How we tailor our Patient Support Programs to each case

It is important to note that each Patient Support Program (PSP) should be tailored specifically to a particular group of patients, a specific diagnosis, or a certain type of therapy. Many different factors must be considered when designing a patient support program, some of which we list below.

1. Characteristics of the diagnosis

For patients with reduced mobility, it is important to devise the best communication methods and program activities in order to achieve as much program goals as possible, without exposing patients to additional efforts that would be inappropriate for their health condition. There are numerous possibilities for this, which vary from home visits to phone calls and messaging, and more recently – in accordance with the epidemiological situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic – organised online conversations via various communication platforms.

2. Average age of patients

Depending on the age of the patient concerned, it will sometimes be necessary to include their parent(s) or guardian(s) in the PSP. This is mandatory when young patients are involved, who are not yet capable to participate in their own treatment, but also in the case of elderly patients, who also sometimes need assistance with therapy administration, adjusting to lifestyle changes, and other specifics arising from their diagnosis.

3. Method of product administration

Product administration can sometimes be very complicated for the average patient, and it usually involves medications that the patient needs to administer themselves (e.g. subcutaneously or intravenously), with prior preparation of the drug intended for administration. In such situations, it is very helpful to know that there is a professional at the patient’s disposal, who will ensure that the process of product administration goes smoothly.

4. 4. Importance of lifestyle changes

Lifestyle modifications and optimization are always welcome, and this is especially important in some diseases. Depending on the type of disease, it is possible to introduce experts in other fields (such as nutritionists, psychologists, kinesiologists etc.), whose advice, specifically tailored to a particular group of patients, can also contribute to a more successful treatment outcome and improved quality of life.

5. Willingness to use new technological solutions

New applications that are designed in particular to support and facilitate everyday life of patients are continuously being developed. With the help of these applications, some of which are specifically intended for certain types of diseases, patients can monitor their health condition and treatment success, with the possibility of contacting a healthcare professional at their discretion. Such applications are usually better accepted by younger populations, while older patients prefer personal contact or phone calls as a form of support. This type of communication within PSPs is still in the early phase, and is expected to reach its full potential at some point in the future.

It should be stressed that patients still prefer personal contact with the healthcare professional involved in the implementation of the patient support program. In most cases, these are highly specialized nurses who are available to patients in the program by phone at certain hours, according to the pre-established program plan. Patients can thus ask additional questions and clarify any doubts they might have about their disease and treatment, which is also one of the main reasons why such programs exist.

Well-designed and properly implemented patient support programs can successfully reduce healthcare costs for both patients and the healthcare system. Marti Farm is a reliable and trusted partner who recognizes this benefit and provides a comprehensive patient support program service, ensuring all the necessary support and patient-centred approaches while contributing to the optimal utilisation of healthcare services: feel free to get in touch with us!

Emina Gržanić, DVM / Medical Affairs Manager