Medical Information Services: How Are We Trending?

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical industry
• Biotechnology
• Medical Information departments

Background:

• The pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors are experiencing significant shifts, including mergers, acquisitions, patent expirations, and evolving healthcare policies.
• These industry dynamics necessitate adaptations within Medical Information departments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey Medical Information departments and understand trends and adaptations over the past five years.
• To assess changes in operations, outsourcing, responsibilities, value, and the impact of healthcare reform.

Main Methods:

• A telephone survey was conducted with 25 pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
• 21 companies participated, yielding an 84% response rate.
• The survey focused on five key areas: operations/demographics, outsourcing, diversity of responsibilities, value, and healthcare reform.

Main Results:

• Increased outsourcing activity and expanded contact center functions were observed.
• A continued interest in globalization within Medical Information departments was noted.
• Changes were reported in promotional review, sales training, convention coverage, slide review, inquiry volume, and support for 505(b)(2) products.

Conclusions:

• Medical Information departments are actively adapting to industry changes, particularly through increased outsourcing and globalization.
• The full impact of healthcare reform is yet to be realized, but an increase in consumer inquiries is anticipated.
• Findings provide valuable insights for future strategic planning and surveys in the field.