Patient Partnership Index showcasing gold standard patient-centric care has launched

Health communications consultancy, OVID Health made the announcement today (February 22) that the only Patient Partnership Initiative (PPI) is marking its half decade of the program that shares and celebrates best practices in partnership working towards raising standards across the whole industry.

"We are thrilled to reach this milestone of the fifth anniversary of the Patient Partnership Index, and as we celebrate this occasion, we look forward to recognizing even more outstanding collaborations that will continue to raise the bar across the industry,” said Jenny Ousbey, CEO and founder of OVID Health.

“Over the years, we have witnessed remarkable partnerships that have significantly impacted patient care and advocacy. For example, in 2023 we saw a diversity of entries, from clinical trials engagement to game-changing advocacy projects in Africa and we can’t wait to see what 2024 brings."

Entering the PPI is free to all, with submissions closing on April 26th. Entries can be submitted by pharmaceutical, biotech, and MedTech companies as well as by patient groups, and can showcase partnerships at a country, regional, or global level.

Each entrant can submit up to three entries to the index, providing an opportunity to highlight different aspects of their partnership work ranging across advocacy, communications, clinical trials, market access, medical affairs, and research and development. All entries are reviewed by an expert panel of independent judges, who will use bespoke metrics developed in partnership with industry and patient organizations to recognize GOLD, SILVER, and FINALIST standard entries.

The 2024 PPI panel of expert judges includes Tanya Collin-Histed, CEO, International Gaucher Alliance; Collette Goldrick, executive director corporate affairs and strategy, the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI); Sarah Woolnough, CEO, The King’s Fund; and Jenny Ousbey, CEO, OVID Health, bringing a wealth of experience and insight from across the sector.

“The PPI is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the best partnerships between the life sciences sector and patient groups from around the world, offering inspiration to others and showcasing the most creative and inspiring work,” said Colette Goldrick Executive Director Corporate Affairs & Strategy, ABPI.

“As a professional body that upholds the highest standards within our industry, the APBI fully endorses the PPI and encourages companies to enter the initiative to celebrate and share best practice in partnerships. I’d strongly encourage companies big and small to enter; with enough creativity and commitment there’s the potential to deliver real change, whatever resources are available. I’m delighted to be judging the awards again and can’t wait to see what entries we receive.”

Since its launch, the Index has celebrated over 100 partnerships between patient groups and pharmaceutical or biotech companies across a range of disease areas and regions. In 2023 alone, five entries achieved the highest GOLD standard, indicating a sustained improvement across the industry since the conception of the initiative in 2020.

“As a relatively small company, entering the PPI was a way for us to show how we have been working closely with our charity partners and the communities they support, to deliver tangible projects that impact people’s lives,” said Victoria Hayes, Director of Public Affairs, Northern Cluster at Kyowa Kirin, which achieved the GOLD Standard in 2023. 

SILVER winner, Sharon Hall, UK General Manager, Sobi, said, “Working in partnership is critical to enable transformative care for people with rare diseases, so we were delighted to be recognized for our partnership working in Immune Thrombocytopenia. The PPI is a great opportunity to benchmark our practices against the best the sector has to offer and provides impetus to continue to progress meaningful collaboration with the patient community.”

The PPI is a pro bono initiative​ and judging will take place in May and winners will be announced in June.