Physician specialists are not all alike!
MD Analytics surveyed 100 Canadian physician specialists on topics such as work-life balance, patient care, pharma companies, technology, and information sources to identify attitudinal differences to help pharma marketers more effectively communicate with their target audience.
Four segments emerged.
Key insights have emerged in a new study conducted by MD Analytics in terms of differences in how younger and older Canadian physician specialists perceive aspects of patient care.
Building on previous findings that showcased generational differences among primary care physicians, MD Analytics conducted a follow up study in March of 2023 that included a mix of 100 Canadian physician specialists. The overall objective of this study was to determine the extent to which a generational gap may exist in approaches to treatment and patient management. In our analysis, we divided specialists into two groups: younger physicians, those under 45, and older physicians, those 45 and older.
Key insights have emerged in a new study conducted by MD Analytics regarding perceived work life imbalances among younger and older Canadian physician specialists.
As a prelude to the latest data, we reflect on previous research we conducted with physicians in October of 2022 which showed that the majority of specialists in Canada felt overwhelmed and burned out compared to pre-pandemic times. While this is true across medical specialties, the data also hinted that this feeling may be more pronounced based on age.
Market research plays a fundamental role in helping those involved in the healthcare market answer key questions about their brands. Gaining insights from healthcare practitioners is central to market research. However, engaging physicians to participate in research can be a challenge. While most of the surveyed physicians say they enjoy participating in market research studies, in practice, physicians self-report participating in less than half of the number of studies they are invited to participate in. Real-world experience from our panel says the response rate is even lower. With this in mind, we asked Canadian physicians to help us understand what motivates them to do market research.
Engaging prescribers is a key component to the launch of any new brand. But what are the key components that drive interest for physicians in learning more?
Overall, physicians express greater satisfaction when learning about new products through in person interactions compared to virtual or digital interactions. However, regardless of how they learn about new product, the types of resources physicians prefer are similar. The top most preferred resources for both GPs and Specialists include presentation at conferences, discussions with peers, educational events that include KOLs or treatment areas experts, presentations by lead authors, journal clubs and discussions with Pharmaceutical reps. While a majority agree (66%) they are more likely to engage with reps or MSLs to discuss new products or indications, more physicians agree (87%) they are more likely to meet with a rep or MSL with whom they have an established relationship.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on physicians, including how they learn about and integrate new products into their practice. While not all saw a decline, close to 1 in 3 Specialists and close to half of GPs say their use of newly launched products declined during the pandemic, primarily due to a lack of pharma presence, reduced patient volumes overall and just a general lack of comfort using new products.
The COVID-19 crisis changed the way people work across industries including the pharma industry. MD Analytics teamed up with the professional association for women in the pharma industry Women Leaders in Pharma to conduct a study on the impact on of COVID-19 on women who work in the pharma industry.
Strong online advertising and messaging are key to maximizing impact of any marketing campaign. With recent restrictions on in-person interactions, online advertising and messaging play an even greater role in reaching physicians. Our findings from a survey of n=227 Canadian physicians show that 82% of Canadian physicians have increased their use of online platforms as a result of COVID-19, 48% significantly so.
Measuring customer engagement in pharmaceutical market research can be challenging as physicians usually prefer to not be seen as “associated” with any given pharmaceutical company. However, as demonstrated by our customer engagement syndicated study, it is undeniable that stronger levels of physician engagement exist among pharmaceutical companies which can lead to more positive outcomes for their associated brands.
Qualitative research can provide a greater understanding of physicians’ attitudes and behaviours than quantitative methodologies, however increased demands on physician time may cause some to refuse participating. Determining the optimal study design and appropriate recruitment techniques can help make physicians more willing to participate.
Dental professionals turn to traditional information channels most often when sourcing information on manufacturer products and continuing education. However, more innovative tools such as online and digital offerings continue to grow in importance, especially among newer dental professionals. Find out how to make sure your future outreach efforts are ready for the next generation of dental professionals.
Traditional in-person continuing health education (CHE) programs remain the most attended format for Canadian physicians practitioners, however preferred sources of CHE vary widely by generation. As educational activities are an important channel to communicate important scientific data about new treatment options, program success will benefit from a tailored approach to CHE delivery.
The relationship between healthcare providers and sales reps is a balancing act. Managed well they can add value to a physicians’ or pharmacist’s practice ultimately impacting product use. However HCPs are often overwhelmed by the demand on their time and as a result may restrict access to their practices to sales reps.