Doctors are traditionally recognized as the sources of truth on clinical pathways and medical breakthroughs. Yet, with four times as many RNs in the United States as physicians, a nurse’s role in patient education and medication adherence should not go overlooked. Data from H1’s HCP Universe platform reveals that there are more than 600,000 potential nurse key opinion leaders (KOLs) in the United States – of whom 1,600 have been involved with at least one clinical trial and 250+ have authored more than 50 scientific publications.
Aside from their direct patient care responsibilities, nurses wield powerful influence in shaping health policy, achieving better health outcomes, and contributing to health equity. Their role on the front lines of healthcare equips them with firsthand knowledge of both patient and community health needs, making them invaluable advocates for positive change at the individual and societal levels.
In fact, nurses are perhaps better positioned to bridge gaps between patients and treatment leaders than any other healthcare practitioner. Pharmaceutical companies would be remiss to overlook this resource. As key opinion leaders (KOLs), nurses can provide insights on unmet clinical needs, identify gaps in treatment options, and contribute to the development of better and more patient-centric solutions.
Let’s explore three core reasons why pharmaceutical companies should tap the power of nurses.
Reason #1: Nurses are trustworthy & tuned into patients’ needs
According to a 2023 Gallup poll, nurses have ranked as the most ethical, trustworthy profession in the U.S. for 21 consecutive years, ahead of both doctors and pharmacists (and even teachers and police officers).
Nurses often have long-term relationships with patients, and their ability to build trust within diverse communities makes them credible sources of information. Their holistic approach to care considers not only the physical well-being of patients but also their emotional, mental, and social health. This perspective allows nurses to identify and address health disparities, chronic conditions, and preventive measures that can significantly improve overall health outcomes.
Nurses’ expertise in providing balanced, patient-centered care equips them with valuable insights into medication adherence, treatment efficacy, and patient preferences. Collaborating with nurses allows pharmaceutical companies to gain firsthand knowledge about the real-world effectiveness and challenges of their products, leading to improved drug development that aligns with patient lifestyles, beliefs, and routines. This tailored approach not only improves patient satisfaction but also increases the likelihood of treatment success.
Reason #2: Nurses are culturally competent & committed to health equity
Nurses actively promote health equity as a core principle of patient care. Nurses have an innate commitment to providing care that is unbiased, respectful, and culturally sensitive. They are skilled in delivering culturally competent care – they recognize the distinct needs of diverse populations and are well-equipped to address the systemic barriers that contribute to health disparities. Nurses also play a critical role in providing quality healthcare services in underserved or rural communities where access to doctors can be challenging.
Furthermore, nurses actively engage in initiatives aimed at improving health equity, such as community outreach programs, health education campaigns, and policy advocacy. They have broad knowledge of health issues and the associated social determinants of health (SDOH), such as poverty, housing instability, and access to healthcare services. Embedded within the neighborhoods where they work, they are respected among community leaders and advocate for vulnerable and marginalized populations.
The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity from the National Academies states: “In the coming decade, the United States will make substantial progress in achieving health equity only if it devotes resources and attention to addressing the adverse effects of SDOH on the health of under resourced populations… Nurses can contribute to reshaping the landscape of health equity over the coming decade by serving in expanded roles, working in new settings and new ways, and partnering with communities and other sectors beyond health care.”
Pharmaceutical companies should leverage nurses’ insights into cultural nuances, language barriers, SDOH, and healthcare disparities to develop tailored strategies that improve access to medications, bridge care gaps, and promote a more just and equitable healthcare system. Pharmaceutical companies can engage nurses as advocates for specific medications, improving access to treatment for underserved populations and increasing awareness of these medications among diverse communities.
Reason #3: Nurses are natural leaders, educators, and advocates
Nurses play a pivotal role in patient education, equipping individuals with knowledge about their health conditions, treatment options, and medication management. They empower patients to make informed decisions about their health, manage their conditions effectively, and adopt healthy lifestyles. Their ability to translate complex medical information into easily understandable language makes them effective educators and advocates.
Nurses are natural leaders in advocacy for and the design, implementation, and evaluation of ongoing reform to the healthcare system. Nurses possess a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within healthcare systems, and this knowledge should be leveraged. The Institute of Medicine reiterates this sentiment in Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health: “Nurses should be full partners, with physicians and other health professionals, in redesigning health care in the United States.”
By involving nurses in legislative processes, policies are better informed and aligned with the best interests of patients and communities. Their daily interactions with patients yield insights into the gaps and inefficiencies that exist in delivery of care. This frontline perspective makes nurses ideal resources in the development and implementation of health policies and ideal advocates for evidence-based practices, patient-centered approaches, and equitable resource allocation.
Nurses can – and should – shape healthcare success
The marriage of pharmaceutical innovation with nursing expertise has the potential to not only elevate patient satisfaction, but also improve treatment efficacy and transform health equity.
By engaging nurses as key opinion leaders (KOLs) and incorporating them into pharmaceutical strategies, pharmaceutical companies will gain a deeper understanding into the real-world experiences of patients. This knowledge contributes to a more patient-centric drug development and delivery process, resulting in improved outcomes and a stronger market presence for pharmaceutical companies.
And, with an intimate understanding of patient needs and community health dynamics, nurses are positioned as formidable advocates for change. They can help close the gaps that often hinder equitable access to care – from clinical trial inclusivity to delivery and community awareness of treatments.
Photo: FS Productions, Getty Images
