As patients increasingly seek a greater voice in their treatment decisions and the services they receive, life sciences companies are presented with both a unique opportunity—and a responsibility—to foster genuine partnerships with patients throughout the development and delivery of healthcare solutions.

The growing prevalence of chronic diseases highlights the urgent need for new, collaborative models of care. While patient-centered approaches have advanced by honoring patients’ values and preferences, healthcare providers often remain the primary decision-makers. To truly transform outcomes, the industry must progress beyond patient-centeredness and embrace a “patient-as-partner” approach, where patients are recognized as active, knowledgeable members of the care team.

Recent innovations, such as shared decision-making, therapeutic education, and self-management programs, have laid the groundwork for deeper patient involvement. The patient-as-partner model takes this a step further by empowering patients to develop competencies in managing their health and by valuing the expertise gained from their lived experiences. In this model, patients are seen as integral team members who share responsibility for care decisions, rather than passive recipients of care.

Historically, healthcare has been dominated by the paternalistic model, in which providers make decisions with little input from patients. The patient-centered model represents a shift, where patients’ preferences inform care, but providers still hold the significant role. The most progressive model is the patient-as-partner model, where, as noted, patients are acknowledged as equal members of the care team, contributing unique insights and sharing responsibility for outcomes. This evolution reflects a broader movement toward recognizing the value of patients’ lived experiences and expertise.

Recognizing the patient’s expertise

Patients, especially those managing chronic or incurable conditions, often develop practical knowledge that complements clinical expertise. Their understanding of daily realities, social contexts, values, and preferences is invaluable for optimal care. Successful partnerships require providers and life sciences companies to recognize and honor this expertise, integrating it into the care process alongside traditional medical knowledge.

Keys to building lasting, trusting partnerships

Building effective patient partnerships relies on several core principles. Mutual respect and recognition are essential, acknowledging patients as experts in their own experiences and as co-creators in care. Transparent communication fosters open, two-way dialogue, empowering patients to share insights and preferences. Shared decision-making ensures patients participate in all stages, from research and development to clinical trials and post-market monitoring. Personalized support should extend beyond genetics, tailoring care to patient preferences, experiences, and competencies.

Continuous education provides resources that help patients build self-management skills and confidence.

Finally, wrap-around services create a seamless care ecosystem, supporting both patients and providers and addressing clinical and non-clinical needs.

The role of life sciences companies

Biopharma organizations can drive the patient-as-partner model by co-designing solutions with patients early in R&D, clinical trial design, and product development. Digital health platforms enable ongoing collaboration and real-time feedback between patients and providers. Supporting patient advocacy through partnerships with patient organizations ensures diverse voices are heard and represented. Measuring what matters, incorporating patient-reported outcomes and real-world evidence, helps refine products and improve care delivery.

There are a multitude of applicable examples of patient-as-partner approaches in the life sciences space, including:

Co-designing clinical trials and products. Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) engaged directly with patients to co-design clinical trial visit schedules for its depression treatment, Spravato. Patient input led to the implementation of hybrid in-person and virtual visits, reducing participant burden and improving retention. Sanofi sought feedback from a digital patient community to develop next-generation insulin delivery tools, resulting in products that better meet the needs of real-world patients.

Enhancing recruitment and retention. AstraZeneca partnered with patient advocacy groups to co-create recruitment materials and host pre-trial webinars for its asthma drug, Fasenra, leading to faster recruitment and improved adherence. GSK gathered input from underserved communities for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease research, implementing telehealth and flexible scheduling to increase participation from historically underrepresented groups.

Patient journey mapping and ethnographic research. Takeda conducted ethnographic research and mapped the patient journey for its ulcerative colitis drug, Entyvio, identifying pain points and unmet needs that led to enhanced participant satisfaction and reduced trial dropout rates.

Digital health and real-time engagement. WellDoc collaborated with diabetes patients to refine its BlueStar app’s real-time feedback and motivational features, resulting in improved clinical outcomes and sustained engagement. Wearables, such as the Apple Watch, are now integrated into healthcare delivery systems, enabling patients to share real-time health data with providers and support proactive, personalized care.

Wraparound and hub services. Many pharmaceutical companies offer comprehensive patient support “hub” services, including education, counseling, case management, refill reminders, adherence programs, and financial or logistical support, such as transportation to appointments. Community-based coordination with providers and organizations offers wellness programs, health coaching, and assistance with housing or transportation, supporting patients holistically.

Cross-industry and data ecosystem collaboration. IBM partnered with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center to streamline and integrate electronic health records, enabling seamless, secure sharing of patient data across locations. Medical technology companies have developed devices and companion apps that connect to wearable devices and electronic medical records, enabling real-time data sharing and proactive care adjustments.

Key takeaways for pharma

Life sciences companies should involve patients early and often in research, design, and decision-making. Leveraging digital platforms and real-time data empowers patients and personalizes care. Building wraparound support services that address both clinical and non-clinical needs is essential.

Fostering partnerships across the care ecosystem—from providers and payers to community organizations—helps break down silos and deliver holistic care.

Recognizing and valuing patient expertise ensures that their lived experience directly shapes healthcare innovation and service delivery. These strategies lead to more relevant solutions, improved trial outcomes, better adherence, and ultimately, higher-quality care.

By embracing the patient-as-partner approach, life sciences organizations can drive innovation, improve health outcomes, and build enduring trust.

The future of healthcare lies in recognizing that patients are not just recipients of care but essential partners in its creation and delivery.

About the Authors

Partha Anbil is a senior advisor to NextGen Invent Corporation, an AI, data analytics, and digital transformation company. He has more than 25 years of experience in the life sciences industry. Jayanthi Anbil is a 15-year industry veteran. Until recently, she was with ICON Plc as a global business intelligence manager.

Note: the views expressed in this article are those of the authors and not of the organizations they represent.