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Healthy Conversations & Future Pharma Trends on The Human Element Podcast

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September 6, 2024

It's no surprise that the healthcare and pharmaceutical landscape continues to transform to as consumer habits shift, technological progress is made, and regulatory systems become more intricate. So how are leading businesses staying ahead of the curve?

On the latest episode of The Human Element, dentsu Health President, Greg Reilly, and Global Chief Creative Officer, Collette Douaihy, discuss how their team has been working to transform healthcare and pharma marketing for the past three years.

From modern solutions to tapping into their network's expertise, we explore the changing world of healthcare marketing and discuss the potential for positive change through innovation and collaboration.

Healthcare marketing evolution

The healthcare marketing landscape is evolving rapidly due to a few key trends:

  • Pharmaceutical companies are focusing more on involving patients in their marketing efforts to empower informed decision-making and improve healthcare experiences.
  • Treatments are tailored to individuals based on factors such as genetics and lifestyle are becoming more common.
  • It's increasingly important to integrate healthcare professional and patient marketing strategies to create a unified brand experience and drive better patient outcomes.
  • Through a test and learn approach, marketing teams are using data and analytics to measure campaign effectiveness and inform future strategies which can be essential for success.

Overcoming challenges

The healthcare industry presents unique challenges, including complex regulations, data privacy concerns, and the need to balance business objectives with patient well-being. Below are four tactics to overcome these obstacles:

  • Nurture cross-functional teams and collaborating with clients to create innovative solutions.
  • Use data to inform strategic decisions and craft targeted marketing campaigns.
  • Embrace AI, telehealth, and other technologies to enhance patient experiences and improve outcomes.
  • Promote inclusivity and ensuring that healthcare products and services reach underserved populations.

Content, influence, and social media

Content creation, influencer marketing, and social media will continue to play important roles in healthcare marketing. By developing captivating and informative content, utilizing the influence of relatable personalities, and establishing a positive social media presence, pharmaceutical companies can empower patients and build trust and credibility.

Looking ahead

The future of healthcare marketing is full of opportunities to leverage emerging technologies, data-driven insights, and advanced approaches.

When it comes to the upcoming decade specifically, healthcare marketing is expected to be influenced by inclusivity, diversity, personalized care, and AI (not that AI) but as Greg Reilly explained: authentic imagination. Human creativity, combined with tech advancements, will only drive innovation further, lead to better business practices, and most importantly, improve patient outcomes.

Listen to the full podcast episode to hear more about Reilly and Douaihy’s thoughts on the state and future of healthcare marketing.