Social Media Is Replete With Patient RWD, But How Can Researchers Best Use It?

A conversation among Pistoia Alliance Social Media to Produce Real-World Evidence (RWE) project leaders Thierry Escudier and Aditya Tyagi and Clinical Leader Executive EditorAbby Proch

Social media has been around for decades, allowing users to communicate with each other on any number of topics, including — and especially — their health. Until recently, that information has largely been accessed and consumed by individuals for personal benefit. But now, companies, including drug developers, are increasingly interested in tapping into those conversations to better understand patients and thereby improve their products and strategies.

But, how to do it doesn’t come easily. Questions remain around operationalizing such an effort, in addition to those about data quality, consent, and regulatory acceptance.