In our November #WEGOHealthChat we explored how pharma and healthcare companies can work together with Patient Leaders to create solutions to some of the gaps in healthcare. We brainstormed new ideas, shared insights, and asked Patient Leaders what companies are already doing it right!
Below you’ll find some highlights from each discussion question but if you’d like to read the full chat transcript, you can find it HERE,
Q1: What are current gaps and/or needs in your community that you feel could be addressed by pharma &/or healthcare companies?
A1. Healthcare companies need to understand that #glutenfree is the only treatment for #celiac right now. Putting gluten fillers in drugs (i.e. wheat starch) can really hurt us! #WEGOHealthChat
— Erin Smith (@gfreefun) November 14, 2017
A1. I would like to see more dollars going towards cures not just new treatments. #WEGOHealthChat
— Mika (@mikaloverogers) November 14, 2017
Q2: What ideas do you have on how pharma & healthcare companies can better leverage patients?
A2. First step towards fixing the gaps is to recognize that the solutions will not come from a board room or office in DC. They will come from spending time in the trenches with the #patients who have the purest motivation to find real & deliverable solutions. #WEGOHealthChat
— Savvy Cooperative (@savvy_coop) November 14, 2017
Talking to each other as humans. That’s the biggest opportunity in healthcare #WEGOHealthChat
— Liesbeth Moortgat (@IBDAZDelta) November 14, 2017
Q3: What are some ways that these companies can inform the patient community about the patient-centric initiatives they are leading and/or opportunities for patients?
Through using communities like mine to spread the seeds, then nurture them & watch them grow, I have a business mind too!There are umpteen groups, big advocacy organisations, charities, never mind the way #digitalhealth is changing to accommodate communications #WEGOHealthChat
— FibroFlutters (@FibroFlutters) November 14, 2017
A3: I’m gonna start with don’ts:
Don’t give us pamphlets or brochures or spam us with emails. I’ve gotten enough of these that at this point I just ignore them. #WEGOHealthChat https://t.co/s0MUMnQiW3— Kat in California (@1BendyKat) November 14, 2017
Q4: Which pharma or healthcare companies do a great job of engaging patients?
A4: really love working with @Shireplc on their Binge Eating Disorder program. #WEGOHealthChat
— Alicia Raimundo (@asraimun) November 14, 2017
A4: so @AbbVieUS & @pfizer have had advisory boards, funded patient 2 patient talks, etc that all give patient leaders opportunities to share what is happening in their disease communities. #WEGOhealthchat https://t.co/dorppLWFhc
— TheCrazyCreoleMommy (@CrzyCreoleMommy) November 14, 2017
Q5: What do you think is an appropriate way(s) for WEGO Health to help support pharma and healthcare companies patient advocacy programs & initiatives? What is the value?
A5 Help connect us to them, let them know the wealth of knowledge we have to help them progress in a mutually beneficial way #WEGOHealthChat
— Lisa Davis Budzinski (@lisadbudzinski) November 14, 2017
Seems like you are already trailblazing by recognizing the value of patients, breaking down silos amongst stakeholders, & compensating patients. Keep doing what you are doing! #wegohealthchat
— Enlightening Results (@GraceCordovano) November 14, 2017
You can join our #WEGOHealthChats on the second Tuesday of every month at 1pm ET. If you’re unfamiliar with how to participate in a Twitter chat, we created this handy-dandy guide to get you up to speed.
