GSK, VentureWise partner to deliver independent educational program on COPD to GPs

A new agreement between GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and VentureWise—part of the MedicineWise Group—will see an independent educational program delivered to GPs on the topic of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

VentureWise Managing Director Greg Hughes says the new GSK-funded program aims to provide greater clarity to health professionals on medicine choice for COPD, improve adherence and inhaler technique, and reduce confusion associated with medicines for COPD and asthma.

“This agreement provides an opportunity for both parties to contribute to the enhancement of medical knowledge and improving quality use of medicines,” says Mr Hughes.

As part of the agreement, VentureWise retains complete independence in determining all aspects of the design, content and implementation of the program, ensuring it remains an independent, quality GP education program,” he says.

“VentureWise has commissioned resources from within the MedicineWise Group to design, develop and deliver the education program.”

GSK introduced a new framework at the start of 2016 for its medical education and interactions with healthcare professionals to increase transparency. The grant to VentureWise has been made under GSK’s initiative to support third-party independent medical education conducted fully at arms-length.

“VentureWise and GSK independently recognise that there are challenges for GPs in keeping up with advances in COPD therapeutics, given the recent proliferation in options and in the evidence base,” says GSK Australia Medical Director Dr Andrew Weekes.

“GSK’s recent commitment to supporting independent medical education around such identified gaps gave us the opportunity to support this important programme. Our new funding framework guarantees the independence of this education, developed and delivered entirely at arm’s length from GSK. We believe this model has the potential to make a meaningful difference for patients in Australian primary care,” Dr Weekes says.

Educational visits commenced this month in selected locations around Australia.