What are patient support programs?
January 10, 2018
With specialty pharmaceuticals, the steps required to initiate and continue treatment are far more complex than with traditional medications. Patient support programs (PSPs) help patients move through these steps.
A PSP may perform some or all of the following services, among others:
Educate the patient on the disease and the drug – including how and when to take the medication.
Liaise with the patient’s insurer to obtain reimbursement.
Set up a treatment schedule and reminds patients of appointments.
Provide treatment updates to physicians.
Deliver medication to its destination (e.g. pharmacy, clinic, hospital, or patient’s home).
Some pharmaceutical companies use third-party organizations, called specialty service providers, to run part or all of their PSP services.
This is not to say that a pharma company can purchase a PSP “off the shelf” from these providers. Every PSP is unique – because every drug is unique. An effective PSP reflects the specific nature of the medication and the needs of the patients who need it.