Medical Publications Teams Leverage Scientific Gap Analysis to Build Strong Publications Strategies

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, June 08, 2013

Medical publications teams have two main objectives: announcing trial findings and educating physicians. However, both of these goals require that publications groups have clear publication strategies. Because their work depends on other internal functions as well as outside deadlines, teams must management their time efficiently.

A Cutting Edge Information study of drug manufacturers' medical publications, titled "Strategic Medical Publications Management: Plan Development and Resource Benchmarks," found that top-performing teams organized their medical publications strategies around needed information and manuscript deadlines. To meet their objectives, surveyed companies employed scientific gap analyses and tactical grids.

• Scientific gap analysis: This is the cornerstone of medical publications strategy. Publications teams should examine the product information available to physicians and what is still needed. "A publications plan is only as strong as the scientific questions it attempts to answer," said Ryan McGuire, research team leader at Cutting Edge Information.

• Tactical grids: These help visualize all of the planned deliverables related to that data. Surveyed companies suggest that each product should have its own tactical grid with data completion timelines, manuscript deadlines and medical journal submission deadlines. McGuire added, "The tactical grid allows the publications team to maintain the proper resource levels through busier time frames and slower periods, as well as shift resources to high priority tasks to hit important deadlines."

A clear understanding of needed information and time constraints allows both high- and low-output teams to develop strong publications strategies. These methods also help guide medical publications groups through plan adjustments based on company demands.

"Strategic Medical Publications Management: Plan Development and Resource Benchmarks" (http://www.cuttingedgeinfo.com/research/medical-affairs/medical-publications/). This research details medical publications teams' best practices for structure, budget and outsourcing and performance metrics. Use this report to:
• Analyze in-depth performance benchmarks to set publications goals and improve long-term planning
• Balance in-house and outsourced activities to get the most out of your publications strategy
• Track the right metrics to prove value and secure critical resources

For more information about medical publications and medical affairs benchmarking, contact Cassie Demeter at +1 919-403-6583.