GET MORE OUT OF YOUR CME S

Governments all over the world are increasing the regulatory aspects governing ethical promotion of pharmaceutical products to healthcare professionals. It is no different in India. In this backdrop, Continuing Medical Education (CME) is gaining more and more importance, and hence the need to maximize ROI on CME s through use of software and technology

“Continuing medical education consists of educational activities which serve to maintain, develop, or increase the knowledge, skills, and professional performance and relationships that a physician uses to provide services for patients, the public, or the profession”, to quote from Accreditation Council for continuing medical education. It will serve us well to remember this definition.

There are several things that a pharma company can do to ensure that CME s yield good Return on Investment. In this blog, my focus will be on the use of technology in the planning and execution of a CME program.

Technology and software can be used in all aspects of a CME-be its use of a mobile-enabled business software application, better content delivery assisted by technology or “virtual” meetings. I am using a table below to discuss some key aspects of how technology can enable better CME practices.

The above are just some aspects that we need to keep in mind. I have seen companies manage CME s through the use of some simple extensions in their global CRM software or through complex Excel sheets. In my experience, pharma companies that have implemented a comprehensive CME application have got more out of their CME s, over periods of time. “It is all about good planning and execution, and having all the relevant data when needed”, says a senior executive in charge of commercial excellence in a large MNC. “That is how you can get more out of your CME s, and hence the need for a good software”