New research project to identify tactics, strategies for working with patient advocacy groups

In the biopharma sector, collaborating with patient advocacy groups is a critical part of educating patients and physicians. Patient advocacy groups are a trusted resource for consumers as they seek out information on new therapies, especially novel therapies. Using an online research survey and deep-dive interviews with selected participants, Best Practices, LLC conducted a research project to identify winning practices in patient advocacy group collaboration and relationship management.

"Collaborating with Patient Advocacy Groups to Educate the Marketplace" is a 125-page report that identifies successful tactics and strategies for working with patient advocacy groups and managing relationships. 

This benchmarking study identifies valuable practices in starting and maintaining collaborative relationships with patient advocacy groups. The research also examines ideal structures and skill sets for pharma groups that deal with advocacy groups. In addition, the study shares emerging trends and challenges in patient advocacy.

Fifty-eight advocacy leaders from 43 companies such as Abbott, Wyeth, Genentech, Novartis, Bayer, Amgen, Astellas, Takeda, Bristol-Myers Squibb and J&J shared their practices and insights into advocacy group collaborations. More than a dozen organizations participated in deep-dive interviews to provide actionable insights into working with the advocacy world.

Key topics of this report include:

• Understanding the Advocacy Landscape
• Managing Advocacy Relationships
• Managing Relationships with Hostile Groups
• Structuring High Performance Biopharma Advocacy Groups
• Using New Technologies
• Current Trends and Future Directions

Executives, directors and managers at device, pharmaceutical and biotech organizations who work in patient advocacy functions can use this research to compare their group's approaches and tactics for advocacy group interactions with those of leading organizations.