The utilisation of social media for bridging the gap between patients and pharmaceutical companies

Abstract

This paper examines the current relationships between pharmaceutical companies and patients, to understand the barriers they face when trying to engage with one another and also assessing the feasibility of using social media to break these barriers, to overall increase patient support and trust. Extensive research is conducted through the literature review, where clear linkages are highlighted between; Social media and Pharma, Pharma and Patients and finally Patients and Social Media. The research indicated that pharmaceutical companies are threading in the water when it comes to utilising social media, due to lack of regulations on adverse events reporting. However, if pharmaceutical companies start to utilise social media for disease awareness campaigns and social support, it will provide patients with more support and build trust over time.