Online Video is an Emerging Channel for Physicians to Connect with Pharmaceutical Companies

Online Video is an Emerging Channel for Physicians to Connect with Pharmaceutical Companies

PR Newswire via NewsEdge :

NEW YORK, Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Physician interest in live video detail from sales reps is growing, according to the ePharma Physician(R) v8.0 physician market study by pharmaceutical and healthcare market research company Manhattan Research. Currently, about 45,000 U.S. physicians meet via online video with their sales reps, and over 300,000 more show interest in interacting with sales or other company representatives online.

Physicians already engaged in video detailing with sales reps are, for the most part, highly satisfied with their experience, according to the study. This sentiment may explain why these physicians are consistent users - physicians already participating in live video detailing sessions do so with an average of seven reps per month. Some pharmaceutical companies are already including this communication strategy in their plans - Aptilon recently added two additional top 10 global pharma companies as clients of their AxcelRx Live video detailing service.

"Incorporating live video details in the physician-sales rep relationship can be a win-win for both groups," said Meredith Abreu Ressi, Vice President of Research at Manhattan Research. "Depending on the company, it can be a cost-effective strategy for sales forces looking to reach physicians spread out over a wide territory, and physicians enjoy the flexibility and interactive features the sessions offer. Pharma companies should pay close attention to rep call centers that give healthcare professionals access to company representatives via telephone or web chat at any time, as many physicians express interest in this type of service."

Free Professional Marketing White Paper

Our professional marketing white paper, "Plugging into Physicians: Digital Marketing & Sales Strategies for Healthcare Companies," contains market data and trends for pharmaceutical, device, biotech, and healthcare companies looking to leverage technology to improve physician relationships in 2009. Download here: www.manhattanresearch.com/research/white-papers/plugging-into- physicians.aspx

About ePharma Physician(R) v8.0

ePharma Physician(R) v8.0 was conducted via online survey methodology in Q2 2008 among 1,681 online practicing U.S. physicians. The study and advisory service has determined the leading online physician destinations based on the number of physician visitors as well as the content satisfaction of those who visit and provides in-depth analysis of top product and corporate pharmaceutical websites, health portals, online journal sites, specialty- specific sites, newsletters, society sites, physicians and Web 2.0, physician online communities, electronic detailing, Tablet PCs, online conferences, physician customer service portals, tech-enabled sales forces, physician CRM, and more. For more information: www.manhattanresearch.com/products/Strategic_Advisory/ePP/

About Manhattan Research

Manhattan Research conducts annual research studies among physicians and consumers, including Taking the Pulse(R), Taking the Pulse(R) Europe, Taking the Pulse(R) Asia, ePharma Physician(R), Cybercitizen(R) Health, Cybercitizen(R) Health Europe, and ePharma Consumer(R). Broad consumer and physician research is complemented by targeted analysis among more than 80 consumer therapeutic segments and 25 physician specialist segments.

Manhattan Research, a Decision Resources, Inc. company, is a leading market research and advisory firm for pharmaceutical and healthcare companies. For more information, visit www.manhattanresearch.com, email sales@manhattanresearch.com or call 1.888.680.0800.

About Decision Resources, Inc.

Decision Resources, Inc. is a cohesive portfolio of companies that offers best-in-class, high-value information and insights on important sectors of the healthcare industry. Clients rely on this analysis and data to make informed decisions. Please visit Decision Resources, Inc. at www.DecisionResourcesInc.com.