A glimpse of the future

In Danny Buckland’s article on virtual patient care this month, he focuses on how negotiating barriers to adoption offers glimpses of an exciting future and the ability of digital tools and innovative healthcare to address pressing healthcare issues, as long as concerns over access, security and affordability can be met.

As Danny says: ‘Virtual care – a digital-driven spectrum from wearables to virtual hospital wards – is viewed by many as a vital weapon in meeting the global challenges of ageing populations living with multiple comorbidities that are straining financial and human resources. Its ability to synchronise monitoring of patients at home or at local clinics and to provide diagnostic, treatment and clinical trials intelligence can be transformative.’ Read more on page 34.

Our article from Michael Oliver, General Manager, Northern European Cluster at Novartis Gene Therapies, looks at the importance of newborn screening in the UK for spinal muscular atrophy.

While other European countries screen for this devastating rare disease, the UK is lagging behind, and it has been estimated that implementing newborn screening for SMA in the UK has the potential to save £62m per year. Read more on page 24.

And in a highlight of the year, PMGroup has just celebrated the 23rd annual PMEAs, held at the Sheraton Park Lane hotel in London. This year, the event once again hosted attendees gathering for an exciting awards show celebrating excellence in pharmaceutical marketing. Turn to page 28 for full coverage of the event!

Looking ahead, our January issue will focus on the role of AI in transforming health and healthcare. If you would like to make your voice heard on this topic, please get in touch at sales@pmlive.com

On behalf of the whole team at PMGroup, I wish all our readers a happy festive season!

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