CHAPEL HILL, N.C., July 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis are complex and expensive to treat. But tech-savvy patients take solace in trusted chronic care product websites that help them understand their condition and treatment options better. The need to engage patients in critical information exchange has made it vital for chronic care product websites to effectively present information.

For pharmaceutical companies - especially those with treatments for chronic conditions - it is essential to have brand websites that meet three key objectives:

• Educate patients about their medical conditions and treatment options
• Help patients understand how the reimbursement system works and how to navigate it
• Provide ongoing patient support activities that encourage patient compliance and build brand loyalty

To show how web-based patient service tools on brand sites can more effectively deliver these three key objectives, Best Practices, LLC conducted a research study to showcase effective online tools for informing patients about their condition, reimbursement options and ongoing treatment support.

The report, "Online Patient Support Excellence: Using Brand Website Services for Condition and Treatment Education," probes 10 chronic care product websites through 51 support categories that appear across the patient lifecycle, from getting started with a product to becoming a loyal patient who adheres to treatment.

This 119-page benchmark study examines 10 leading biopharmaceutical products that treat chronic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and cancer, for which treatment is often expensive and patient education and long-term support are essential. Benchmark products examined include: Boniva, Cimzia, Enbrel, Forteo, Fosamax, Humira, Reclast, Remicade, Rituxan, and Simponi.

To access the full report or to download a complimentary summary containing insights found in this report, click on the following link: http://www3.best-in-class.com/rr1161.htm.

ABOUT BEST PRACTICES, LLC
Best Practices, LLC is a leading benchmarking, consulting and advisory services firm serving biopharmaceutical and medical device companies worldwide. Best Practices, LLC's clients include all the top 10 and 48 of the top 50 global healthcare companies. The firm conducts primary research and consulting using its comprehensive proprietary benchmarking tools and analysis. The operational insights, findings and analysis form the basis for our Benchmarking Reports, databases and advisory services to support executives in commercial and R&D operations. Best Practices, LLC believes in the profound principle that organizations can chart a course to superior economic performance by studying the best business practices, operating tactics and winning strategies of world-class companies.

SOURCE Best Practices, LLC