Healthcare Practice

Practice overview

Communications in the healthcare arena continue to evolve dramatically. Increasingly, communications in the healthcare sector is also a subject of public debate and discourse. Healthcare communications nevertheless are frequently a pre-requisite for the dissemination of information about new innovations and for conveying knowledge and understanding about new treatments. While the evidence suggests that consumers more broadly are more and more eager to learn about all aspects of health, communication of information about prescription medicines continues to be tightly controlled – and increasingly regulation impinges also on the work of specific groups, such as those representing patients.

An ageing population and a wealth of new healthcare options coming not only from traditional pharmaceutical enterprises but also from biotechnology and medical device companies are increasing pressure on healthcare spending, to the point where financial factors are becoming key drivers in medical decision making.

The complexity of policy environment surrounding healthcare communications puts a premium on creative and strategic thinking in the development and execution of campaign plans. Our practice offering embraces not only medical education programmes including strategic publications planning, management of KOL advisory boards and medical symposia activities but also media, advocacy group relations and even broader public health campaigns. As governments are critical providers of healthcare to citizens, our public affairs counsel provide strategic advice and targeted policy recommendations to decision makers, and specific comprehensive programmes directed at meeting both corporate and public health objectives.

Health in the 21st century is also becoming a factor of all aspects of daily living, particularly in the Western world. This has generated new opportunities in other sectors, particularly the food and beverage sector in which our practice has developed specific programmes allowing these companies to dialogue more closely with medical and public health officials.

Burson-Marsteller’s European Healthcare Practice is made up of people who have a rich diversity of backgrounds to help you navigate this exciting arena and tackle the issues at stake.

Our approach

For pharmaceutical companies – as well as patient groups, professional associations and food companies - Burson-Marsteller provides full service public relations, medical education and public affairs capabilities, at all stages of the product lifecycle. This powerful combination means our clients get the best resources in the business including:

A truly integrated team, with access to healthcare experts in all key European markets
An understanding of the bigger picture, together with specific areas of expertise
An ability to recommend what is best for clients
Programmes with built-in synergies across the marketing mix
A proven record of success for clients, whether they seek a full range of support or more specific resources

EMEA Practice Leadership Team