News Updates

In March 2017, the DIA Medical Affairs and Scientific Communication Forum brought together more than 425 medical information/communication, medical science liaison, and medical writing professionals to discuss the latest topics and trends impacting communication in the pharmaceutical industry.

From the recent FDA guidance on compliant medical communications, to digital applications in medical information, to clinical trial data transparency issues for medical writers, the event provided attendees with a diverse group of experts offering analyses, updates, and discussions on latest industry topics. Unique sessions focused on both specific job roles, as well as the cross-collaboration between industry functions.

The forum opened with a powerful keynote by the renowned Dr. Anna Barker, Director of the Transformative Healthcare Knowledge Networks at Arizona State University. Dr. Barker noted that medical communication professionals have a valuable role as the bridge to effective interactions and collaborations among stakeholders in drug development. She shared some sage advice: Anything is possible if you do not need to take credit for it. Dr. Barker challenged the audience to understand and leverage scientific platforms to advance drug development, to ultimately bring relevant treatments to patients.

With over 35 sessions and over 425 attendees, it was impossible to capture all the forum insights. However, a few highlights are below:

1. Combining data analytic tools enhances the value of garnered medical information. Pharmaceutical companies are leveraging data to improve customer experience and safety as well as internal business practices. Dr. Rania Gaspo (Pfizer) discussed how her company is utilizing word clouds in medical information. Her company gathers internal source information from queries received globally into one system, and then segments the information for analysis via word clouds. These benefit and impact business by helping to:

a. Identify issues or topics for which a medical response document has not yet been written

b. Monitor new issues that arise around certain events, such as recalls or formulations

c. Hear the voice of the customer on new products—what are their early experiences, concerns, or needs?

d. Identify key words from customer interactions and those leveraged during presentations to medical teams, advisory boards, business reports, to facilitate discussions

This method exemplifies how collaboration between analytics teams, marketing, and medical affairs functions can lead to innovative solutions to drive business goals and improve patient experiences.

2. DIA Medical Writing Community launches the latest edition of the Medical Writing Competency Model.  Originally published in 2009, the updated version has improved clarity and a new format. It has been reviewed by 27 contributors from multiple regions, companies, industry sectors, and roles. The Model outlines functions that a medical writer must perform to be successful, and contains a list of accepted knowledge, skills, abilities, and beliefs that define successful job performance. Managers can use DIA’s Medical Writing Competency Model for hiring, training, setting expectations and goals, performance evaluation, retention, and career ladders. We will publish the updated model in 2017. If you would like additional information or an early copy of the Competency Model, join DIA’s Medical Writing Community.

3. The evolution of Integrated Delivery Networks (IDNs) is redefining how the biopharmaceutical industry engages external stakeholders.  IDNs are defined as large health care delivery organizations that own (or manage) and integrate multiple points of patient care from hospitals to physician practices to long-term care facilities1. As evolving reimbursement and risk models emerge, IDNs may represent a growing proportion of the revenue for the life science industry. As a result, the life science industry will need to support and partner with IDNs in patient and clinical education, in research to guide formulary decision making, and in programs that impact long term quality measures. Companies often deploy field medical liaisons (MLs) to interact with IDNs. While the interaction model varies from company to company, the life science industry recognizes the need for field MLs to have knowledge on health economic and outcomes research (HEOR) and comparative effectiveness research (CER). If you are interested in learning more about the role of MLs, check out the session, The New Business Reality for the Medical Science Liaison Community at the DIA Global Annual Meeting 2017 in June.

With on-site networking opportunities including a Tweet-up focused on use of social media in medical communications, poster sessions for professionals and residents, a networking reception, and DIAfit yoga, this event provided a well-rounded experience for pharmaceutical professionals.

The above highlights represent just a sampling of the breadth of topics discussed at the DIA Medical Affairs and Scientific Forum. Continue this conversation with me and many of your colleagues at our DIA 2017 Global Annual Meeting in June, or attend the 11th Annual European Medical Information Communication Conference in November.