Patient Voice in Pharmaceutical Company: The Case of Patient Committee in Brazil

OBJECTIVES: Patient-centered discussions have evolved in the last years, mainly focused on value-based healthcare and improving health outcomes worldwide and in Brazil. Pharmaceutical companies, which play an essential role in the healthcare ecosystem, still have little direct contact with patients. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the framework for creating a patient committee for a pharmaceutical industry in Brazil.

METHODS: This study was based on a framework discussion to create a patient committee in a pharmaceutical company in Brazil. Twelve patients/caregivers of different diseases from all geographic regions of Brazil participated on a face-to-face meeting on June 2023 to discuss the role of the pharmaceutical industry on patient literacy, physician-patient relationship and communication. Once the discussion was finalized, we captured the insights in a structured discussion guide, and the findings were summarized according to each pillar.

RESULTS: Patients described multidisciplinary treatment, information using entertainment and medical information/chart interoperability as the most important topics for pharmaceutical industry to consider. In addition, the patient committee suggested that patients´ acting like protagonists and scientific empowerment as key for the improvement of patient journey, diagnosis, psychological and clinical outcomes. As a result of the discussion, educative initiatives using omnichannel approaches, with special focus on patients, to be also broadcast at the company's Scientific Institute

CONCLUSIONS: To truly impact Brazil's health ecosystem and properly empower patients, the pharmaceutical industry must make active listening a top priority. By fostering a climate of good communication and providing extensive health education, it is possible revolutionize patient journey and elevate the overall healthcare experience.