It ain't cheap, but a new report on eCME trends from researchandmarkets.com sounds intriguing. Among the highlights from the press release:
- The majority of all physicians surveyed felt that links on pharmaceutical company websites and links on general health or disease-based websites encourage them to use eCME programs. Embedded links in proprietary and sponsored sites are an inexpensive and effective means by which to draw users to an eCME site or a stand-alone online CME opportunity.
- Once physicians become aware of a specific CME portal or course, the focus then shifts away from attracting site users and towards retaining them. The goal is to provide valuable content each and every time the user accesses the site. A key step to take towards retaining site users is to provide a well-organized and searchable interface.
- To drive participation in eCME activities, course providers must advertise broadly and frequently. Providers can maximize the number of physicians they reach by advertising through both offline and online channels. Permission-based marketing is also appropriate for those physicians who have participated in courses offered by a sponsor in the past.
OK, so they're not giving away the store here, but I'd be curious to know what some of the juicier details of their findings were.
