Inizio Engage has been named a finalist for the prestigious PM360 Trailblazer 2023 award in the category of Best Persistence/Adherence Program for an active Patient Support program, designed to aid patients battling a rare respiratory disease.
We embarked on this client partnership with a clear mission: to transform the lives of patients grappling with a rare respiratory disease. This condition often goes undiagnosed for years, leading to irreversible damage if not treated effectively. Our goal was to educate patients, encourage proper medication utilization, and improve treatment outcomes.
Our innovative patient support program revolves around the involvement of Clinical Educators who provide supplemental training on treatment administration and disease state. A significant portion of this training occurs in the comfort of the patient’s own home, with the valuable inclusion of patient care partners when necessary. We understand that learning is an ongoing process and with a lengthy treatment regime, patients may benefit from reinforcement training along their journey., However, in evaluating the program post launch, we encountered a significant challenge: high discontinuation rates among patients, with the steepest drop occurring within the initial 30-45 days due to side effects, and later due to treatment fatigue. These discontinuation rates continued to rise with longer treatment durations, posing a formidable obstacle.
To overcome this hurdle, Inizio Engage, in close collaboration with our client, introduced several key enhancements to the program. An introduction call, taking place within three days of prescription receipt and patient opt-in, was established to provide emotional support and address any concerns. Moreover, we implemented six touchpoint calls over the course of a year. These touchpoints aimed to offer emotional support to patients while educating them about what to expect during their treatment journey.
The results were nothing short of remarkable. Our enhanced patient support program led to increased engagement and persistence among patients, resulting in higher initiation rates and improved resolution of the condition.
The impact was clear: patients who received no supplemental training had a staggering discontinuation rate of 60.5% after one year, compared to just 38.8% for those who benefited from our supplemental training and engagement calls. This represented a significant 17% reduction in discontinuation rates from the initial program design.
“Creating a patient support program that truly makes an impact is what we strive to achieve within every engagement, especially when tackling a disease with such severe consequences when left untreated. Our team at Inizio Engage, in collaboration with our dedicated partners, embarked on a journey to transform patient lives through education, empathy, and unwavering support. Being nominated as a finalist for this award is a testament to the dedication and innovation that went into this program,” said Nareda Mills, President of Patient Solutions at Inizio Engage.
“We recognized that simply providing medication isn’t enough; it’s about understanding the emotional and psychological aspects of each patient’s journey. The addition of early introduction and ongoing engagement calls, along with our Clinical Educators’ enhanced skills, has resulted in tangible improvements. We’re not just reducing discontinuation rates; we’re giving people hope and a chance at a better life. This nomination is not just an honor; it’s a recognition of the positive impact we can make in healthcare when we prioritize patients’ well-being above all else.”
The PM360 Trailblazer Awards, in existence since 2009, honor outstanding achievement and innovation in healthcare marketing. These awards recognize initiatives that stand out in the complex healthcare environment, judging them on their ability to overcome challenges, the quality of planning and execution, and their effectiveness. In 2023, a total of 88 finalists were chosen across 18 Initiative categories, with Inizio Engage’s program shining in the Persistence/Adherence Program category.
Finalists like us will be acknowledged, and winners will be unveiled during a grand celebration at Gotham Hall in New York City on Tuesday, October 3, from 6 pm to 12 am. The winners will be announced in PM360‘s November issue.
At Inizio Engage, we are committed to making change happen. Our recognition as a finalist for the PM360 Trailblazer 2023 Initiative award reinforces our passion for improving health outcomes along with our partners.
