Sahar Samara, MSc
Managing Partner
HCPs are encouraged to implement and adhere to evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to achieve an optimal and standardized level of patient care and safety. However, adoption of guidelines developed by European or American bodies does not always prove practical due to the limited applicability of these within the Middle East, a heterogeneous region with unique social, cultural, economic and healthcare system considerations. Variance in disease burden, awareness, education, healthcare policies and access to treatment coupled with differing and sometimes fragmented healthcare systems has underpinned the necessity for the development of regional or local evidence-based guidelines which are tailored to the needs to our region.
In light of this, and while there is an evident need and desire among HCPs to publish local data and leverage research, shortcomings in the manuscript preparation, development and submission has often led to research being rejected for publication.
Over the past few years, we have had the opportunity to support key opinion leaders in the Middle East region develop and disseminate regional consensus guidelines across a wide spectrum of therapy areas. These guidelines couple evidence-based recommendations with local expert insights and understanding to achieve relevant local guidelines that optimize care and enhance patient outcomes.
Furthermore, we strive towards empowering HCPs in the region, through devising innovative, yet affordable HCP-focused training programs which bring a fresh approach beyond traditional soft-skills trainings and aim to equip physicians with the requisite proficiencies to support in the collection, interpretation, presentation, and dissemination of data. Through customized and interactive sessions, the trainings offer invaluable guidance and tips to smooth the manuscript development and submission process and increase the chances of journal acceptance. The impact of improving such skills has proved essential in enhancing research understanding and output.
A brief overview of our publications course is highlighted below. To find out more about how Connect Communications can support with guidelines, publications activities and training, please contact Sahar Samara at sahar.samara@connect-comms.com.