Insights & Trends

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Recently, I had the opportunity to spend two weeks in the USA as part of the great GLOBALHealthPR Exchange Program. After learning all about Spectrum’s work and the American health PR market, I can say that although there is an ocean between the US and Portugal and we speak different languages, the work we do is pretty similar.

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There are many aspects that both Spectrum and Guess What have in common. The context may differ but the challenges are the same. It’s almost like working at the ER. The pace is fast, the requests are urgent, the demand is constant. We live in an increasingly globalized world that spins at the frenetic pace of social networks where you can share information instantly, so it’s natural that this happens. The clients of both companies are also similar: mostly multinational pharmaceutical companies, biotechs, and consumer-goods brands.

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The main differences are essentially social and cultural, or related to market dimensions. The US market is more aggressive, and the work has to be conducted with a level of detail that is not demanded by the Portuguese market. The workday also has very few breaks; in Portugal we are passionate about our lunch break! In Portugal, Facebook is king and lord of all social networks, but in the US the most popular social network is Twitter. In the US, the relationships between PR professionals and journalists are often distant and directed by strict ethical guidelines.

 

Our American colleagues were very surprised to learn that in Portugal it is relatively normal for journalists and PR professionals to address each other through their Facebook pages, social networks that the Americans keep more personal. And we Portuguese were impressed by the interaction with and monitoring of patient blogs, where patients write about their illnesses and treatments, which is still  uncommon in the Portuguese market.IMG_4762

 

On the other hand, the characteristics of the Portuguese market allow us to work in a far more “out of the box” way. Indeed, the economic crisis has forced us to be even more original and effective with smaller budgets because “necessity is the mother of invention”.

 

Given these differences and these similarities, we can say that the GHPR partnership not only makes sense but it is the model of the future for PR and communications. As time goes by, we will have to work more and more with and for other markets, and we will always need the experience of those who work and live in these markets.  Communication lives out of social and cultural contexts that we can only know well when we live within them.

 

Furthermore, it was a great privilege to be part of the GHPR exchange program. It’s an excellent way of meeting a new professional reality, new people, and a new country. And I’m really grateful to all the Spectrum team in Washington that went far beyond my best expectations to make me feel welcome.

 

Susana Viana is Senior Communication Consultant at GLOBALHealthPR Portugal Partner, Guess What. Her account is based on an original article that appeared in Portugal’s Meios e Publicidade.

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GP selection critical to meeting your healthcare needs What factors do you consider when selecting a doctor? In Australia as in other countries, payment is a hot topic of discussion. Today’s post comes to us from our GLOBALHealthPR Australia partner, VIVA! Communications.

In Australia, patients may soon begin to see higher bills each time they visit their local doctors as the government has chosen to freeze Medicare rebates for general practitioner (GP) services. This move is expected to generate approximately $1.3 billion in government savings that would otherwise have been directed to GPs by 2018.

In preparing to launch an extensive Medicare review after ruling out a Medicare co-payment, The Federal Health Minister, The Hon. Sussan Ley MP, was reported by The Sydney Morning Herald on April 22, 2015 to have said, “Basically, there’s wide agreement the Medicare system in its current form, is sluggish, bloated and at high risk of long-term chronic problems, and continuing to patch it up with band-aids won’t fix it.”

This brings about a larger question about how co-payments fit into the broader set of considerations that patients must address when selecting a provider.

GPs have warned the ongoing freeze on Medicare fees may attract an additional $8.43 co-payment for non-concession patients by 2018, which is all the more reason why Australians should be asking their GPs if their billing processes are changing.

Factors to consider when selecting a doctor:

If you’re on the hunt for a new general practitioner (GP), there are certain items you need to take into account, including gender, age, availability, qualifications and specialisation, other service provisions and of course, billing.

Associate Professor Helena Britt from The University of Sydney’s Family Medicine Research Centre was reported by The Age on June 16, 2015 to have said age and gender are important considerations in GP selection.

“Female GPs are more likely to conduct longer consultations and ask about psycho-social issues, and some male GPs avoid offering procedures such as pap smears for women altogether.”

Furthermore, older GPs are known to rely more on clinical experience and patient examinations, while younger GPs order more tests to verify their suspicions.

Importantly, you need to be able to establish a connection with your doctor and to be able to engage in open, honest dialogue.

Availability is also critical. On what basis does your GP work, and can you afford to wait? Large corporate clinics tend to operate after-hours and cater to walk-ins, but may involve longer waiting times. On the flip side, small, family-oriented GP practices are open during business hours and offer a more personalised service.

It’s also important to consider a GP’s area of specialisation in order to best meet your healthcare needs. For instance, does your GP specialise in women’s, men’s or sexual health, pediatrics, obstetrics, dermatology, travel medicine, addictions, complementary medicine, or other therapeutic areas?

Furthermore, what other services does your GP offer (e.g. pathology, diagnostic imaging) and are they conveniently located (i.e. in-house, next door, down the road)? In addition, does your GP practice house allied health professionals, such as physiotherapists, psychologists, dieticians and nutritionists?

Perhaps a locum doctor service (such as the Home Doctor Service and Australian Locum Medical Service) is more suited to your healthcare needs? These bulk-billed services operate from 4pm to 8am, seven days a week, with an average waiting time of up to three hours, and cater for sickness that does not warrant hospital attention.

Recently, Ley has vocalized that her views on GP services in general remain the same. She shared her opinions with The Sydney Morning Herald on August 4, 2015, “We are committed to finding better ways to care for people with chronic and complex conditions and ensure they receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.” Ley agrees with the public that the Medicare system is not supportive enough of chronic and complex health conditions.

So remember to think twice when selecting your GP.

Interested in more details regarding the Australian government’s freeze on indexation of Medicare rebates to GPs? Head over the VIVA! blog for a more in-depth look.

 

 

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In many countries, this Sunday marks a very special day in which we celebrate and show our appreciation for the unsung heroes in our lives – our Mothers. In each place where it’s celebrated, Mother’s Day brings its own unique story and traditions. Similarly, we as GLOBALHealthPR partners have our own unique stories of how Mum has impacted us.

Considering this, the executives of our GHPR partner agencies around the globe reflect today on the advice that their Mum gave that helped shape them into the people who they are today. These leaders and their agencies would not be where they are today without their support.

Australia

My mother told me “to be bold and brave, to work hard and to never say die; that you reap what you sow.”

I’ve carried these words of wisdom with me throughout the various trials and tribulations of my life and plan to pass this philosophy onto my three young children.

  • Kirsten Bruce, Principal, GLOBALHealthPR Australia partner, VIVA! Communications

Spain

Considering that we are six brothers, and I’m the third, she had always time to spend with everyone, something that if we look now in our own families is really difficult, so lesson learned: do all you can to stay as much time with your children; they will have the best teacher in their lives.

  • Pedro Cano, CEO, GLOBALHealthPR Spain partner, Berbés Asociados

Portugal

We all carry some parts of our parents but there are things that stick stronger than others and contribute for who we are.  My dear mother, a lovely and practical woman with a quirky and wonderful sense of humor shared two things that still linger. “A man isn’t measured by how many times he falls; he is measured by how many times he rises,” made me not be afraid of my mistakes and be more entrepreneurial. “Son, if you’re not a doctor it isn’t your job to take care of the craziest people,” made me not take some people too seriously and achieve the inner piece that we, as trusted advisers, need.

  • Jorge Azevedo, Managing Partner, GLOBALHealthPR Portugal partner, Guess What

Singapore

My son, Wy-En, wrote a poem (when he was 15 years old) dedicated to me and this poem is part of a collection of poems he published into a book.

 BEACON (Ode to my Mother)

Cherubic face and perpetual smile,
Bring cheer to me when I am down.
Encouraging words and invaluable advice,
Provide the motivation for me to go on.
Selfless and dedicated,
Tender and affectionate;
The embodiment of virtuosity.
Never one to demand reciprocation,
Nor crave recognition,
A truly altruistic woman, simple and plain.
Indeed I wonder sometimes,
What would happen if she were gone,
Pillar of strength lost – I would fall.
Cherubic face and perpetual smile,
I treasure every moment with;
My incandescent beacon;
Illuminating my life….

  • Patsy Phay, Executive Director, GLOBALHealthPR Singapore partner, Mileage Communications

Argentina

My grandfather used to tell my mother and my mother always tells me “your children will be better than my children.” She is a very positive woman truly convinced that humanity always progresses. I always take with me this premise in my daily life and in the message to my little sons. Many times the future world looks grey, but we must believe we can do better.

 United Kingdom

My mother has taught me so much but nothing more important than to be yourself and be happy with who you are. Then you are able to accept others for who they are. I thank my mother that I am a confident and strong, independent person who is accepting of people from all walks of life.

My Mum repeatedly told my sister, brother and I: “I don’t mind what you do for job when you get older, as long as you are happy.” 

Happiness is at the core of Aurora’s philosophy: that a happy client and a happy team deliver great work. I have my Mum to thank for the importance I place on this state of mind and the benefits it brings to Aurora – cheers Mum :)).

  • Neil Crump, Owner and MD, GLOBALHealthPR UK partner, Aurora

 Poland

My Mom was much more special than I often let on.  She taught me how to read when I was barely out of diapers, and trotted me off to museums, art galleries or the Zoo almost every Sunday.  She convinced me I was special and never, ever lost faith in me, no matter how much I might have disappointed her in respect to my religious or political choices, or even that I never wanted to be a doctor or a lawyer…

  • Ken Rabin, Senior Consultant, GLOBALHealthPR Poland partner, Alfa

United States

As a student in probably the sixth grade at St. Jude’s School, as I was about to head off to walk to school one morning with my brothers and sisters in tow, my Mother turned to me and commanded, “John, do something outstanding today.”  I’m not sure what caused her to say what she did and why on that particular day, but I’ve never forgotten that moment or the message. Her challenge could apply to anyone on any day. By exceeding our own expectations, we promote greater good throughout the world.

The happy news is that I can still ask my Mother exactly what she meant, and by the way, what did she do extra-special today?

  • John Seng, CEO, GLOBALHealthPR US Partner and Chair, Spectrum

 

Let’s salute all the Mums out there – Happy Mother’s Day!

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Today’s post comes to us from GLOBALHealthPR Australia Partner, VIVA! Communications.

little wingsAn inspiring group is helping rural Australian families overcome the ‘tyranny of distance’ and expensive treatment costs for children living with life-threatening and chronic illnesses.

This year, Little Wings will coordinate over 300 flights for children and their families, enabling them to access treatments at three major, Sydney-based hospitals. For parents who struggle to balance work and travel times often lasting over 12 hours, this relieves a significant economic burden.

“Being taken care of by Little Wings has just changed our lives dramatically,” said Mick Knowles, father to a little boy living with the life-threatening Hunter Syndrome and a quadriplegic daughter.

Learn the uplifting story behind Little Wings here on the VIVA! blog.

Also share with us:

What healthcare services cater to those living in outlying communities in your country?

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Today, Ricardo Bernal of GLOBALHealthPR Mexico partner PRP gives us a look at how to engage multiple stakeholders and the public on an important health issue – teenage pregnancy.

In Mexico, one in two sexually active females aged 12 to 19 is pregnant. This forever alters these young women’s lives as well as the dynamics of their families. Among many issues they face, pregnant teens risk dropping out of school, increases in poverty levels, perpetual low-income jobs and, in most cases, an increased possibility of getting pregnant again in the following years.

[Read more…] about Communicating a Key Health Issue in Mexico