Why Patient Engagement Metrics Still Don’t Matter

The pharmaceutical industry has long touted patient-centricity as a core principle. However, beneath the rhetoric lies a stark reality: patient engagement metrics remain woefully underdeveloped, underfunded, and underprioritized. Despite the lip service paid to patient-centered approaches, the industry’s actions reveal a different story. In this article, we’ll explore why patient engagement metrics still don’t matter, the consequences of this neglect, and what we’re doing to change the status quo.

The Hypocrisy of Patient-Centricity

Everyone’s talking about patient-centricity, but the numbers tell a different tale. Less than 1.5% of pharma budgets go to advocacy, a critical component of patient engagement. This disparity between words and actions is staggering. While companies proclaim their commitment to patients, they fail to back up these claims with meaningful investment. The result? Patient engagement remains an afterthought, rather than a core component of pharmaceutical development and commercialization.

Breaking Down the Problem

Several factors contribute to the neglect of patient engagement metrics:

1. No standard tools: Unlike other areas of pharmaceutical development, patient engagement lacks standardized metrics and tools. This makes it difficult to measure success or compare outcomes across different programs.
2. Minimal investment: As mentioned earlier, advocacy receives a tiny fraction of pharma budgets. This limited investment hinders the development of effective patient engagement strategies.
3. Inconsistent reporting: Patient engagement metrics are often reported inconsistently, making it challenging to track progress or identify areas for improvement.
4. Late-stage involvement: Patient advocates are frequently brought in late in the development process, rather than being integral to the decision-making process from the outset.

A Call to Action

At Archo, we’re working to change the status quo. Our frameworks, such as those used with Kite or the ELAVAY measurement models, are defining what should be measured in patient engagement: outcomes, trust, credibility, and early engagement. By prioritizing these metrics, we can begin to build a more patient-centered industry.

It’s time to stop paying lip service to patient-centricity. If companies can’t prove their commitment to patients through meaningful metrics and investment, they shouldn’t claim to be patient-focused. At Archo, we’re building the blueprint for those who are ready to mean it. We’re not just talking about patient engagement; we’re taking action to make it a core component of pharmaceutical development.

The Challenge

We invite organizations to partner with Archo in piloting or testing standardized engagement ROI models over the next year. By working together, we can develop the metrics and frameworks needed to drive real change in patient engagement. It’s time to put patient-centricity into practice, rather than just paying it lip service.

The Way Forward

To get started, organizations should prioritize patient engagement metrics and invest in developing standardized tools and frameworks. This might involve:

1. Developing clear metrics: Establishing clear, measurable goals for patient engagement and tracking progress towards these goals.
2. Investing in advocacy: Allocating sufficient resources to advocacy and patient engagement initiatives.
3. Integrating patient advocates: Bringing patient advocates into the decision-making process early and often.
4. Reporting consistently: Regularly reporting patient engagement metrics and using this data to inform decision-making.

By taking these steps, organizations can begin to build a more patient-centered approach to pharmaceutical development. At Archo, we’re committed to making this vision a reality.

Conclusion

Patient engagement metrics may not matter to some, but they should. By prioritizing these metrics and developing standardized frameworks, we can build a more patient-centered industry. It’s time to stop talking about patient-centricity and start taking action. Let’s work together to make patient engagement a core component of pharmaceutical development, rather than an afterthought.