Introduction: The Internet has provided pharmaceutical companies with an unprecedented opportunity to interact with physicians via discussion forums. Pharmaceutical companies, continually looking for new ways to influence prescribing decisions, are seeking to reach physicians at a time when they are searching for medical information. Online forums have the potential to provide a cost-effective solution.
Scope: - The results of Datamonitor's online survey of UK physicians who actively use online forums are provided
- Analysis of data from Datamonitor’s 2002 US and European Physician Insight Surveys
Report Highlights: Pharmaceutical company forums have not proven to be successful. Companies should partner with independent website hosts to gain access to physicians.
Successful forums need to establish the right balance between restricted access and simple registration in order to gain physicians trust and to optimize the number of users.
Discussion forums should be provided as one element in a complete online package that caters to all physicians’ informational needs.
Reasons to Purchase: - Capitalize on the opportunities to reach physicians online by sponsoring independent physician forums
- Identify the components that are essential in making a successful online forum
- Understand the demands of physicians who use online resources in their search for information
