Physicians’ and patients’ activity on social networks is changing healthcare and causing manufacturers to take note. At a time when regulatory constraints are placing access to these groups at a premium, the communities where they discuss diseases and treatments are becoming an increasingly attractive venue for the industry. The hope is that companies would eventually integrate into the conversations between external scientists, physicians, and patients; however the lack of regulatory clarity, considered by industry professionals to be the biggest barrier to social network use, may limit this scenario. Still, even if companies cannot fully integrate with communities, they may still be able to opportunistically participate in social networks of the future.

 

Publications from Sermo Inc