical Procurement Methods? Procurement methods at any health system level typically comprise the following categories: restricted tender, open tender, direct procurement, competitive negotiation, and international and local shopping. Restricted tender Suppliers must go through the prequalification process to prove their past supplier performance, manufacturing practices, and financial viability. Open tender Any supplier representative can submit their offer following the terms and conditions outlined in the tender invitation. Direct procurement Drugs or materials are sourced from a single supplier at the negotiated discount or quoted list price. Competitive negotiation The buyer turns to a limited number of suppliers (usually at least three) to negotiate the price or achieve certain service arrangements. International or local shopping Like competitive negotiation, the company reaches out to three suppliers on average; however, price negotiations are not allowed. Innovative Strategies for Pharma Procurement Procurement plays a pivotal role in driving innovation. Here’s how companies can modernize their pharmaceutical procurement operations to achieve more impactful outcomes: AI-driven supply chain management We have already seen what artificial intelligence can do with data. With AI-powered analytics, it’s possible to significantly speed up such processes as analysis, research, and management, making it much easier to make important decisions on the go and detect problems before they occur. Cloud-based platforms A cloud-based procurement system might be the best solution to many issues regarding the transparency and efficiency of modern pharma procurement methods. Cloud-based procurement allows businesses to better manage their expenses, choose the best suppliers, organize all orders and available supplies, and even create a centralized system for many operations inside an organization. End-to-end data traceability Complete transparency is always one of the best ways to improve relationships between businesses and suppliers. Many organizations in the pharma domain are just starting to embrace the concept of end-to-end data traceability, where each stage of the supply chain is available for viewing at any moment. This visibility helps achieve maximized efficiency, improved patient safety, and protection against illegitimate products. Logistics Solutions to Improve Pharmacy Procurement Process With the rising number of sensitive medicines, how can the pharmaceutical logistic cycle keep expenses down while still complying with all safety requirements? Let’s discover the two main approaches to accomplish this. Implementing innovative technologies Cutting-edge drugs, such as stem cell therapy or large molecule biologics, require innovative transportation methods to keep the damage risks close to zero. Technologies allow pharmaceutical companies to collect and analyze a massive amount of data to ensure proper drug safety. One of the most common use cases is Internet of Things (IoT) sensors placed on containers and packaging to track humidity and temperature in real time. The importance of these solutions becomes all the more striking when one realizes that a staggering $35 billion is lost each year due to inadequate temperature regulation during shipments. Not only do sensors enable companies to comply with quality standards, but they also respond to risks in a timely manner during the actual transportation. For instance, technology makes it possible to modify a vehicle’s route or recharge the batteries in a temperature-controlled container if necessary. Widening the scope of supply chain partners Expanding the network of suppliers is associated with tangible benefits, such as cost optimization and efficiency. For instance, a global life sciences (LS) company could choose to partner with their suppliers to perform safety tests. Instead of sending these materials to their own laboratory once they receive the packages, they could trust the tests done by the suppliers. By opting for this kind of collaboration, these companies can considerably trim off their transportation costs and speed up time-to-market. Digital Transformation in Pharma Procurement It is no secret that the coronavirus hit the health sector the hardest. The pharmaceutical industry had to quickly find ways to optimize its procurement processes in order to tackle the hurdles the deadly virus brought upon businesses. Data analytics, e-procurement platforms, and blockchain technology emerged as the major trends to prevent procurement disruptions and boost supply chain resilience. Data analytics There is a reason data is called the new gold. For example, data analytics tools help businesses make more informed decisions regarding supplier negotiations. To choose the best supplier, businesses can analyze hundreds of options and sort them out into strategically important clusters. This categorization allows them to settle down on the right vendor based on the prices and upcoming purchases. Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms also take a lot of legwork from supplier management. Take, for instance, a pharma company that purchases ingredients for its new medicine. It has 200 suppliers in 120 strategically important clusters, with each supplier in numerous clusters. Advanced analytics solutions give the company a bird-eye view of each vendor’s performance in terms of quality, risks, price, and sustainability. E-procurement platforms The range of functionalities within e-procurement platforms notably varies. Certain platforms focus on facilitating compliance with regulatory benchmarks, while others, much like well-known sites such as Amazon or eBay, connect users with verified suppliers, distributors, and manufacturers. Prior to e-procurement, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), a global pharma brand, used old-school paper cataloging and communications over the phone. This made the procurement process more expensive, time-consuming, and ridden with errors. Soon, they realized they needed to shift to an e-procurement platform to easily manage content in any lab supply firm worldwide. Their solution now allows them to create requisitions, approve, distribute, and make receipts with just a few clicks. Blockchain technology Blockchain remains one of the main tech stories in pharmaceutical procurement. Blockchain refers to a secure database where real-time information is available to all parties. This, in turn, makes it possible to share anything valuable, including drug provenance or current temperature, improving supply chain safety and transparency. Merck, one of the oldest pharma manufacturers, partners with IBM, Walmart, and accounting leader KPMG to take advantage of blockchain technology. Due to blockchain, pharmacists and healthcare providers (HCPs) can use an application to track the vaccine packages and get the full history of their journey from suppliers to their offices. Possible Case Studies & Examples There are numerous cases where efficient procurement processes had a much bigger impact on the company than anticipated at first. Here are some potential use cases in the pharma industry: Improving supplier relationships Problem: A pharmaceutical company struggles with delayed material deliveries, which leads to revenue losses, production halts, and worsened relationships with stakeholders Solution: Integration of a supplier performance management (SPM) system. Development of long-term partnerships with reliable suppliers. Fostering transparency in communication between the company and its suppliers. Outcome: Reduced lead times. Savings of up to half of the previous expenses. Cost reduction Problem: A pharma company faces increasing production costs for active pharmaceutical ingredients. Solution: Shift to global sourcing strategies to diversify suppliers and find cost-effective options. Negotiated volume discounts with preferred suppliers. Introduced reverse auctions for non-critical items. Outcome: Reduction in API procurement costs. Improved risk mitigation by diversifying supplier base. Increasing procurement processes’ efficiency Problem: A pharmaceutical company’s manual procurement processes lead to inefficiencies and higher operational costs. Solution: Implementation of an e-procurement platform integrated with ERP systems. Automated purchase order generation and approval workflows. Use of AI for real-time monitoring of supplier performance and market trends. Outcome: Reduced procurement cycle time. Increased transparency and compliance. Operational costs cut. Shaping the Future of Procurement in Pharma Operations What does the future look like for procurement in the pharmaceutical industry? Here are some ideas: Possibility of disruption of global supply chains The past pandemic of COVID-19 has shown us how unprepared the pharmaceutical industry can be in case of a global crisis. When the pandemic hit, the pharmaceutical industry faced raw material shortages, logistical bottlenecks, and delayed production. The pandemic unraveled all the weaknesses and issues of supply chain management worldwide, which hopefully we will resolve in the near future. Sustainable initiatives In the future, suppliers with ethical practices will dominate the market. Laws will become far more strict, leading to the closure of businesses that fail to comply. However, companies that actively demonstrate their commitment to sustainability—such as responsibly sourcing materials, recycling waste, offering sustainable packaging, and taking other steps to protect our planet—will be preferred by consumers and stakeholders alike. Automation Will robots ever take over? This is a question that has existed for a long time, and while it’s unlikely that robots will completely replace human work, it’s possible that robotic automation and artificial intelligence will play a crucial role in supply chain management in the future. Thanks to automation, many pharma companies will be able to reduce errors, minimize risks, and speed up such processes as manufacturing, automation, and even research & development. Data-driven decision-making as the new norm Even though using data to make decisions is one of the most important strategies in the pharma industry right now, its potential still hasn’t been fully realized. With the help of real-time data analytics and such instruments as AI-powered analysis, it’s possible to get important insights at the moment of their discovery, which helps make the right decision faster. Summing Up With rising incidents of counterfeiting, safety concerns, and high production costs, pharma companies absorb a disturbing realization: regulatory compliance alone will not solve all problems in the procurement process. It will require investments in cutting-edge technologies to ensure supply chain visibility, supplier high performance as well as resilience in the face of unanticipated geopolitical shifts. Viseven, with over 14 years of experience, has consistently delivered innovative digital solutions to pharmaceutical and LS enterprises worldwide. Over this period, we have established long-term partnerships with more than 150 clients, including 50 globally renowned industry leaders. From idea to realization, we can help to build procurement solutions of any complexity. Need a hand with software development? Please contact our team to start cooperation.
TOP Challenges Facing the Pharmaceutical Industry in 2025 Posted on January 31, 2025January 31, 2025 by Andrii Nikulin A groundbreaking drug is ready to change lives, but regulatory hurdles, soaring R&D costs, and pricing pressures stand in the way of its success. For the pharmaceutical industry, this scenario is the reality of 2025. With a global talent shortage, aging populations driving up healthcare demands, and supply chains still recovering from recent and ongoing crises, the challenges are mounting up for the pharma industry. Add the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence and advanced therapies, and you’ll see the industry facing a pivotal moment of both struggle and opportunity. In this article, we’ll unpack the most pressing issues shaping pharma in 2025 and explore how companies can navigate this complex landscape. Let’s dive in. Understanding the Key Problems in the Pharmaceutical Industry The challenges facing the pharmaceutical market are anything but simple — they’re the result of a tangled web of issues that seem to snowball. Regulatory hurdles, like slow approval timelines and conflicting evidence requirements, create roadblocks that delay medicines from reaching patients. Add to this the rising costs of raw materials, labor, and transportation, and it becomes clear why pharmaceutical companies are struggling to balance innovation with affordability. And let’s not forget healthcare systems operate on tight budgets, which can make implementing new therapies an uphill battle. Operational challenges further exacerbate the situation. Talent shortages, particularly in STEM and digital roles, threaten to slow progress in research and innovation. At the same time, pharmaceutical supply chain vulnerabilities exposed by global disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to disrupt production and distribution. Pharma companies also face difficulties integrating advanced technologies like AI and personalized medicine into their operations, while navigating regulatory compliance. Combined with health system infrastructure gaps and strategic decision-making errors, these factors create a complex environment that demands strategic collaboration and innovative solutions to ensure a sustainable future for the industry. Common Challenges of Pharmaceutical Industry Today Pharmaceutical industry obstacles often repeat year to year. Regulations that continuously change, rising costs, an aging population, and tech advancements uncover the industry’s resistance and fear of change. Still, it’s critical to discuss the biggest challenges so that you are aware and can build effective strategies to counter them. Regulatory compliance Regulatory hurdles are some of the most significant challenges pharmaceutical companies face today. Every country has its own rules and standards for drug approvals. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) operates differently from the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and emerging markets often add another layer of complexity. For pharmaceutical companies trying to bring a drug to market globally, it’s like navigating a maze where the rules keep changing. Add to that the constant evolution of regulations (case in point, the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act), and you’ve got a moving target that demands constant adaptation. The drug approval process doesn’t make things any easier. It’s not just lengthy — it’s expensive. With clinical trials stretching over years and costing billions, the stakes are incredibly high. And the kicker is that there’s no guarantee of success. That’s a huge risk for companies trying to innovate while keeping costs under control. Now, let’s talk about marketing — because regulatory challenges don’t stop once the drug is approved. Many countries, for example, ban direct-to-consumer advertising altogether. Even in places like the U.S. and New Zealand, where it’s allowed, the rules are strict. Then there’s the issue of transparency. Companies are required to disclose detailed information — everything from clinical trial results to financial relationships with healthcare providers. While transparency is critical for building trust, it often limits how creatively companies can communicate with their audiences. This makes overcoming the challenges in pharma marketing a balancing act between staying compliant and effectively engaging patients and healthcare professionals. Talent shortage The pharmaceutical industry is grappling with a significant talent shortage, particularly in STEM and digital roles, as demand for specialized expertise outpaces supply. This gap is further widened by an aging workforce, with many experienced professionals retiring and leaving critical positions unfilled. Advancements in technology and the shift towards digital and personalized medicine have only heightened the need for skilled talent. At the same time, changing workforce expectations, like the desire for flexible working arrangements, add another layer of complexity for companies trying to attract and retain top talent. Without addressing these challenges, the pharmaceutical industry risks stalling innovation and falling behind in a rapidly evolving landscape. Intellectual property Intellectual property challenges are a constant juggling act for pharmaceutical companies. On one hand, patents are crucial — they protect groundbreaking innovations and help recoup the massive investments poured into R&D. But there’s a flip side: strict intellectual property protections can limit access to affordable medicines. When patents expire, the competition from generics heats up, shrinking market share and profits for the original innovators. And let’s not forget the growing issue of counterfeit drugs, which not only put patients at risk but also harm the reputation of trusted brands. The intellectual property landscape adds to the complexity, with new technologies like artificial intelligence raising questions about ownership and enforcement varying widely across markets like India and China. Add to this public scrutiny over profit-driven priorities, and it’s clear that pharma companies are under pressure to find a balance between protecting their innovations and ensuring fair access to treatments. Supply chain management When we go to a hospital or visit a doctor, we expect the drugs we need to be there waiting for us. It’s hard for us to imagine that a hospital might tell a patient that their treatment needs to be delayed because of a medicine shortage, or they are simply unavailable because of logistics challenges in the pharmaceutical industry. Unfortunately, this is the reality we are living in because of pharma supply chain challenges. It should be noted that these problems existed even before the pandemic, and the economic challenges for the pharmaceutical industry made shortages even more acute. When everything is running smoothly, the economics of the global supply chain can bring in a lot of profit, but when it fails, the human cost is enormous. In fact, some basic essential medications that are used every day in emergency rooms and outpatient clinics have been in short supply. Data security Figuring out how to store and manage data securely is another big hurdle. With cyber threats on the rise, pharma companies are becoming prime targets for identity theft and increasingly sophisticated attack methods. The push for digitization has only added to this challenge — more valuable data stored online means a bigger bullseye for cybercriminals. It doesn’t stop there. Pharmaceutical companies rely on countless devices to collect sensitive health and patient data, often connected through tools like big data analytics and the Internet of Things (IoT). While these technologies bring incredible benefits, they also amplify risks, making it essential for companies to prioritize security and privacy right from the start. HCP engagement In such a complex environment, how can pharma marketers effectively engage with healthcare professionals? Limited targeting options and the intricate healthcare landscape make this task particularly difficult. Most targeting capabilities focus only on geography and specialization, whereas marketers require insights based on prescription behavior and formulary access. Adding to the obstacle, the healthcare market involves multiple stakeholders — providers, insurers, and patients — who all influence decision-making. Reaching a critical mass of physicians to meet business goals is equally daunting. Fragmented outreach efforts often fail to engage HCPs meaningfully. Promotional content on company websites is often met with skepticism, while scientific journals may not always accommodate marketing messages, leaving marketers struggling to connect with healthcare professionals effectively. Resistance to change Resistance to change is another one of the key challenges looming in the pharmaceutical industry. And it’s driven by various factors. Management often hesitates to make substantial operational changes, fearing disruptions and increased complexity. The highly regulated nature of the industry adds another layer of difficulty, as even minor changes require expensive revalidation processes. Additionally, manufacturing challenges lead some companies to rely on paper records, which can obscure errors and avoid scrutiny. The financial and logistical burden of compliance frequently deters companies from adopting new solutions, even when they are clearly needed. Long-standing processes and deeply ingrained habits further contribute to this resistance, with employees often reluctant to alter methods they’ve relied on for years. This resistance is compounded by a cultural preference for maintaining the status quo, summed up in the phrase, “that’s the way things have always been done”. Strategies to Overcome Challenges in the Pharmaceutical Niche After discussing all of the issues in the pharmaceutical industry, you might get quite a gloomy picture of the industry’s future. And although these challenges test the companies’ resilience and adaptability, they also offer opportunities for growth and transformation. So let’s explore how decision-makers can ameliorate these obstacles and turn them into stepping stones for progress. Train your team on regulations Keeping up with ever-changing regulations can be daunting, but it’s essential to the industry. The key is staying ahead of the curve. Companies can do this by regularly training their teams on the latest guidelines and best practices from agencies like the FDA and EMA. Strong documentation systems and tools like compliance software make it easier to track everything and reduce human error. Pharma marketing can add insult to injury, requiring MLR approval for every new e-Detailer that you make. Here we can suggest a very actionable solution — an MLR acceleration engine that can proofread your content before you submit it for review, highlighting the risky areas that need attention. Tackling the talent shortage Finding the right talent in pharma is like trying to find a needle in a haystack — especially when everyone’s looking for the same needle. That’s why forward-thinking companies are getting creative, partnering with universities to create specialized training programs. Plus, don’t overlook the talent you already have. Upskilling your current employees and using AI to handle repetitive tasks can help your team focus on the big-picture projects that drive your company forward. Expanding recruitment geographically and networking with potential candidates at industry events are other two solutions that you should keep in mind. Protecting intellectual property Today, intellectual property protection demands sophisticated strategies. Companies must conduct regular patent landscape assessments and monitor potential infringements proactively. Successful IP management also involves engaging with various stakeholders to balance IP protection with public health considerations, particularly in emerging markets where IP regulations may differ significantly. Predict supply chain issues Modern supply chains require data-driven optimization and robust security measures. Advanced analytics improve forecasting accuracy and inventory management, while item-level serialization enhances product tracking and reduces counterfeiting risks. Strategic partnerships with third-party logistics providers can also increase your distribution efficiency and allow you to concentrate on core competencies. Strengthen your cyber defence As digital transformation accelerates, data security becomes increasingly crucial. A comprehensive cybersecurity framework should include regular risk assessments, employee training programs, and detailed incident response plans. Companies must ensure compliance with data protection regulations while safeguarding sensitive patient information and proprietary research data. Another effective approach is implementing privileged access (PA), which designates higher access levels to specific files or systems. It enables organizations to secure applications and IT infrastructures, run their business more efficiently, and ensure sensitive data and most critical infrastructure remain confidential. PA can be applied to human and non-human users, such as applications and machines. The 2020 Cost of a Data Breach Report found that the average total cost of a data breach was significantly higher for the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry compared to less regulated industries such as hospitality, media, and research. Therefore, pharmaceutical companies must have a thorough cyber security policy in place to protect those digital assets. Build relationships with HCPs Building meaningful relationships with healthcare professionals is more important than ever. Digital tools like webinars, virtual meetings, congresses, and web portals make it easier to stay connected. And by actively seeking feedback from HCPs, you can better understand their needs and deliver solutions that truly make a difference. If you’re struggling with HCP and patient engagement, we suggest reading our recent article on healthcare marketing trends that can give you a dose of inspiration. Embrace change with confidence Change is a good thing when presented the right way. Our job as stewards of the business is to ensure that we make change a more comfortable and incremental process when adopting new technologies. Once we reduce the fear of change, the ability to innovate and adopt will become the culture to ensure technological progress. For example, the immediate reward for adopting something as simple as an electronic logbook can be seen in reductions in overhead, gains in efficient quality reviews, and speeding up batch processing. Technology must also be presented with a roadmap that allows the entire organization to grasp the benefits that will continue to expand efficiencies and integrate previously disparate data and department processes. Up-front costs for compliance and time spent on system implementation must never drive a decision to move forward with a new solution. The long-term benefits of adopting new technology must be the driving force behind adoption to resolve the technology challenges in the pharmaceutical industry. Closing Thoughts Let’s face it — the pharmaceutical industry in 2025 has a lot on its plate. However, these challenges can actually drive innovation and positive change when approached strategically. It’s evident that pharma has enough struggles as it is, so why not simplify one of your processes? At Viseven, we transform your marketing processes to make them more efficient while creating more impactful content. The future belongs to those who can adapt and innovate — and with the right partner by your side, you’re already halfway there.
AI in Pharma: Unlocking Innovation, Efficiency & Cost Savings Posted on January 28, 2025February 11, 2025 by Andrii Nikulin Thanks to artificial intelligence (AI), pharma marketers now view time as a product. Success hinges on how well a company uses this technology to speed up and optimize research and development (R&D), drug discovery, clinical trials, or marketing. Since time can be easily measured, the impact of AI is palpable across the organization, often leading to broader digital transformations. In this post, the Viseven team examines AI in pharma. We will separate hype from reality, tackle major challenges, and dive into some real-world use cases. If you are considering bringing AI into your pharma business, keep reading! What is Artificial Intelligence in the Pharmaceutical Industry? AI in pharma involves leveraging AI-powered systems to enhance and optimize drug discovery, clinical trials, manufacturing, and marketing. This technology helps companies find drug candidates, improve molecular design, develop precision medicine, eliminate manufacturing waste, and create content that resonates with target audiences. Yet, despite these tempting benefits, AI adoption in life sciences has been slower compared to other sectors, mainly due to strict regulations. While the average AI adoption rate across industries is 5%, the pharma sector lags at 2%. AI adoption across industries and domains How AI is Revolutionizing the Pharmaceutical Industry Based on our experience, there are some myths about AI that keep popping up. They shape the way many pharma stakeholders think about the technology, leading to project failures or low adoption rates. It is high time to debunk them. Myths Reality AI will significantly reduce the need for human intervention. While many processes can be automated, the human element remains crucial in AI implementation. Factors like dependence on data quality, the ‘black box’ nature of AI, and the need for genuine customer connection make AI models a complement to, not a replacement for, human work. With the right AI tool, you just need to connect to your data to reveal insights. Comprehensive data architecture is essential for making AI effective. AI cannot interpret complex notions like molecular structures, unless you prepare your data properly. You will inevitably need teamwork. Your data scientists must collaborate closely with other stakeholders, including strategic teams, C-suite executives, and medical affairs. Choosing the right AI-powered solution is the most important step in your AI adoption journey. According to McKinsey, a staggering 70% of digital initiatives, including AI projects, fail not because of tech issues, but due to a lack of effective change management. Jumping on the latest trendy tool without a solid understanding of your business goals will not get you far. It is crucial to define your objectives first and choose a tool that aligns with them. The pharmaceutical industry deals with complex data and strict, unique regulations, making it essential to create a well-thought-out strategy for integrating AI into workflows. To succeed, you must tailor the AI solution to your organization’s specific use cases and internal processes. AI must be woven into every aspect of the organization to drive optimal efficiency. People naturally resist change. Rather than introducing big changes immediately, start by implementing AI in one or two simple projects or processes. This approach will build excitement and show quick results. Once employees are comfortable with the technology, you can move AI adoption on to other areas of the organization. AI-Related Challenges to Be Aware of Being aware is almost the same as being prepared. You should know your challenges well to ensure a smooth adoption process. Threats to security Security is a key challenge when introducing any advanced technology. In 2023, 77% of companies reported data breaches in their AI systems. The last thing you want is to be part of that statistic this year. So, what can you do beyond the usual strategies like two-factor authentication and encryption? First, identify who your vendor partners with. Ensure it is a trusted provider like OpenAI or Amazon. This should be the companies that prioritize their reputation and take all necessary precautions to protect your data from exploitation by third parties or their own systems. Let’s not overlook that the greatest weapon in a hacker’s arsenal is often people. Employees who forget or disregard security measures can expose their organization to significant legal and financial risks. Your goal is to ensure they understand security protocols and know how to identify and respond to potential threats. Poor data quality Poor data costs any organization a lot. On average, companies lose about $12.9 million every year because of it. This leads to higher maintenance costs, system crashes, and ineffective decision-making –– a situation no one wants to face. In the highly regulated pharma industry, low-quality data is especially harmful. For example, pharma companies must avoid delivering biased or inaccurate content to patients, as it could have serious consequences for their health. That is why they train large language models on their own databases and retrain them when there are tone, style, or context issues. AI Applications in Pharma AI has made its way into every domain of the pharmaceutical industry. Let’s take a closer look at how it is being used. Research and development A drug discovery process is costly and time-consuming. Machine learning (ML) speeds up the discovery of new molecules by scanning through the vast amount of chemical and biological data. Since new drugs need to be approved before they hit the market, pharmaceutical companies must conduct research and trials during discovery. AI plays a big role in automating quality assurance, making sure the entire development process meets high standards. Clinical trials Clinical trials always involve massive amounts of data. As the data gets more complex every year, processing it manually becomes harder, and the risk of human error grows. The beauty of AI is that it can handle massive data sets in record time. Pharmaceutical companies turn to AI to help identify potential drug candidates. AI can collect and process data like existing health conditions, demographic details, infection rates, and other key factors to help create the right testing group for a successful trial. Manufacturing Process AI enables quality control and predictive maintenance and improves supply management. Moreover, AI-driven tools can optimize production by handling the most complex tasks, ensuring everything is done with surgical precision. Life sciences companies leverage AI to reduce manufacturing errors, ensure compliance, and eliminate waste during this phase. The technology allows for more agile and resilient manufacturing processes, reducing downtime and costs. Top AI Models in the Pharmaceutical Industry This section will take a more technical approach and highlight the leading AI models that support drug development and clinical trials. AI models Description and application Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) With GANs, pharma companies can create entirely new chemical structures, speeding up drug discovery. These models not only generate new molecules but also assess their quality. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) CNNs analyze molecular images to pinpoint essential drug features to accelerate drug design and target identification. Transformer Models These models use natural language processing to analyze both current and historical clinical trial data, as well as scientific literature, to improve decision-making across the drug development process. Reinforcement Learning (RL) By quickly adapting to environmental inputs, RL empowers manufacturers to fine-tune dosing strategies and develop tailored treatment plans. Deep Q-Networks (DQNs) DQNs predict compounds’ activity and suggest ideal candidates for clinical trials. Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) These models excel at analyzing molecular structures. As their name implies, they generate graphs and predict properties, aiding decision-making during the discovery phase. Key Cases in Pharma Marketing R&D is understandably the main priority for pharmaceutical companies, but marketing is getting more attention lately, especially with AI advancements. Let’s examine how this technology improves essential commercial advantages, like time, and moves the needle in the sector. Tuning translations Localizing pharma content for diverse markets used to demand a lot of effort and time. Translating texts correctly was only a part of the equation. Companies needed to ensure the content met local regulations, reflected cultural nuances and matched their branding. This was no small task until generative AI came along. Today, content experience platforms like eWizard enable companies to fine-tune models with pharma-specific vocabulary, brand guidelines, and regional regulations. This fine-tuning can also incorporate cultural nuances, allowing the model to generate local idioms and appropriate formal or informal language. A key perk is that marketers can manually refine the content, and the system learns from these adjustments. eWizard auto-tunable translation Creating a co-pilot AI has become a go-to solution for life sciences brands to manage their extensive knowledge bases. The eWizard virtual assistant, for instance, helps users kill two birds with one stone: assisting in employee training and onboarding, and retrieving critical documents. AI makes it easier for new employees to understand projects and products, so pharmaceutical companies do not have to spend as much on experienced trainers. Plus, marketers can use virtual assistants to pull up the materials from the database and create content that resonates. This way, they improve customer experience and minimize costs at the same time. Staying compliant Pharma companies must engage early with customers but also stay compliant with MLR guidelines. Personalized outreach requires perfect timing, but approvals take up to two months. The good news is that MLR compliance is always rule-based by its essence, which makes it a perfect fit for AI applications. eWizard MLR acceleration engine can analyze content against key rules such as references, approvals, verifications, grammar, and modifications. The report shows whether references are intact, traces the source of modules and approval statuses, and reveals any alterations. eWizard MLR acceleration engine The tool also provides the likelihood of content approval and suggests changes that can improve this score. You can select specific users to train the model, allowing it to become more accurate over time. Final Remarks AI has left no part of the pharma industry untouched. With this tool, we can identify ideal molecular structures, choose the right trial candidates, and optimize timing to connect with healthcare providers. This technology grants life sciences brands the most valuable resource they could ever have –– time. In a field where time influences survival rates, it is incredibly powerful. Viseven offers eWizard, an AI-driven content experience platform that empowers users to create, localize, modularize, check, and distribute content, all in one place. With a range of AI features for video creation, content generation, or MLR acceleration, eWizard optimizes your content processes from the project start to finish. If you want to learn more about our platform and the way it’s AI capabilities can empower your pharma marketing efforts, please reach out through this form.
Influence of 5G on Healthcare Posted on August 29, 2024February 4, 2025 by Andrii Nikulin While the global pandemic feels like a distant memory today, the two years of strain on the healthcare system have left a lasting impact on the industry. COVID-19 highlighted what modern healthcare needs to be: preventative, participatory, and patient-centered. 5G is emerging as a crucial tool to bring the sector closer to that ideal. Its technical advantages over 4G are evident – handling more connections at speeds up to 100 times faster. Although 5G is currently limited to large cities in developed countries, by around 2025, we can expect its reach will extend beyond the urban areas. As this trend unfolds, it is vital to understand the benefits 5G brings, how it impacts healthcare communication, and how healthcare businesses can leverage it. In this article, we will explore these opportunities. But before we begin, let’s define what 5G in healthcare is. What Is 5G? 5G represents the 5th generation of cellular technology and is the gold standard in wireless communication today. Compared to its predecessor, 4G, it offers faster speeds, ultra-low latency, and greater bandwidth. These improvements enable 5G networks to reduce download and upload times, enhance reliability, and provide stronger connectivity. Like other transformative innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G transforms healthcare digital communication and data management. Its high-speed network connection significantly impacts clinical trials, provider-patient interactions, diagnostic evaluations, remote monitoring and interventions, and healthcare education. As Eben Albertyn, Chief Technology Officer at VodafoneZiggo, aptly stated: “The network of the future is already being built as we speak. 5G is an important part of that. The speed of technological developments that bring about countless new, smart opportunities enriching our lives is unprecedented.” Main Ways that 5G Benefits Healthcare The benefits of the 5G network in healthcare vary depending on the stakeholder. Let’s explore how this technology impacts insurance companies, healthcare providers (HCPs), pharma content, and pharmaceutical brands. Insurance companies Insurance companies focus on promoting the health of their insured populations. 5G technology plays a crucial role in preventing emergencies, detecting life-threatening symptoms early, and delivering quality care even to patients in rural areas. This is particularly advantageous for those with chronic illnesses and co-morbidities. For instance, using 5G-enabled patient monitoring devices for individuals with diabetes or cardiovascular conditions can save lives and prevent worsening symptoms, which, in turn, positively impacts insurance company’s bottom line. 5G technology can recommend the next steps during surgical procedures based on the latest medical research and facilitate real-time consultations with remote healthcare professionals. Again, the reduced risk of surgical complications offers a range of commercial benefits for insurance companies. HCPs The pandemic exposed many flaws in healthcare. Hospitals avoided pouring money into costly inventory monitoring systems due to tight budgets and the limited return on investment. But when the crisis hit, HCPs were left worried about whether they had enough equipment to care for critically ill patients. High-speed 5G networks can be used not to track not only the equipment but also the bed availability and even people’s movements around the hospital. This real-time data helps manage hospital operations and curb the spread of viruses and infections. 5G network also improves provider-patient interactions. Combined with sensors, teleconferencing enables providers to monitor patients’ vital signs without leaving their hospitals. With 5G’s ability to transmit large data packets, it is possible to track blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar levels multiple times a day. This marks a significant shift in patient care, as it allows for more accurate diagnoses and a better understanding of which treatments are effective and which are not, compared to relying solely on occasional hospital visits. Pharmaceutical companies Pharmaceutical companies can transform their approaches to clinical trials with the help of 5G networks. The success of these trials hinges on the continuous flow of patient data to assess the effectiveness of interventions. Traditionally, trial participants either visit hospitals for examinations to track vital signs or perform self-assessment and manually enter their data on a website. With a 5G network, life sciences companies can remotely monitor patients’ health in real-time using IoT devices. This immediate access to clinical data allows pharmaceutical brands to spot the links between treatments and patient outcomes faster, speed up trial timelines, and trim the related costs. If a treatment is found ineffective, drug manufacturers can quickly pivot, avoiding unnecessary expenses. Common 5G Healthcare Use Cases Earlier, we gave a brief overview of some potential use cases while discussing the benefits of 5G networks. Now, let’s explore them in more detail. Virtual consultations HD video empowers HCPs to keep the lines of communication open with patients, regardless of their location. Video consultations can be a viable solution when an examination does not require physical interaction. These consultations are ideal for initial assessments, visual diagnoses (like certain hair conditions or wound care), psychological sessions, or routine check-ups. High-speed transmission allows for effective communication, lowering the chances of a doctor mishearing and making a mistake. Virtual consultations ease the burden on patients by reducing the need for travel and lowering appointment costs. A study found that this level of patient involvement can cut down annual costs for patient visits by up to 31%. 5G-enabled virtual consultations have also become a critical lifeline for people with disabilities or serious conditions that affect mobility. Patients in remote areas benefit from quick access to care and are less likely to postpone treatment. Remote patient monitoring Medical professionals generally have busy schedules, often seeing an average of 20 patients a day. Unsurprisingly, many HCPs experience burnout, which can eventually impact their clinical judgment and lead to compassion fatigue. The critical point is that not all 20 patients need to travel to primary care facilities. Sometimes, they do not have any significant complaints and just want to have their vitals checked. 5G technology enables continuous remote monitoring of patient health throughout the day. This gives HCPs a fuller picture of their state and reduces their intense workload. Meanwhile, patients no longer must wait long to find an open slot in the doctor’s schedule. Additionally, some patients feel anxious and uncomfortable in a hospital setting. Using connected devices at home can eliminate this issue and often provide more accurate results, especially in cases with blood pressure or heart rate readings. Benefits of using 5G along with data management and analytics platform Education sessions Thanks to low latency and high bandwidth, 5G enables healthcare organizations to adopt advanced technologies like augmented reality and virtual reality in healthcare. These tools facilitate education for students by allowing them to immerse themselves in a learning environment without the fear of making mistakes. A stable and fast internet connection ensures that learners in remote areas receive quality self-education. Moreover, 5G supports seamless operation of educational applications, providing quick access to learning materials and facilitating effective communication between teachers and students. Assistance for people with visual impairments Activities like entering a coffee shop, walking the dog, or reading road signs are second nature for most people. But for someone with visual impairments, these tasks can be taxing. A 5G-powered AR/VR headset allows them to connect with an advisor in real time for help. This not only helps to improve their daily lives greatly but also reduces the risk of accidents. The reliability of 5G ensures they are never left stranded due to weak connectivity. Video-enabled medication adherence Medication adherence is crucial for achieving the desired clinical outcomes. However, it can be challenging for patients to stick to their prescribed therapy, especially when they have co-morbid conditions requiring multiple medications or when they are more likely to forget their treatment regimen due to underlying issues, such as mental health conditions. 5G technology bridges the gap by connecting these patients with pharmacists or caregivers through high-definition video. This helps to ensure patients take the right medication at the right dosage and time. Connected ambulance In an emergency, every minute counts, and a delay in healthcare services can be fatal. A connected ambulance enables medical professionals to gather and transmit vital medical data before reaching the hospital. Wearables and HD video cameras provide real-time updates on the patient’s condition during transport to the emergency department. When the patient arrives, hospital staff are usually ready with the necessary equipment and know what actions to take. Sometimes, HCPs can connect with paramedics remotely to guide specific diagnostic evaluations or medical procedures. Ideally, this could mean the patient does not need to be transported to the hospital at all, receiving all necessary care on-site. Connected ambulance Source: IoT Business News Security Challenge and the Best Ways to Address It When large volumes of data are transmitted, security challenges inevitably arise. And when that data is as sensitive as medical records, the security risks increase exponentially. 5G networks must be protected from cyberattacks to ensure safe healthcare interactions. There are three key strategies for ensuring the secure use of 5G networks in healthcare: Encryption methods Robust encryption methods must be implemented to protect data transmitted between endpoints. This ensures that even if data falls into the wrong hands, hackers will not be able to decipher and make use of it. As risks evolve, encryption strategies must also become more sophisticated to prevent cyberattacks. They should be agile and innovative enough to minimize the risk of hackers intercepting communications between 5G network users. AI-driven risk identification AI and machine learning (ML) should be leveraged to detect and respond to security intrusions effectively. These technologies are invaluable for isolating infections, identifying threats, analyzing traffic, and examining network packets. However, healthcare organizations should prioritize data security testing when using AI algorithms, as it is a technology still in development. This helps address privacy gaps that may emerge as innovation evolves. Comprehensive government response Government regulators should develop rules and standards to protect healthcare stakeholders’ privacy as technology expands. It is increasingly important to create a framework of standards for using connected devices, always-on networks, and data processing equipment. While these regulations must ensure the complete security of sensitive data, they must not impede the development of communication networks and interoperability. Future Trends in 5G Network As of 2024, the 5G healthcare market is worth an earth-shattering $85 billion. By 2034, this number is expected to soar to $1.8 trillion, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 35.7%. The growing demand for improved provider-patient communication and the increase in the use of remote healthcare monitoring devices will continue to fuel this market growth. The increased bandwidth, low latency, and high speed of 5G will reshape healthcare, enabling pharma companies to discover drugs faster, supporting remote patient evaluations, and helping HCPs deliver medical services in distant areas without leaving hospital rooms. In the coming years, several healthcare trends will emerge with the spread of 5G. As the number of patients grows, challenges related to managing patient data will become more pronounced. 5G will enable secure and seamless data transfer between HCPs and healthcare facilities. Сost-saving measures will be crucial, with the ongoing shortage of medical professionals and constrained hospital budgets. 5G allows organizations to reduce in-person costs and alleviate the burden on HCPs. IoT medical devices will be widely used to monitor patients’ health, providing real-time insights that will lead to more effective, evidence-based decisions regarding patient care. HCPs will increasingly rely on exchanging high-definition videos and images, like mammograms and X-rays, to make clinical decisions remotely. Bottom Line Combining 5G with innovative technologies like AI, ML, and IoT can drastically change healthcare delivery, making it more connected and personalized. 5G can empower patients to become active participants in their care. This would improve their quality of life, reduce hospital visit costs, and eliminate long wait times for minor requests. 5G enhances the personalization of healthcare. Activities such as remote examinations, interventions, and assistance share a common goal: prioritizing patients’ needs for convenience, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Ultimately, the success of any new technology depends on how effectively it addresses patients’ pains and needs –– and in this regard, 5G excels.
Patient Engagement in Pharma – Why and How? Posted on August 15, 2024February 4, 2025 by Andrii Nikulin In an era where medicine is rapidly becoming more personalized, why do pharmaceutical companies still struggle to effectively engage with the very individuals they aim to serve? The traditional model of drug development and healthcare delivery is undergoing a seismic shift, with patient engagement emerging as a critical factor in achieving better health outcomes and driving innovation. Patient engagement in the pharmaceutical industry is quickly growing into a critical necessity for business continuity. From clinical trial design to post-market drug evaluation, patients are demanding a seat at the table. Their unique insights and experiences have the power to reshape medicines development pipelines, improve treatment adherence, and ultimately lead to more effective therapies. What is Patient Engagement in the Pharmaceutical Industry? Patient engagement in the pharmaceutical industry refers to the active involvement of patients in the development, delivery, and evaluation of healthcare products and services. This concept has gained traction as pharmaceutical companies recognize the importance of understanding patients’ experiences, needs, and preferences to improve health outcomes and enhance the overall quality of care. Why is Patient Engagement Important for Pharma? As we mentioned, patient engagement in pharma has transformed from a desirable addition to an absolute necessity. Leading companies are now investing heavily in patient engagement training, signaling a big shift in industry priorities. This change is further driven by major regulatory bodies emphasizing Patient-Focused Drug Development (PFDD). For instance, the FDA’s requirement for Patient Perspectives in drug reviews has made patient engagement crucial for approvals and reimbursements. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified public scrutiny of pharmaceutical companies, creating a unique opportunity to build trust with patients. These developments collectively underscore a clear message: patient engagement is now fundamental to success, shaping everything from drug development processes to corporate reputation and market performance. However, pharma is one of the few industries that have not fully embraced their end users in product development. This is unfortunate as patient engagement can hugely benefit all parties in multiple ways. Let’s break them down below. Improving the drug development process One of the most compelling arguments for patient engagement lies in its potential to dramatically improve the drug development process. According to Economist Intelligence Unit, drugs developed using patient-centric designs were 19 percentage points more likely to be launched, with an impressive 87% launch rate compared to 68% for drugs developed without such designs. This stark difference emphasizes the value of incorporating patient perspectives from the earliest stages of drug development. The impact of patient engagement extends beyond mere launch rates. Trials with patient centricity have demonstrated a remarkable ability to accelerate the recruitment process, a critical factor in bringing new therapies to market. On average, patient-centric trials took just 4 months to recruit 100 participants, compared to the industry average of 7 months. This efficiency gain is even more pronounced in specific therapeutic areas: In neurology and oncology trials, patient-centric approaches halved recruitment time. For rare diseases, the impact was even more dramatic, with patient-centric trials taking only a fifth of the time required by traditional approaches. Enhancing patient outcomes Beyond the development phase, patient engagement plays a crucial role in ensuring the effectiveness of treatments in real-world settings. When patients are actively involved in their treatment decisions, they are more likely to adhere to prescribed medicines and regimens, leading to improved health outcomes. This increased adherence not only benefits patients directly but also provides pharmaceutical companies with more robust real-world efficacy data, creating a cycle of improvement and innovation. Building trust and loyalty By prioritizing patient engagement, pharmaceutical companies can improve their public perception and build trust with patients and healthcare providers. Engaged patients are more likely to remain loyal to brands that demonstrate a commitment to their well-being. Driving patient-centric innovation Patient insights are invaluable in driving innovation beyond the drug itself. Engagement can lead to improvements in drug delivery methods, packaging designs, and support services that enhance the overall patient experience. This holistic approach to innovation and research can provide pharmaceutical companies with a significant competitive advantage in an increasingly patient-centric healthcare ecosystem. Top Ways Pharma Companies Can Drive Patient Engagement Today, pharma companies are striving to shift their approach and create engagement strategies with an end consumer in mind. According to a study, surveying almost 6,000 healthcare consumers, pharma does a good job of providing patients with certain aspects, however, some areas still require attention. Let’s discuss how patients want to be engaged by pharma companies. Prioritize customer support Customer support has emerged as a critical factor in patient engagement. It was found that 71% of consumers consider good customer support from pharmaceutical companies very important. To meet these expectations, pharma companies are expanding their patient support channels to include phone, SMS/text, web chat, email, and social media. Hence, to deliver personalized, relevant service, and foster ongoing relationships, make sure to implement a unified customer view across all channels. In practice, it may look like an email system that sends out reminders about medication refills based on a patient’s prescription history and past adherence patterns, or a mobile app that provides personalized tips and information based on a patient’s specific medical condition and treatment plan. Provide comprehensive medical education and patient support Healthcare consumers have clear expectations when it comes to medication information: 62% expect pharmaceutical companies to provide medication education 57% emphasize the need for ongoing support in managing medications and ensuring the correct dosage Pharmaceutical companies should offer resources that empower patients with knowledge about their medical condition, including disease management tips, treatment options, medication usage instructions, and potential side effects. This education can be delivered through various formats, such as webinars, videos, and written materials. Personalize communication Despite efforts for better communication and engagement, current communication strategies are falling short: Only 14% of healthcare consumers completely understand communications from pharmaceutical companies A mere 6% strongly feel that all communications are relevant Tailoring communication to meet the individual needs of patients is crucial. This includes using targeted messaging that resonates with specific demographics and conditions. Personalized educational materials, medication reminders, and patient support programs can significantly enhance patient understanding and adherence to treatment plans. To create impactful customized content fast, consider leveraging content experience platforms, like eWizard. Leverage offers and rebates Financial considerations play a significant role in patient engagement, with 51% of healthcare consumers stating it’s very important to receive offers and rebates. Pharmaceutical companies can develop strategic offer and rebate programs, integrating them into broader patient support initiatives. Utilize digital tools Digital engagement tools, such as patient portals and mobile applications, can facilitate direct communication between patients and healthcare providers. These tools can provide access to health information, appointment scheduling, and medication management features, improving overall patient experience and adherence. Here are some examples of the digital tools you can implement into your strategy: Patient portals: Secure online platforms where patients can access their health records, communicate with providers, and manage appointments and medications. Mobile applications: User-friendly apps providing patients with disease education, medication management, appointment scheduling, and support features directly on patients’ smartphones. Wearable devices: Connected devices that track health metrics, such as activity levels, sleep quality, and medication adherence, providing valuable data to patients and their care teams. Virtual assistants: AI-powered chatbots that offer 24/7 support, answering questions, providing medication reminders, and connecting patients with relevant resources. Build patient communities Online patient communities are becoming increasingly important for patient engagement. They are cited as the top channel for customer retention and advocacy by healthcare marketers. The interest in such communities varies by generation: 43% of silents/baby boomers think they’re important, and this rises to 61% for millennials. Creating online patient communities fosters a sense of belonging and support among individuals facing similar health challenges. These communities can serve as vital platforms for sharing experiences, providing feedback, and offering peer support. Pharmaceutical companies can develop and nurture these communities, tailoring engagement strategies to different generational preferences. Collaborate with patient advocacy groups Partnering with these patient organizations can enhance engagement strategies by leveraging their insights and networks. These collaborations can help pharmaceutical companies better understand patient needs and develop services that align with those needs, ultimately enhancing patient experiences. Possible Barriers that Can Occur While pharma companies and other stakeholders increasingly recognize the value of patient engagement, several significant barriers continue to impede progress in this crucial area. Being aware of these challenges is the first step toward developing effective strategies to overcome them. Regulatory constraints: Pharma companies often cite regulatory requirements as a significant barrier to patient engagement. The complex legal landscape can create uncertainty about what is permissible, leading to overly cautious approaches that limit meaningful interactions with patients. This regulatory environment can discourage companies from actively seeking patient input or from implementing engagement initiatives effectively. Complexity of patient needs and preferences: The diverse needs of patient populations present another layer of complexity. What works for one patient group may not be effective for another, making it difficult to create universally accessible engagement tools and programs. This challenge is further compounded by varying levels of health literacy among patients, requiring pharma companies to communicate complex medical information in ways that are understandable to a broad audience. On top of that, when patients lack sufficient knowledge about their conditions, treatment options, and the importance of engagement, it can hinder their willingness to participate. If patients do not understand the benefits of engaging with pharma companies, they are less likely to take part in programs designed to support them. Historical disregard for patient perspectives: Another hurdle is the cultural and organizational resistance within pharma companies themselves. Many organizations have typically focused on doctors as their primary customers, with patients seen as end-users rather than active participants in the healthcare process. In addition, pharma companies have traditionally put clinical outcomes first, without adequately considering patient experiences and preferences. This disregard of historical problems can lead to a paternalistic approach to patient care, where patients are not seen as partners in their treatment journey, thus limiting their engagement. Shifting to a truly patient-centric model requires a fundamental change in mindset and operations — a transformation that can be slow and challenging for large, established companies. Engaging patients demands resources: The resource-intensive nature of comprehensive patient engagement programs cannot be overlooked. Meaningful engagement requires significant investments of time, money, and expertise. In an industry often focused on short-term results, justifying these investments can be challenging, particularly when the return on investment is not immediately quantifiable. Moreover, pharma companies can struggle to fully understand patient needs, therefore, not knowing how to engage them. Sales teams may not be adequately trained to communicate the value of patient engagement programs, resulting in low participation rates. Without proper education and resources, these teams may fail to promote engagement initiatives effectively. Distrust in pharma motives: Some patients and patient organizations may harbor distrust towards pharma companies, fearing that engagement efforts are more about marketing than genuine care. This skepticism can prevent patients from participating in engagement programs. Overcoming this barrier requires sustained efforts to demonstrate a genuine commitment to patient welfare. Summing Up The future of pharmaceuticals is undeniably patient-centric. Despite the challenges, the benefits of meaningful patient engagement — from improved health outcomes to more efficient drug development — are too significant to ignore. As the industry evolves, digital tools have become essential in bridging the gap between pharma companies and patients. And if you’re ready to elevate your patient engagement strategies and want to develop a truly patient-centric and user-friendly solution, consider writing us a message. We have over 14 years of experience in pharma and release more than 35 solutions yearly, so you can count on our expertise and efficiency. The time for patient-centric approaches is now. By embracing patient engagement and leveraging innovative technological solutions, pharmaceutical companies can not only improve patient outcomes but also secure their position at the forefront of a rapidly transforming industry. The path may be challenging, but with the right strategies and partners, a truly patient-first healthcare landscape is within reach.
How to Become a Medical Writer: A Comprehensive Guide Posted on August 7, 2024February 4, 2025 by Andrii Nikulin If you read this article, you probably dream of getting your foot in the door with medical writing. Or maybe you are an employer eager to add a medical writer to the crew. Regardless of your goal, you must understand that the ready-aim-fire approach will not work in this occupation. You should know what medical writers do, what value they bring, how much they make, who hires them, and how to become one. In this in-depth guide, the Viseven team will help you learn more about the medical writing job and feel more confident while testing the waters in a new field. But before we begin, let’s define medical writing. What Is Medical Writing? Medical writing refers to creating healthcare-related textual content that aims to improve doctor-patient communication and provide insights on industry topics. Medical writing presupposes compliance with regulatory guidelines and industry requirements regarding structure, content, style, and format. Some types of medical writing include: Grant proposals Abstract for medical journals Advisory board summaries Ads for medical devices and drugs Clinical study reports Healthcare education materials Marketing materials Newspaper articles Healthcare books Necessary Skills and Expertise Medical writers create technical, educational, promotional, and informative healthcare-related content. Since healthcare is heavily regulated, a medical writer must be familiar with industry standards, regulations, and medical concepts. While having a healthcare degree is preferable, it is not mandatory. It is also worth noting that more than a basic understanding of healthcare is needed to excel in this profession. Medical writers must be outstanding communicators, capable of breaking down complex ideas for the public and healthcare professionals in a digestible way. They must create a compelling story to which the audience can relate, especially when crafting ads and marketing materials. Equally important for a medical writer are analytical and research skills. These experts must be able to analyze and synthesize large volumes of evidence-based information to create a coherent, compliant content piece. Since each piece will undergo the approval procedure (for example, the Medical Legal Regulatory (MLR) process), they should be able to work with facts and interpret research findings and statistics without falling prey to biased thinking. Source: Technical Writer HQ Benefits of Having a Medical Writer in Your Team Whether you are an employer or a would-be medical writer, you need to know what these experts bring to the table. Here are some of the key perks: Compliance made easy Medical writers are experienced in writing healthcare content, so they know how to ensure compliance with the industry requirements. For example, in pharma marketing, each content module or assembly must undergo a rigorous MLR process. For the businesses that do not employ a modular approach to content creation, it may take up to 2 months to approve a single content asset. If competent writers are assigned to create the content, the MLR teams will be more likely to approve it on the first attempt. This means savings in costs, time, and improving the quality of writing. High-quality content Medical writers understand the healthcare industry, their audience, and the job to be done better than other writers or marketers. They know how to connect with different types of readers, such as providers, regulatory authorities, patients, and caregivers. They also have the skills to write easy-to-read, engaging, and ethical healthcare materials. All their claims are well-researched and supported by data. Standardization One aspect often overlooked is content consistency. Medical writers ensure standardization across materials. This allows pharmaceutical companies to maintain their brand voice and facilitates information sharing. Since content quality and messaging remain consistent, reviewing and comparing different materials is more effortless. Who Hires These Specialists? Many aspiring medical writers falsely believe they should market their services only to pharmaceutical and medical device companies. This biased assumption greatly impacts their career progress. While pharmaceutical companies need medical writing services, they do not usually hire these specialists directly. Pharma companies often turn to medical education companies and medical communication agencies for medical writing. These vendors offer complete services, from project briefing to website development, making them time-efficient and convenient for life sciences businesses. It is not uncommon for MarTech companies operating in pharma to hire medical writers. For example, Viseven’s Digital Content Factory (DCF) provides interactive content development for life sciences brands, including those in the Top 50. Our team has been delivering medical writing and marketing services for over 15 years. Connect with these companies on LinkedIn or find their websites to check medical writing job openings. Depending on your goals and preferences, you may apply for in-house positions or seek freelance opportunities. How Much Do Medical Writers Earn? Medical writers’ salaries heavily depend on their skills, experience, and location. Salaries can vary significantly in the United States, even from state to state. According to Glassdoor, a medical writer makes an average of $86,556 per year. Meanwhile, Salary.com gives a somewhat lower figure of $70,784. This website allows you to determine the salary based on years of experience, location, reporting structure, and performance level. How to Become a Medical Writer Here are some time-tested pieces of advice to become a medical writer: Find a good mentor Finding a mentor is one of the most effective strategies for beginning your career path. However, you must be ready to soak up new knowledge and not be afraid to ask questions. You may encounter two types of writers when searching for a mentor. The first group consists of writers with a medical degree and extensive experience in healthcare, but their writing skills may be average. Life sciences brands often employ these writers if they have medical editors on their teams. Another type of mentor is a medical writer with adequate medical knowledge and exceptional writing skills. Their work typically requires minimal editing and is approved from the first draft, saving companies time and money. The choice of mentor depends on your preferences and available resources. Yet, it is preferable to find a mentor who can teach you both medical science and the art of writing, thereby making you a more competitive expert in the market. Build a diverse portfolio Your work speaks for itself, and a well-crafted portfolio is a must when you start your path as a medical writer. You might say, “But wait, how can I build my portfolio if I do not have anything published?”. One mistake that novices make is to wait for publications in authoritative medical journals to begin composing your portfolio. Your prospective employers would like to see examples of your work to check whether you are a good fit for them. They also tend to prefer writers who can produce content for diverse audiences. Therefore, it is always a good idea to include, for example, patient handouts along with healthcare magazine articles. This would prevent you from pigeonholing yourself to one niche only and make you appear more valuable in the employers’ eyes. Network, network, and network Whether you plan to become a freelancer or an in-house employee, it is crucial to connect with the community to break into the field. Building a network of contacts, both locally and internationally, is increasingly important. One option to consider is joining the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA), an international association of specialists in biomedical communications. This will give you access to industry expert-led courses, scientific workshops, and mentoring opportunities. Most importantly, you can form valuable professional relationships, learning from other writers’ mistakes and success stories. Also, let’s not forget about virtual communication. Adding contacts on LinkedIn will help expand your network. You might also want to add employees and corporate pages of companies you want to work for. Become more tech-savvy Technical literacy will help you produce content quickly and with minimal to no revision requests from your employer or client. As a medical writer, you must be proficient in software such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat. The latter program is essential when creating marketing materials. To get content approved by MLR, you need to reference all your claims by mentioning the exact author, page, and paragraph number and highlight the sentences you are referring to. As most documents come in a PDF format, Adobe Acrobat is helpful for this task. Learning new tech skills also helps professionals stay abreast of industry trends. For example, medical writers at Viseven can leverage our advanced content experience platform, eWizard, to plan, brief, modularize, analyze, and distribute content. The knowledge of the AI-driven solution helps them speed up their content creation process, accelerate MLR approval, and tailor messages to their audiences. Spend money to earn money Medical writing is a highly dynamic field, so it is crucial to stay updated on the latest innovations, guidelines, and healthcare regulations. As stated by Cynthia Kryder in the book ‘The Accidental Medical Writer,’ you have to spend money to make money. There is no specific degree in medical writing, but you can always find plenty of self-education opportunities. Many organizations provide training sessions for newly hired medical writers. In these courses, new employees learn about various types of regulatory documents, in-house templates, style guides, the drug development process, and more. These organizations may pair new employees with senior medical writers who act as mentors. Alternatively, consider enrolling in short courses offered by professional entities. These sessions typically last up to three days and focus on specific topics (drug safety, medical writing for newspapers, ethical standards, and more). Upon completion, you will receive heaps of condensed, valuable information shared by experienced industry professionals. It is also vital to read high-quality content produced by other medical writers. You do not have to consume every content piece under the sun, but you should familiarize yourself with different writing styles to find your own voice. Identify the types of content you would like to create and read as much as possible. For example, if you want to write for healthcare journals and newspapers, explore the most prominent ones on the market. Gain medical science knowledge More than basic healthcare knowledge is required when starting a career in medical writing. It is vital to have professional literature at your fingertips. Essential resources include a nursing procedure book, physician desk reference, and medical dictionary. The Control of Communicable Diseases Manual can help you understand disease biology. There is also a wealth of evidence-based information available on the Internet. One of the most reputable databases is PubMed, which contains millions of healthcare manuscripts dating back to the 1950s. Meanwhile, do not use online encyclopedias and blogs, which people without a healthcare degree write and edit. You should be able to differentiate fact-based materials and personal opinions to provide high-quality medical content. Final Words Medical writing brings together the art of writing and the science of medicine. Life sciences brands rely on medical writers to engage, educate, and establish long-term relationships with their audience. Viseven is a future-inspired MarTech company that collaborates with medical writers specializing in various therapeutic areas, from endocrinology to rare diseases. Our experts work with marketing specialists and medical advisors to produce high-quality, compliant, and impactful content. Our team includes medical doctors who grasp the legal aspects of promoting different types of drugs and ensure that your content complies with regulations and cultural nuances. If you are interested in our medical writing and content creation services do not hesitate to drop us a line.
Pharma CRM: A Comprehensive Guide Posted on August 1, 2024February 28, 2025 by Andrii Nikulin In the pharmaceutical industry, customer relationship management is not just nice-to-have — it’s a fundamental necessity. Pharma is changing fast. New business models, complex regulations, and advanced technologies are pushing drug companies to work harder than ever to stay competitive. On top of that, the global pharmaceutical market has grown plenty in recent years, reaching an estimated $1.6 trillion in 2023. This is an increase of more than $100 billion compared to 2022. Source: Revenue of the worldwide pharmaceutical market from 2001 to 2023, Statista Just like in other industries, effective marketing and sales strategies in pharma rely on understanding and managing relationships with your clients. At the same time, the internet has made it easier for patients and doctors to find information about medicines, giving them more power to choose what works best for them. Because of these changes, pharmaceutical companies are rethinking how they do business. Instead of just focusing on making different drugs, they’re now trying to understand their customers better. And you can’t do it well with spreadsheets and manual data tracking. That’s where CRM software comes in to help pharma companies maintain and enhance these relationships. So let us see what makes this technology so indispensable in the sector nowadays. What is Pharmaceutical CRM? CRM, or customer relationship management software helps you manage relationships and interactions with your customers or prospects, track sales activities, and optimize marketing strategies. Often this software offers features like data analytics, personalized engagement tools, compliance management capabilities, and more. Pharma CRM software enables companies to build better relationships and enhance engagement with customers, improve sales effectiveness, and overall drive business growth. Main Advantages of CRM in the Pharma Industry Current market research shows steady growth in the global pharmaceutical CRM market, confirming the increasing adoption of the solution. In 2023, the market size was valued at $4,156 million, reaching $4,356 million in 2024. Experts predict this growth will continue. They expect the market to grow by 4.8% each year from 2024 to 2033. By 2033, they think it will reach $6,643 million. The rising adoption of these systems can be attributed to several key benefits they offer to the pharmaceutical industry. Better data management and analytics The first big benefit of pharma CRM systems is that they serve as a centralized repository for all customer-related data, consolidating information and interactions that previously were scattered across multiple departments and systems. This centralization is advanced even further by the CRM’s ability to integrate data from different sources, like sales, marketing, research, and even external databases, providing a comprehensive view of each customer and the market as a whole. Moreover, the real-time nature of data updates in a CRM solution ensures that information remains current and accessible. Sales representatives can input data during or immediately after their interactions with healthcare professionals, keeping everyone at the company informed and on the same page. With this wealth of consolidated data, pharmaceutical companies can utilize analytics tools to gain impactful insights, from predicting future market trends to analyzing products’ performance across various regions. This empowers companies to focus on relevant metrics and make data-driven decisions. In-depth view of a customer lifecycle journey Another key benefit of pharma CRM software is the ability to track customer lifecycle journeys, allowing pharmaceutical companies to see and study the entire process of converting potential leads into loyal customers. This feature offers complete visibility of each HCP’s journey, from initial contact to becoming a regular prescriber or customer. The system tracks various stages such as awareness, interest, evaluation, trial, adoption, and loyalty for each product or service, allowing for a complete understanding of the customer’s progression. By understanding where each customer is in their journey, you can personalize your communication and marketing strategies accordingly. Advanced workflow automation Most pharma CRM software solutions can automate various sales and marketing activities. The CRM solution can automatically schedule follow-up calls, send reminders for important meetings, and even generate personalized emails to healthcare professionals based on their interactions and preferences. This not only saves time for sales representatives but also ensures consistent and timely communication with customers. Marketing efforts also benefit greatly from automation. The CRM platform can automatically segment customers based on various criteria, allowing for targeted marketing campaigns. It can then track the performance of these campaigns in real time, providing valuable insights for future strategies. Automated reporting tools can generate regular performance summaries, saving hours of manual data compilation and analysis. Key Features of Pharma CRM Software Pharma CRM systems differ from traditional CRM software because of specific industry requirements and regulations. For instance, while standard CRM software focuses on general customer data, the pharmaceutical CRM system needs to be tailored to manage relationships with healthcare professionals, like doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. Hence, these industry-specific systems may often include features for tracking prescribing behavior and influence. Real-time monitoring and insights Getting real-time insights is crucial for any business, as it allows you to make decisions quicker and overall be more agile in your responses to market changes. This feature enables pharmaceutical companies to track and analyze data as it’s being entered or updated, providing visibility into different areas of business. Depending on your vendor, certain CRM platforms can even analyze and report how your audience interacts with your content. At the heart of this feature are live dashboard updates. As data is being entered or changed, your dashboard should update automatically, giving you an instant view of required KPIs. This is valuable both for tracking sales representatives’ activities and results, and for marketing to see the feedback on their campaigns. Closed-loop marketing Closed-loop marketing is a process that uses client feedback and data to continuously enhance marketing efforts, creating a cycle of constant refinement. This detailed information on interactions, preferred channels, and more help sales team personalize their approach to meet the clients’ need and expectations. With a pharmaceutical CRM software both sales and marketing team can access real-time insights which are shared between the teams to guide sales strategies and marketing decisions. Consent management Consent management is a feature that is rarely discussed, existing mainly in pharmaceutical CRM software. This functionality addresses the complex challenge of collecting and managing customers’ consent in the life sciences industry. As pharma companies grow, it becomes increasingly harder to handle consent manually. Not to mention, risky. Therefore, certain pharma CRM systems offer to automate the consent collection process while ensuring compliance with industry regulations. All collected consents are managed in a centralized platform, eliminating the risk of data loss, and allowing to see a full consent history. Sales representatives can send a tailored consent page to customers with checkboxes for different types of personal data. And if a customer refuses to consent, the CRM software immediately disables communications. Visits and route management This special functionality in the pharma CRM system is designed to help out the field sales and service teams optimize their daily schedules and travel routes when meeting with healthcare professionals or visiting pharmacies. The CRM platform uses advanced algorithms to create the best itineraries, taking into account location, priority of clients, and time constraints. It also helps track travel time and distances between appointments and allows for adjusting schedules on the fly when unexpected changes occur Sample management and compliance Pharma businesses can occasionally send samples of their products to healthcare professionals as a part of their promotional activities. All of these activities need to be tracked. The sample management feature does just that. It monitors sample requests, manages inventory levels, records distribution, and captures data on sample usage and feedback. The CRM platform ensures that sample distribution complies with industry regulations, which can vary by country or region. It typically includes features to set limits on the number of samples that can be distributed to a single HCP, track expiration dates, and maintain detailed records of all sample-related activities. Omnichannel communication If you notice that your communication with customers is getting ineffective and slow, it might be time to involve a CRM system that has a multi or omnichannel communication feature. Today, patients and HCPs interact through many channels, from phone calls to Instagram tags. A good CRM platform brings together these diverse customer interactions into one unified platform, ensuring that all customer queries are handled efficiently and no feedback falls through the cracks. With this integration you’ll be able to reach your target audience on their preferred channels, improving customer experience, and it will be much easier for your team to handle communications. In the end, you’ll have consolidated customer data with detailed insights, allowing you to make informed decisions. How to Choose Your Pharma CRM The pharma industry needs CRM software. Emerging regulations and policies, complicated procedures and processes, intense market competition — it’s all too much to handle without adequate technological assistance. Which begs the question — how do you choose the best pharma CRM software for your business? First, it’s vital to understand your immediate goals and strategic objectives. Don’t just go for a CRM system that has the most features, because you might end up paying for functionality that you won’t ever use. Define the KPIs that you want to improve and focus on CRM software that is designed to do just that. Another factor that’s crucial to mention is how a CRM provider helps its clients to migrate to new software. Often, migration is not a walk in the park, it needs to be handled professionally and with an individual approach. Ask your candidate providers about the whole process. Here are some questions that you might want to ask: Are you able to customize the CRM platform to ensure that it integrates with the existing tech stack? Will you provide a dedicated manager to help us handle the migration? Are you helping clients with the import of data? Can the CRM software be customized to our requirements and workflow? Do you have a 24/7 customer support service? Oftentimes, generic CRM solutions will not fit your needs compliance-wise. That’s why it’s best when a CRM platform is specifically designed for the pharmaceutical sector and includes compliance management features. Look for CRM that offers robust customer data management, sales force automation, and marketing campaign tools tailored to the industry. Next, focus on the ability of a CRM platform to support digitizing customer experience. In the modern age, HCPs expect seamless, personalized interactions across various channels. Good CRM software should offer multi-channel engagement functionality, allowing your team to interact with customers through their preferred methods: email, mobile apps, online portals, and more. Look for features that enable personalized content delivery, virtual meeting support, and digital signature capabilities to enhance the overall customer experience. Another crucial aspect to consider is the analytics and reporting capabilities of CRM software. The system should provide real-time insights into customer interactions, sales performance, and market trends. Advanced analytics can help you make data-driven decisions, optimize your marketing strategies, and identify new opportunities. Lastly, consider the vendor’s reputation, client portfolio, case studies, and future development roadmap. Choose a vendor with experience in the pharma industry who understands the unique challenges and requirements of the sector. Look for a provider that offers comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure your team can fully utilize the CRM’s capabilities. Bottom Line As we’ve stated at the beginning and proved along the way — pharmaceutical CRM isn’t just nice-to-have, it’s an absolute must-have. By leveraging the power of industry-specific CRM, pharma businesses can streamline operations, build strong customer relationships, and stay ahead of the competition. From improving sales force effectiveness to ensuring regulatory compliance, the right CRM solution acts as a catalyst for growth. The industry continues to evolve, and those who embrace and optimize their CRM systems will be best positioned to thrive in the digital age of healthcare.
Viseven’s Q2 Calendar: Unmissable Life Science Events Posted on July 25, 2024January 7, 2025 by Andrii Nikulin In the second quarter of 2024, the Viseven team embarked on a global journey, traversing continents to attend and participate in the world’s most prominent pharmaceutical events. Our mission was clear: to immerse ourselves in the pulse of the life sciences and pharma industries, connect with leading professionals and opinion leaders, and gain firsthand insights into the cutting-edge technologies reshaping the pharmaceutical landscape. From bustling conference halls to intimate roundtable discussions, we found ourselves at the intersection of innovation and healthcare. A highlight of our journey was the opportunity to share our expertise. Our team delivered compelling speeches on various topics that resonated with attendees grappling with the challenges of digital engagement in an increasingly complex healthcare ecosystem. Revisit the highlights of this journey with us by reading the article! Reuters Pharma EU 2024 April was a whirlwind for us, kicking off with the Reuters event in Barcelona where we went all out. We’re talking Gold sponsor status, our own networking booth, and a spot in the panel discussions — we were everywhere! At booth #12, we had our dream team — Iryna Zayachuk (Account Manager), Johann Sepp (our AE Lead), and the CEO Nataliya Andreychuk. Conversations with industry peers were flowing, and we expanded our professional network a large bit. A highlight of the event was Nataliya Andreychuk’s participation in a thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Fish where the fish are: Personalizing customer journeys by leveraging first-party customer insights“. Drawing from her extensive industry experience, Nataliya shared a ton of valuable insights. The discussion delved into the multifaceted challenges facing the pharmaceutical industry, from navigating complex regulations to meeting escalating demand. A key focus was the critical need for innovative approaches to healthcare delivery in this rapidly evolving landscape. Pharma IT & CPHI Despite the vast distance separating Barcelona and Tokyo, the Viseven team made its mark at industry events in both cities. In Tokyo, our dynamic team — Ethan Greely, Inyong Lee, Ryota Hirano, and Olena Volkova — dove headfirst into the CPHI Japan and Pharma IT & Digital Health Expo events. These gatherings proved to be hotbeds of innovation in the pharmaceutical world. Ethan Greely, our Digital Transformation Manager, took center stage with a compelling presentation. He shed light on bridging the gap between digital and non-digital channels using an omnichannel approach tailored for the Japanese market — a topic that had the audience buzzing with ideas. The Pharma IT & Digital Health Expo was a treasure trove of insights on revitalizing the pharmaceutical industry through cutting-edge technologies. Meanwhile, CPHI Japan brought together independent futurist thinkers from across the sector, offering a glimpse into pharma’s potential future landscape. We came away with a wealth of knowledge about the major trends shaping the global biopharma R&D pipeline, the unique challenges of drug approval in Japan, and the ongoing struggle with medical drug supply shortages. And that’s just scratching the surface! AI and Data in Pharma Healthcare Summit Meanwhile in Munich, Alex Repin, our Head of Frontline Sales, attended the AI and Data in Pharma Healthcare conference. This event showcased technological advancements in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. The conference explored how artificial intelligence, data science, and digital innovation are revolutionizing various aspects of healthcare. Alex capitalized on this opportunity to network with industry peers and gain valuable insights into emerging trends. NEXT Pharma Summit The 2024 edition of the NEXT Pharma Summit wrapped up in May, and it was quite the event! It’s a 2-day conference where pharma and tech professionals from all over come together to share ideas. We’re talking 60 speakers from 30 countries, all diving into how technology is shaking things up in the pharmaceutical world and medical affairs. Naturally, the Viseven team couldn’t resist a piece of the action. Sure, we’d just gotten back from Reuters Pharma, but this was too good to miss! We were eager to see and talk to our clients from Bayer, Merck, Biogen, and Teva. We brought our A-game with a workshop led by our Head of Content Strategy and Enablement, Prasant Vijayakumar. The topic? “Unveiling the Future: The Quest for Complete Content Automation.” Prasant took the attendees on a journey through the world of automation in content marketing, showing how these tools can create some seriously engaging modular content. And he wasn’t alone — our CEO Nataliya Andreychuk, Regional Director Nataliia Kulyba, and Product Manager Anna Malivska were there too, sharing their wealth of knowledge. Looking back, the NEXT Pharma conference was a goldmine of insights. We got to hear from the cream of the crop in the industry, took a good look at where pharma is headed, tackled some future challenges head-on, and got a sneak peek at what’s NEXT for pharma businesses. 2nd Pharma Omnichannel HCP Engagement Conference Lisbon, Portugal’s picturesque capital, hosted this year’s 2nd Pharma Omnichannel HCP Engagement Conference, with Viseven playing a prominent role as a Gold Sponsor. For two packed days, the conference buzzed with interactive roundtables, lively panel discussions, and eye-opening keynote speeches from more than 20 top-notch experts. The event’s primary goal was to unite innovators in the pharmaceutical and life science sectors, facilitating knowledge sharing and experience exchange. Viseven sent a strong delegation of experts, including Nataliya Andreychuk, Yuliya Sotska, Anna Zolotnytska, Maciej Najzdion, and Prasant Vijayakumar. The team was deeply committed to providing attendees with valuable insights and actionable strategies. Prasant, our Head of Content Strategy and Enablement, led a compelling panel discussion on optimizing pre-launch and early-stage KOL engagement to foster collaboration and ensure successful product launches. Other panels explored crucial topics such as the impact of generative AI on omnichannel strategies in pharma, how communication tools influence channels in life sciences, and the value of data-driven insights in decision-making. Yuliya Sotska, Viseven’s Chief Brand and Communications Officer, served as the event chairperson, skillfully moderating panel discussions and ensuring all voices were heard. The highlight of Viseven’s participation was CEO Nataliya Andreychuk’s outstanding keynote speech. She presented a clear and comprehensive case study on synergizing high-quality content, data, and AI in omnichannel marketing. Nataliya detailed how Viseven integrates these elements to deliver personalized customer experiences, enhance brand loyalty, and elevate HCP engagement. Her presentation cut through industry jargon, providing attendees with a clear roadmap for achieving exceptional results in their omnichannel strategies. Dublin Tech Summit While our focus on pharma events remains strong, our passion for technology is equally vibrant. This May, our Product Marketing Manager, Yevheniia Zimmerman-Buhaienko, went to the Dublin Tech Summit — a premier gathering of tech innovators and thought leaders. The summit, which drew over 8,000 attendees, offered a comprehensive look at the rapidly evolving tech landscape. Through a diverse array of panels, keynotes, and interactive workshops, participants immersed themselves in the forefront of technological advancement. Key highlights included engaging discussions on AI ethics and the growing importance of open-source initiatives. Attendees explored the dynamic relationship between AI and human interaction, gaining insights into AI’s transformative impact across traditional industries. The event also featured deep dives into blockchain technology and its expanding applications, showcases of groundbreaking healthcare innovations, and forward-looking perspectives on AI’s role in shaping the future of advertising. Pharma 4.0 Our journey in the pharma tech world continued with the Pharma 4.0: Digitalization and Transformation Conference in Munich, Bavaria’s vibrant capital. Once again, Viseven proudly took its place as a sponsor of this notable event. Our dream team of Anna Malivska (our Product Manager and Modular Approach expert), along with Account Executive Badr Tabat, set up shop at the event. Their booth became a hub for networking, allowing visitors to connect with the crew and explore our solutions. Two full days were packed with insights on how AI, machine learning, and smart manufacturing are revolutionizing the pharma world. We’re talking efficiency boosts, faster drug discovery, and operations that run like clockwork. The conference brought together over 35 brilliant minds from pharma, automation, and data analytics to share their two cents on smart manufacturing tech. And our Anna Malivska was among these thought leaders. She took the stage to spill the beans on turning data into compelling stories. Anna dove deep into how AI can transform dry pharma data into narratives that pack a punch. She showed off the power of modular personalization, demonstrating how to tailor content that hits home with different audiences. Attendees walked away with practical strategies for omnichannel integration — the secret sauce for engaging people across multiple touchpoints. Anna also shared some wisdom on unified messaging, explaining how syncing up data across channels can seriously boost conversions and keep users hooked. If you’re a pharma marketer looking to squeeze every drop of potential from your data using AI, personalization, and omnichannel strategies, Anna’s presentation was the place to be. HLTH 2024 Next up on our event tour was HLTH 2024 in Amsterdam — one of Europe’s biggest health innovation gatherings. This time our team comprised Nataliia Kulyba, our Head of Primary Sales, Maciej Najdzion, Account Executive, and Oleksandra Zikh, Senior SDR. These guys are the ones who work their magic with our clients day in and day out. Now, HLTH wasn’t just another box to tick off our list — far from it. We saw it as a golden ticket to dive headfirst into the future of healthcare and life sciences. Over 3,500 attendees, and more than 400 speakers — we were able to exchange ideas, soak up insights from the industry’s bright minds on topics ranging from drug development to social media in health, and brought back valuable knowledge to improve our best practices. If you’re itching to be part of the exciting future in healthcare and life sciences, HLTH Europe is where it’s at. Our team was there to showcase Viseven’s prowess and demonstrate how our MarTech solutions are making waves in the health and life sciences world. Collision The Olympics of tech. America’s biggest tech conference. These are just a few ways to describe Collision 2024, the landmark event that took place in Toronto this June. Our dynamic duo, Yuliya Sotska, Chief Brand and Communications Officer, and Yaroslava Upatova, Chief Growth Officer, embarked on a journey across four countries in just 24 hours to be part of this extraordinary gathering. And let us assure you, every minute of that journey was worth it. Collision is more than just a conference — it’s a melting pot of opportunities. It’s where tech experts network, cutting-edge trends are unveiled, innovative solutions are showcased, and valuable publicity is gained. This year’s installment was the largest in the conference’s history, boasting over 40,000 attendees from 130 countries. Naturally, the Viseven team couldn’t miss the chance to be part of shaping the future of tech. Yuliya and Yaroslava made the most of these three action-packed days. They immersed themselves in enlightening panels, connected with industry peers, forged new connections, and absorbed insights from thought-provoking speeches. Yuliya, in particular, took center stage once again, skillfully moderating and presenting sessions. Attendees were treated to a smorgasbord of insightful discussions. Topics ranged from the evolving dynamics between humans and chatbots to case studies demonstrating AI’s problem-solving prowess in business. The future of cancer detection and groundbreaking innovations in cleantech were also hot topics on the agenda. As always, Yuliya excelled in her role as moderator. She drew inspiration from each talk, channeling the energy and insights into lively, engaging discussions. From Barcelona to Tokyo, Munich to Toronto, we’ve been on a global adventure that’s left our heads spinning. These events weren’t just about racking up frequent flyer miles — they were our ticket to the cutting edge of life sciences and tech. Let’s be real — Viseven didn’t just show up. We showed out! Our team was everywhere, soaking up knowledge and sharing our secret sauce on stages around the world. We’ve got our fingers on the pulse of everything from AI and data analytics to omnichannel marketing and personalized content. And trust us, it’s all about making healthcare better and smoother for everyone. Every insight, every connection, every lightbulb moment is fuel for our innovation engine. We’re taking all of this back home to supercharge our practices and help our clients navigate the wild world of digital health and pharma marketing. But we’re not done yet! Our globetrotting team is gearing up for even more exciting conferences and events this year. And some of them are just around the corner. Want to stay in the loop and know where we’re headed next? Give our LinkedIn page a follow, as we’ll be dropping pins on our event map there first. And, of course, we’ll still be giving you the full scoop right here after the events. You can count on us to give you all the details — what we did, who we met, and our takes on the latest industry trends.