A Bad Relationship
Our infographic highlights the disconnect between patients and drug manufacturers
Inspire’s annual survey – involving more than 10,000 patients – revealed that almost 40 percent of patients have no idea who makes the drugs they take (1). Moreover, the survey found that only 14 percent of patients feel like they have a relationship with the pharmaceutical manufacturers behind their drugs – and of that, under half reported having a “good” relationship.
On a more positive note, the study also shows that patients are taking a more active role in their treatment. For example, 52 percent of respondents initiate the discussion about new treatment options when speaking with their physicians. Increasing numbers of patients are also using their smartphones to manage their healthcare, and many patients are actively interested in getting involved with new medical innovations around gene testing.
- Inspire, “Insights from engaged patients,” (2016). Available at: bit.ly/2juQxPn. Last accessed January 11, 2017.
Over the course of my Biomedical Sciences degree it dawned on me that my goal of becoming a scientist didn’t quite mesh with my lack of affinity for lab work. Thinking on my decision to pursue biology rather than English at age 15 – despite an aptitude for the latter – I realized that science writing was a way to combine what I loved with what I was good at.
From there I set out to gather as much freelancing experience as I could, spending 2 years developing scientific content for International Innovation, before completing an MSc in Science Communication. After gaining invaluable experience in supporting the communications efforts of CERN and IN-PART, I joined Texere – where I am focused on producing consistently engaging, cutting-edge and innovative content for our specialist audiences around the world.
