Patient Support Programs: bridging digital innovation and better care

Low adherence to treatment remains one of healthcare’s most pressing challenges. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 50% of patients with chronic conditions fail to follow their prescribed therapies, contributing to over €125 billion in avoidable healthcare costs in Europe each year (WHO, 2003; Pharmaphorum, 2021).

Patient Support Programs (PSPs) have become a vital tool to close this gap. Far beyond informational resources, PSPs provide personalized guidance, digital engagement, and ongoing support to help patients stay on track with their care. Studies show that 66% of PSPs significantly improve treatment adherence, while over 60% contribute to better health outcomes and quality of life (PMC, 2019).

Beyond patient benefits, PSPs also generate valuable insights for healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies. By collecting real-world data on adherence, symptom progression, and patient behavior, these programs enable data-driven decision-making and continuous service optimization. When structured appropriately, they can also contribute to health technology assessments (HTA) and reimbursement decisions—making them not only clinically relevant but also strategically impactful in a value-based care ecosystem.

Today, technology is redefining what PSPs can do. Artificial intelligence, mobile apps, telemonitoring, and conversational chatbots make these programs smarter, more proactive, and more accessible than ever. They enable early detection of drop-off risk, real-time symptom tracking, and timely clinical intervention—ultimately reducing hospital visits and improving care continuity.

At Datawizard, we’ve been developing digital PSPs for over 13 years. Combining intelligent technologies with a patient-centered design approach, we support life sciences and healthcare partners in creating meaningful, scalable solutions. Our work was recently recognized with the Life Science Excellence Award 2024 for a digital oncology PSP supporting patients with bladder cancer.

PSPs are no longer optional add-ons—they’re becoming essential components of effective, personalized care. As healthcare systems move toward value-based models, these programs offer a critical link between medical innovation and real-world impact.