Early patient insights are valuable. |
Gaining patient insights by collecting information on their perspective is an ongoing process throughout the product’s lifecycle. |
Integrating patients’ insights gathered via a structured and systematic approach, including ‘online’ studies, is feasible and benefits decision making, if considered early during drug development. |
Introduction
Key steps | Pertinent questions/objectives to understand relevant patient perspective |
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Step 1: qualitative observational—SML | Observe patient conversations What affects, what motivates the patients? What are the questions, pains, experiences, concerns? How do they communicate about their disease? |
Step 2: qualitative dialogue—OBB | Asking specific questions Explore the disease experience Understand the priorities Detect potentially hidden aspects Further understand the communication |
Step 3: quantitative research—patient preference studies | Among all disease aspects Define priorities: what is important? Which trade-offs can be accepted? What would make a future product attractive to the patient? |
Patient Insights Through Social Media and Online Platforms
Literature Review
SML
OBB
SML | OBB and qualitative interviews |
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Difference in symptoms discussed online by COPD patients and other healthcare stakeholders ‘Shortness of breath’ constituted 68% of the total symptoms mentions by other healthcare stakeholders With patients, ‘Cough with or without mucus’ was the most frequently mentioned symptom (27%), followed by ‘mucus clearance from lungs’ (22%) and ‘shortness of breath’ (20%) Incontinence was mentioned very infrequently in online posts | Relief of cough, mucus production, and shortness of breath are most desirable aspects from patient perspectives Irrespective of disease severity, cough and mucus impacted quality of sleep, work, and daily activities Patients were uncomfortable talking openly about urinary incontinence associated with cough All these symptoms have a big social and emotional impact |