MDs using social networks prescribe more

The following may seem like more of a marketing than an IT issue--but I'd argue that it has implications for IT execs too, largely in what applications you'll need to slate for development in the future. As you'll see, it's a data point that suggests that physicians who engage online are physicians you want in your corner.

A new study has concluded that physicians who are currently participating in online physician communities and social networks write a mean of 24 more prescriptions per week than those who aren't interested in such communities. The study goes on to suggest that such physicians are more pharma-friendly too.

Right now, about 60 percent of physicians are either using or are interested in physician online communities, according to Manhattan Research. Meanwhile, the majority of physicians surveyed by Manhattan Research said that they expect pharmaceutical companies to monitor their communities, and actually think of this as a positive thing.

To learn more about the study:
- read this Manhattan Research press release

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