Back in March we surveyed physicians to assess the impact of coronavirus on their patients and practice. As the situation evolves, we wanted to check in to see how concerns and needs have changed along the way. So, we reached out to 206 HCPs (PCPs, rheumatologists, and oncologists) to provide pharmaceutical companies the most up-to-date insights so they can develop valuable solutions for their customers.
Doctors still feeling personally threatened but intensity is downshifting…
57% of HCPs feel personally threatened by COVID-19, which while still the majority POV is a noteworthy drop from a month ago.
We also see declines in the intensity of concern regarding the virus’ impact on themselves and their families.
Oddly enough, these declines are coming at a time when they also reported increased potential exposure to the virus, with more patients either showing symptoms or testing positive.
Given that, it is not surprising that exposure to someone remains their top concern.
However, their practices are under increased pressure…
About two-thirds are facing challenges scheduling and attending patient appointments, which while down, is still the top concern among physicians.
About 80% report a decreased patient load due to COVID-19, with more PCPs and oncologists reporting a decline in traffic compared to a month ago.
In fact, 28% of HCPs are not seeing any patients in person, with PCPs and rheumatologists seeing fewer patients in person than oncologists.
Estimates on when in-person visits will resume vary from a few weeks to two months.
When asked about the biggest challenges facing them, there was an 11-point increase from March in the area of financial stress on the practice.
Lower revenues and reduced traffic led many HCPs to reduce staff across the board.
They do not see a quick resolution to the COVID-19 situation, with far more HCPs seeing this lasting later into the year than we observed in March.
Which explains in part why more are looking for help supporting their patients.
Turning to telemedicine to fill the void…
Aside from treatment guidelines and clinical data, 46% of HCPs want guidance on how to handle high-risk patients virtually.
HCPs report they are monitoring about 60% of patients virtually, either by video or telephone calls.
However, most are not overly satisfied with the telemedicine options available to them.
Suggested improvements include making it more accessible for less technologically savvy patients and offering higher-quality audio and visual capabilities.
Despite existing shortcomings, most are inclined to make telemedicine a regular part of their patient care approach after the pandemic is under control.
Key Takeaways
Doctors are challenged both clinically and financially, and like many businesses will need help to get through the crisis with their practice intact. Pharmaceutical companies can take some fundamental steps to support their efforts and become stronger relationship partners:
Streamline processes and offer support services where possible to help them be effective despite reduced staff
Provide best practices based on relevant patient/practice insights to get the most out of virtual patient engagements as a bridge while tech improves
Deliver information they can take in on their schedule to avoid needless distractions that compromise time focused on patients
The Methodology
Shapiro+Raj conducted an online survey with a national sample of HCPs between April 27th and 28th, 2020. In all, 206 physicians were surveyed (103 PCPs, 53 oncologists, and 50 rheumatologists).
Shapiro+Raj
S+R is a research and strategy firm that uses social and behavioral sciences to solve the toughest business and marketing challenges. Our next-gen methods dig deep to unlock market-ready insights. Then our brand planners turn these into strategic marketplace actions that create brand evolution and innovation; customer experiences and loyalty; and new platforms for growth.
