Patient associations do not wield much influence in the public sector. Input from patient associations is increasingly sought from legislators and regulators prior to making important policy decisions, and industry often seeks their advice in the launch and marketing phase of new products. Patients are not sufficiently educated in science and medicine to truly understand their disease pathology and appropriate treatments. Today, particularly after diagnosis, many patients understand their disease as well or better than some health care professionals. A well established patient network has contributed to this phenomenon, as has easy access to a wide array of technical and generic information on the Worldwide Web.
Patient associations have limited visibility in the public eye, and consequently little clout.
While patient associations do need and welcome cash contributions, often they need just as often technical or professional advice, in-kind support, and information about a company's experimental compounds and marketed products to share with their constituencies. While a corporate partner can help nonprofit patient associations in a variety of ways, there is little or no quid pro quo for the corporate partner. Good advocacy group relations establishes positive working relationships with influential patient and professional associations that share a company's goals and that can champion a company's products. In sum, corporate public affairs staff exists to nurture and sustain productive relationships with external parties and to identify and launch programs that successfully meet business and product goals.