Ex-Pfizer Stafford launches patient communication consultancy
pharmafile | April 26, 2006 | News story | Medical Communications |Â Â patientsÂ
The needs of patients are being forgotten or over-looked by pharmaceutical companies, according to a newly launched consultancy called Patient Practice.
Director and founder Di Stafford is the former head of patient relationship marketing at Pfizer UK and says many in the industry arent properly equipped to conduct patient marketing.
Consultancy director and founder Di Stafford said: "The trend towards greater patient involvement in the future is very clear. However, many companies find that they do not have the right resource or experience to set up or manage activities in this area."
She added: "Too often, the needs of the ultimate end-consumer, the patient, are forgotten or overlooked."
Patients are increasingly encouraged to get more involved in their healthcare, through initiatives like the Department of Health's Medicines Partnership and the annual Ask About Medicines Week.
The Patient Practice aims to capitalise on this trend by offering patient marketing, communications and relationship management services and drawing on a network of patient marketing specialists.
Stafford says her new company will focus on 'unlocking patient value' by addressing patient needs with a broad range of information and communications projects, including disease awareness campaigns.
As the former head of patient relationship marketing at Pfizer UK, Stafford developed and established the company's patient relationship marketing capability, which led to the launch of the Brighter Living programme for patients with long-term conditions.
The online and direct mail programme supports patients with conditions such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, erection problems and high cholesterol with health advice and information.
Prior to joining the pharma company, Stafford was a member of the management team that established the UK's first health and medical communications centre, Access 24 (now AXA Assistance). She has also held senior marketing positions in Europe and the US with Unilever, PepsiCo and PPP healthcare.
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