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A patient support program (PSP) is a program that combines patient support and education with financial assistance provided by pharma companies in collaboration with healthcare providers. A patient support program is indeed a gift of caring from pharma to the patient.
But does the patient know that it is the pharma company that is helping them with the necessary patient support services? Whether they do know or don’t, the pharma company is not only responsible for the medication and the therapy but also the support that accompanies it.
A patient support program becomes important, especially in scenarios where the patient receives critical care for health conditions that lead to adverse effects. But what exactly is a patient support program?
Definition
A patient support program is an umbrella term used by pharmaceutical companies to define their initiatives that improve access and usage adherence to prescribed medication. PSPs (Patient support programs) can exist to provide financial assistance, provide medication support or exist to educate the patient on his condition.
Patient support programs are seen as supplemental to the healthcare routine for a patient, but in fact they are a crucial part of the healthcare system and ensure that the patient is treated with humanness and dignity at all stages of the treatment.
What Do Patient Support Programs Offer?
1. Financial Assistance
PSPs offer free financial support to those who are eligible, leading to reasonably high discounts on medicines and the treatment. Sometimes it is possible to get even free care, but this depends on the PSP partner and provider too and the eligibility conditions of the patient.
In certain cases, the patients may have to pay the amounts due for treatment and then the reimbursement receipts are sent to the insurance company, which then pays the patient back. Patient support service specialists representing the pharma company, generally a third party, can assist you with this as well.
2. Patient Education
Most patient support programs have call centers which answer any queries the patient may have. The hospital staff, including doctors and nurses working on the patient’s case, are also responsible for not only providing adequate care and support but also educating the patient about his condition.
PSPs, in their patient support services, could also have a dedicated nurse educator, who will provide training on different conditions or those specific to the patient, also providing details on how best they can manage it and why adherence to medication and treatment is important.
3. Help with Medication Adherence
Side effects and other issues can make it difficult to stick to the treatment or even the medication that is being provided. PSPs help patients in adhering to the routine and keep continuing the sessions at the hospital. The doctors and nurses also check in on the patient to ensure that they are taking their medicines on time.
PSPs may also have support groups for the patients with similar conditions admitted to a healthcare provider. These support groups can help patients share their stories, gain confidence and overcome the conditions that overwhelm them.
In addition, PSPs can help patients get the right kind of medications. PSPs can direct patients to centers where specific infusions or injections of medicines may be available, or even provide a means of transportation to get there or arrange them to be delivered home if the patient is unfit to travel.
Who Can Benefit from Patient Support Programs?
Patient support programs are initiatives designed to assist patients in managing their health conditions, improving their quality of life, and navigating the healthcare system. These programs can vary widely depending on the condition, healthcare provider, or pharmaceutical company offering them.
They benefit patients by offering them the support and education they need for their condition. They help pharma companies and healthcare providers maintain their reputation and moral and ethical responsibilities.
What Can You Expect When Signing Up for A PSP?
When you sign up for a PSP, you can expect to get regular patient support during the treatment and beyond and financial assistance as and when the patient needs it, especially to pay for the treatment if the insurance does not cover it. There could be other support options as well, such as transportation and virtual training on the patient’s condition. Frequent checks and monitoring of the patient’s condition are also included in a PSP.
Why ALP Should Be Your Partner for Patient Support Services?
Alp has more than a decade’s experience in PSP planning and working with several pharma companies. We provide support for all aspects of a patient support program beginning with enrolling for a PSP to post-care support and rehabilitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do Patient Support Programs (PSPs) Work?
Yes, they definitely do. They help patients get the support and care they deserve at the right time for their health issue and pharma companies can meet their requirements as per laws applicable in the country and the high standards set by them for patient health.
2. What Is the Future of PSPs?
Patient support programs are getting more advanced with advancements in AI; telehealth and telemedicine is having great growth potential as well as online training programs for patients, with the proliferation of the Internet even in rural parts of India.
3. How Can I Connect with A PSP?
Most pharma companies integrate PSP into their messaging. However, as a patient, one would need to clarify with the healthcare provider or the pharma company providing the medication whether they are eligible for patient support. Most are enrolled at the point of care itself.
