Patient Support Programs (PSPs) in the pharmaceutical sector represent an array of aimed at supporting patients in initiating therapy and maintaining adherence. PSPs, also known as Patient Assistance Programs or Patient Support Services, are predominantly offered in the United States due to diverse healthcare infrastructure, complex insurance coverage, and low therapy adherence rates.
Globally, PSPs are known for providing patient education and adherence outreach to ensure patients understand the background and importance of their therapy management.
Types of Patient Support Programs
Patient support programs vary based on the therapeutic area and specific medications, but their key objective is to assist patients in overcoming barriers to therapy access and adherence, ultimately enhancing their health outcomes.
Patient Assistance Programs
A prominent type of PSPs is what is known as Patient Assistance Programs, predominantly offered in the United States where the focus is to assist patients and their caregivers to obtain medication by reducing financial burdens in various ways. This includes reviewing the current insurance coverage, helping with prior authorization if necessary, providing trial or copay card information, and checking eligibility to enroll in a financial assistance program. Addressing financial barriers is crucial for patients to start the appropriate therapy instead of turning to potentially unsafe alternatives that could harm their health.
Patient Education Program
Another notable type of PSP is a Patient Education Program that aims to enhance patients’ and their caregivers’ understanding of the disease state, as well as the associated medication or device. Patient education can support patients and their caregivers with direct instructional assistance from healthcare providers through phone or digital channels.
Highly skilled medical writers also create easy-to-comprehend visual educational materials that can be shared with patients. The extension of patient education is adherence outreach where patients are followed up to share their experiences, address the barriers or difficulties, and be encouraged to stay adherent.
Provider Support
One key strategy of patient support programs is to assist providers' offices and clinics in facilitating patients' access to medications and providing education about them. Providers can start patients on therapy easier when they are equipped with sample products, mock devices, frequently asked questions, visual instructions, free trial or copay cards, or financial assistant enrollment information. Provider support also includes assisting with billing and coding information, ensuring proper reimbursement to providers for medication administration.
ProPharma's Best-in-Class Patient Support Program Solutions
ProPharma offers the best-in-class patient support programs with our global team of contact center experts within the Medical Information (MI) service line. We have over 35+ native bilingual speakers located across the globe, handling a variety of inquiries, and striving to serve every inquirer with passion and professionalism.
ProPharma's global footprint is strongly supported by regional and market expertise, harmonized global processes, and compliance with local regulations. Our cloud-based telephony and database are globally integrated and readily scalable to support clients of any complexity and scope and we also have a wealth of experience with a diverse range of client systems.
We offer various channels for patients and their caregivers to communicate their needs, from phone and email to digital interactions. ProPharma's pharmaceutical patient support programs are highly customizable, tailored to meet the client's objective of improving health outcomes and enhancing overall quality of life.
How ProPharma Excels in Managing PSPs
Many patient support programs are implemented with the expertise of customer service contact center, employing agents with minimal customer handling skills. At ProPharma, PSPs are implemented under the infrastructure of medical information, a team of highly educated and trained specialists, often healthcare professionals. Our patient support specialists are integrated with the MI team, ensuring high-quality inquiry handling and effortless transition between PSPs and MI. This integration enhances customer trust and streamlines their journey. Utilizing MI resources, including the expertise of our medical writing team, ProPharma's patient support extends services well beyond other outsourcing options available for patient support.
Patients and their caregivers encounter a diverse range of choices and barriers when selecting the appropriate therapy to improve their health. Whether comprehensive or limited, patient support plays a pivotal role in initiating and sustaining therapy for better health outcomes. ProPharma is committed to helping our clients and their patients to achieve their health goals with our patient support programs.
Contact ProPharma today and speak with a Patient Support Program Expert to learn how we can help your company attract and retain patients.
