Blog: Transforming patient outcomes through disease awareness programmes

What is the goal of disease awareness programmes?

The goal of disease awareness is to improve health outcomes by promoting early diagnosis and effective disease management through education and technology.

An effective disease awareness programme will enable healthcare to be more accessible and effective for its target patient audience.

Why should life sciences companies deliver disease awareness programmes?

Engaging with patients is crucial for life sciences companies, both for ethical reasons and for business success. By genuinely connecting with and addressing patients’ needs, companies build trust and loyalty with both patients and healthcare professionals, leading to better adherence to treatments and positive word-of-mouth.

What sort of positive impact can disease awareness programmes have?

Disease awareness programmes, like Kidney Essentials – a programme to support people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), can have a profound impact on healthcare outcomes and efficiency. For instance, Kidney Essentials has empowered over 4,000 patients with valuable information, supporting transformation of outpatient care that has led to a 3-week reduction in clinic waiting times and a 66% decrease in face-to-face follow-up appointments. Additionally, 96% of users reported a significant increase in their knowledge about chronic kidney disease (CKD), while the programme has also contributed to a notable reduction in the carbon footprint.

Can you give an example of an effective disease awareness programme carried out by a life sciences company?

An excellent example of a disease awareness programme carried out by a life sciences company is the Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) initiative for melanoma patients ‘Advanced Melanoma Essentials’. This award-winning programme aimed to enhance awareness about melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer, by providing patients with comprehensive educational resources and support.

Advanced Melanoma Essentials focused on several key areas:

• Educational materials – The programme offered detailed information on melanoma from a cancer specialist, who explained advanced melanoma, symptoms, what to expect after
diagnosis, and treatment options to help patients and their families understand the disease better.
• Patient support – Tools and resources were provided to patients to help them make sense of medical terms and to understand how to manage their condition more effectively.
• Treatment guidance – Short, informative videos outlined different treatment options, helping patients navigate their choices while emphasising the importance of consulting their
care team for personalised advice.
• Emotional Support – Acknowledging the anxiety and uncertainty that comes with diagnosis, the programme aimed to provide clarity and reassurance for both patients and their loved
ones.

Overall, this programme aimed to increase awareness, improve patient outcomes, and support both patients and healthcare providers in managing melanoma more effectively.

What sort of impact did the above disease awareness programme have?

Advanced Melanoma Essentials, the Bristol- Myers Squibb (BMS) programme for melanoma patients achieved several key impacts:

• Increased awareness and knowledge: The programme raised melanoma awareness, with over 250 patients accessing crucial content and a 15% increase in understanding advanced
melanoma.
• Improved patient engagement with content designed to drive better health outcomes: With average visit time to the programme of over 7 minutes, at least three pages viewed per
session, and over 80% satisfaction with video content, the programme successfully engaged patients with content designed to support condition management and treatment and
decision-making around choice of treatment.

Shital Vekeria, Senior Disease Area Specialists for Oncology at BMS said, “At Bristol Myers Squibb, we believe that disease awareness programmes, such as Advanced Melanoma Essentials, play a vital role in empowering patients and helping to improve outcomes. By providing clear, accessible information and support tools, we help patients understand their condition, navigate treatment options, and feel more confident in managing their health and making an informed choice about their treatment.”

What would you say to a life sciences company that is unsure whether to embark on a disease awareness programme?

Life sciences companies can create impactful, patient-centred disease awareness programmes that align with their business goals, promoting growth and improving health outcomes. Life sciences can effectively leverage digital health solutions to enhance patient education, improve shared decision-making, and support healthcare professionals.

By ensuring that their disease awareness programmes are impactful, patient-centric, and aligned with their broader business objectives, the company can achieve their business goals while significantly impacting patient care and improving health outcomes.

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