PAP 2025: Establishing and Transitioning to a Foundation

In a video interview with Pharma Commerce, Rachel Thorpe, executive director at the Otsuka Patient Assistance Foundation, discusses two key sessions: "Establishing and Transitioning to a Foundation" and "Empowering Patients to Take Control of Their Healthcare." The first session focuses on the important aspects of transitioning to a foundation, emphasizing the risks associated with regulations and the need for robust patient support programs. The second session highlights the importance of guiding patients through their healthcare journey by removing barriers and enhancing their health literacy, helping them make informed health choices.

Thorpe outlines three critical factors when creating an independent patient assistance program (PAP) foundation: risk tolerance, conflict of interest, and funding stability. These factors are essential to ensure the successful operation and long-term sustainability of the foundation. She also stresses the importance of maintaining clear separation between the foundation and its core business operations, focusing on good stewardship and well-defined guidelines.

Thorpe emphasizes the significance of patient empowerment, noting that most patients struggle with understanding healthcare terms and concepts, with many having low health literacy. Empowering patients by improving their understanding of healthcare options is vital to help them make better health decisions.

Regarding digital innovation, Thorpe explains that while digital tools are crucial for patient engagement and literacy, they must be simple and engaging. Given the overwhelming digital landscape patients face, it’s important to create experiences that are easy to navigate and actively keep patients engaged, as prolonged use can be challenging. Simplifying digital interactions helps avoid patient fatigue and ensures long-term engagement.

A transcript of her conversation with PC can be found below.

PC: You headlined the “Establishing and Transitioning to a Foundation” session, with a presentation on “Empowering Patients to Take Control of Their Healthcare” forthcoming. Could you provide a brief synopsis of both sessions?

Thorpe: So with regard to “Transitioning to a Foundation,” it really is more about what are some of the stewardships that you need when transitioning over, and what the risks are associated with the regulatory, and how you can build these programs to support patients. With regard to “Empowering Patients in Their Healthcare,” it's really about nurturing that patient journey, reducing barriers that they may face, and improving their literacy of their healthcare to help them understand what health choices they have.