New R2G Global Study: 87% of digital health companies work with HCPs, but how many are satisfied with the collaboration?

Realizing the vital influence of HCPs in DIHA success, R2G has conducted a comprehensive global survey on ‘How to engage HCPs for a successful DIHA?’ Currently, most DIHA companies collaborate with HCPs, but often encountering limited success.

The field of digital health is rapidly advancing, with Digital Health Applications (DIHAs) leading the way. Within this dynamic landscape, healthcare professionals (HCPs) hold a pivotal role in influencing its direction.

However, low adoption rates among HCPs towards digital health solutions remain a significant challenge. This reluctance might be attributed to various factors, including concerns about data security, fear of competition, lack of time, the perceived disruption of traditional healthcare practices, and a lack of awareness about the advantages that DIHAs can offer.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted HCP engagement, primary goals and objectives of engaging with HCPs, various engagement methods and more, R2G conducted a global online survey on How to engage with HCPs?

The findings of this survey, addressing key questions such as the importance and perceived success of HCP, most effective HCP engagement methods, best incentives for HCPs, and more are presented in our latest whitepaper titled: “How to engage HCPs for a successful DIHA-2023: Approaches, learnings, best-practices for how digital health companies successfully work with HCPs?”. (Get your copy of the whitepaper by clicking here)

A total of 564 participants provided their input to R2G’s HCP engagement survey for 2023. These participants represented a diverse range of backgrounds and industries, with the majority (46%) comprising professionals from the digital health companies. Additionally, there was substantial participation from individuals in MedTech companies (10%), pharmaceutical companies (10%), and healthcare providers (6%).

Notably, the survey drew responses from digital health experts and professionals spanning the globe, with a significant proportion originating from the European Union (59%) and North America (14%). Additionally, the survey was supported by a series of stakeholder interviews. This survey was conducted in August 2023.

To begin with, a fundamental question arises: do digital health companies actively collaborate with HCPs? 87% of digital health enterprises presently have some form of engagement with HCPs. Conversely, a relatively small 8% of DIHA companies are not currently involved in such collaborations.

Notably, the majority of DIHA companies that do engage with HCPs tend to operate within the same geographic region or country. Outsourcing these collaborations appears to be less common, with several factors contributing to this trend. This preference for local engagement may stem from the advantages of proximity and streamlined communication between DIHA providers and HCPs. Additionally, factors such as regulatory compliance and familiarity with local healthcare systems likely play a role in driving this regional preference.

Even though most digital health industry stakeholders collaborate with HCPs, the collaboration doesn’t seem to work. The survey results revealed that only 12% of DIHA companies described their strategies as “very successful,” and an additional 18% as “successful”. Moreover, around 60% of the companies perceived their strategies as “moderately successful” or “somewhat successful”.

In conclusion, companies indeed acknowledge the importance of HCPs and establish engagements with them at various stages of the DIHA lifecycle, however, often with limited success. The whitepaper delves comprehensively into additional critical topics, including budget allocation for HCP engagement, primary objectives for engaging HCPs, optimal methods for HCP engagement, and the obstacles encountered in this process. To gain in-depth insights and access stakeholder perspectives, the whitepaper can be downloaded here!

R2G has been constantly monitoring the global digital health industry since 2010. We are happy to talk and share our experience! For more information reach out to [email protected]