A few weeks ago, we attended the DIA Medical & Scientific Communications Forum in Arizona. It was our first industry conference and we enjoyed seeing our friends, colleagues and customers. We also attended sessions on topics such as the current compliance landscape and the role of medical-science liaisons in clinical trials. A particular highlight was a session that discussed the complexity of integrated healthcare systems.

The speaker recommended that our definition of thought leaders should include individuals at Integrated Delivery Systems (IDSs). In the US, there are over 970 IDSs which are collectively responsible for 85% of healthcare delivery. These IDSs may be influential on a local, regional or national level. As an example, large IDSs such as Ascension Health may influence smaller IDSs in regards to protocols for certain populations.

“The IDS sphere of influence is an emerging focal point of influence. MSLs should work with IDSs because that’s where the thought leaders,
key decision makers and lives are.”

— an executive director in Medical Affairs, Health Systems

IDS thought leaders believe treatment value propositions should incorporate safety, efficacy and effectiveness in terms of cost, comparative treatments and other criteria. These thought leaders may work in areas such as care coordination, outcomes research or quality management. They may also participate on protocol and formulary committees.

With access to considerable real-world evidence, IDSs frequently have valuable perspectives on treatment value propositions for disease states. Accordingly, it’s essential to understand their perspectives.

Coincidentally, several of our customers are using kernel to collect feedback from IDSs and payers on therapy value, market access and other topics. Our next product release will let you segment IDS and payer thought leaders by local, regional and national levels of recognition. As a result, you’ll be able to identify and share insights across all types of thought leaders and regions in real-time. We’re developing these enhancements so you can drive the right strategies for your organization.