ACTION POINTS 6 Outline of the brief 6 Key things you need to know about medical professional websites 6 Medical professional websites should bring together multiple sources of information into a single customizable and easily searchable Web-based interface. In order to provide website users with incentives to frequently return to the site, additional resources that support professional development, facilitate physician-patient communication or otherwise facilitate the practice of medicine should be included in website design 7 Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are two of the fastest growing prescribing groups. Pharmaceutical companies that wish to build relationships with these healthcare providers should focus on developing a website that addresses the unique expectations and professional goals of non-physician prescribers 8
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WEBSITES 9 Introduction 9 Current approaches to medical professional websites 9 Physician information requirements online 13 Privacy and security concerns online 14 Applications of medical professional websites 16 Professional development 17 Product and disease information 18 Continuing medical education 23 Online forums 27 Patient resources 29 Patient education materials 30 Clinical trial information 32 Disease management and compliance tools 34 Clinical tools 35 Detailing online 36 Electronic sampling 37 Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) 39 Best practices in the application of medical professional websites 42 Best practices in the provision of professional development features 42 Best practices in the provision of patient resources 44 Best practices in the provision of clinical tools 46 Building a comprehensive medical professional website 48 THE FUTURE DECODED 51 Outlook for medical professional websites 51 Meeting the needs of physicians 51 Providing services to non-physician healthcare professionals 53 Conclusion 54 APPENDIX 56 List of figures 56 References 57 Relevant links 58 Research Methodology 58 Physician Insight Survey 2004 58 How to contact experts in your industry 60
