Healthcare Reform

KEY CHALLENGES FACING THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY IN 2011 and BEYOND

Healthcare reform, global expansion, aging populations, patent expirations, lackluster pipelines, technology and public misperceptions are key trends that will challenge industry leaders in greater ways than ever before which is why improved skill sets and behaviors are critical moving forward. I will address three of areas and offer bullet pointed recommendations and observations from my vantage point in communications. RAMP IT UP

• From employees to patients to families to caregivers, people are better informed and have greater access than ever before which means many groups–not just patients—have strong voices on a global stage and greater influence. Industry leaders must accelerate innovation and pipelines to deliver effective and more affordable medications to an aging population that is clamoring for quality of life.

 COMMUNICATION MUST BE PERSONAL

• If the BP scandal  taught leaders in every industry nothing else, they should have learned the importance of truly understanding those they serve in an effort to communicate compassionately with different people in different sectors. Leaders must step out of the ivory tower more frequently and reach out to a wider variety of audiences including employees so they can think differently, share their customers voice and broaden their perspectives internally and externally.

FOCUS ON OUTCOMES

• Many companies have already changed their business models but they need to more effectively combine areas of expertise by building powerful partnerships and relationships with patients, families, government, payers, providers and within their own business units to problem solve, focus on outcomes which will lead them in new directions where they can profit together.

Tags: aging, caregivers, communications, healthcare, Healthcare Reform, karen friedman, outcomes, seniors