EFPIA and HCPs Work Together Towards Common Goal
The EFPIA (European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations) fosters an ever changing yet productive and ethical relationship between the life sciences industry and health care providers (HCPs) in Europe. Most recently, the relationship has moved from sales calls to more collaborative, peer-to-peer interactions between the two groups. Their common goal: sharing knowledge to improve patient care and outcomes.HCPs offer the sciences invaluable insights into areas of unmet medical need, potential therapeutic solutions and the everyday application of treatments. In turn, EFPIA members provide medical professionals with the chance to shape the therapeutic landscape through clinical research programs and learning opportunities.
Regulatory Mandates
The knowledge sharing process incorporates the development of the legal and self-regulatory frameworks that guide interactions between industry and health professionals. According to EFPIA, “all interactions with HCPs are governed by EU Directive 2001/83/EC on the Community Code relating to medicinal products for human use, the EFPIA HCP Code, as well as applicable EFPIA Member Associations’ national codes and any other applicable (local) internal policies, procedures and laws.”In addition to complying with laws, regulations and codes of practice, companies will often have their own guiding principles to which they adhere.
Clinical Research
Although many HCPs participate in clinical research within their own institutions, they also serve as specialists in industry-sponsored clinical trials. No matter the level of participation, clinical time is very valuable for scientists, HCPs and pharmaceutical representatives. To ensure ethical practices by all parties involved, a transparent, collaborative process is regulated by industry codes.Information shared between industry, HCPs and healthcare organizations during clinical research meetings and in any other context must be consistent with the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). The SmPC is a legal document, approved by the regulator that governs the use of a medicine.Governing regulatory codes keep ethical practices at the forefront of all collaborative interactions. No gifts or pecuniary advantage can be provided to HCPs under any circumstances and no activities that can be considered an incentive to recommend, prescribe, purchase, supply, sell or administer a medicinal product are allowed.For more information, see EFPIA HCA Code.
Communications
EFPIA members also work with HCPs when engaging the media to communicate medical news. Whether it is to educate the public about a disease or to inform the medical profession about new treatment developments, a collaborative approach sends a positive message. It is important for the media and the public to see a united front between the life sciences industry and HCPs.Relationships operating in the healthcare industry are critical as they not only impact people’s health but their lives as well. The frameworks and transparency requirements governing the relationship between the life sciences and pharmaceutical industry and HCPs are designed to ensure that patients, healthcare systems, and the innovative medicines industry can continue to benefit from working together in confidence.
Partnering with Infinix Global for Your Life Sciences Events
With the rise of new standards like the Sunshine Act, Open Payments System, and the EFPIA Code, Infinix Global and RxWorldwide ensures HCP compliance meetings are designed to cover all of the bases. Our experienced and professional staff will help you navigate through the maze of rules and intricacies. Life Science industry and HCPs can rest assured that all meeting expenses are fully documented, including speaker fees and entertainment costs, so you can spend your valuable time on more important things like saving lives!