PMCPA selects The EarthWorks as communications partner and app developer for new Code

​The Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority (PMCPA) announced today that it will be working in partnership with The EarthWorks to create a communications programme, including an app to help increase understanding of the Code.

Press Release 29 July 2014

The programme will be digitally led, and will include content marketing on the PMCPA's website and via social media. It will also involve work with other healthcare organisations, such as Doctors.net.uk, MSA Media and the PM Society. There will be a key focus on benchmarking and research to assess perception of the PMCPA amongst its key stakeholders.

In 2015, this will also be supported by an iOS app to help users navigate the new code, with semantic search functionality that displays appropriate commentary and relevant cases.

The goals of this project are two-fold. Firstly, to promote a strong and positive profile for the PMCPA's work in relation to the Code of Practice and secondly, to build awareness and promote the benefits of self-regulation to the industry, health professionals, patients and the public.

Vicky Bewer, Head of Communications, PMCPA: "We are excited about the PMCPA becoming more active in the digital space, with The EarthWorks helping us maximise social media and the quality content we already have. We look forward to partnering with The EarthWorks as we improve our communications capabilities."

Heather Simmonds, Director, PMCPA: "We are really keen to communicate more effectively and look forward to doing this in partnership with The EarthWorks. The app is a great opportunity to allow users to interrogate the Code in a simpler user-friendly way."

Alex Butler, MD, The EarthWorks: "I have always associated the PMCPA with upholding the highest standards of ethics and good practice in pharmaceuticals; something definitely not at odds with innovation, but in fact underpinning and supporting best practice. We are proud to have been chosen to work with the PMCPA and believe this will add even greater value to the healthcare community through the development of an exciting new communications strategy over the coming years."

The PMCPA is the self-regulatory body that administers, at arm's length, the Code of Practice for the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry's (ABPI). It is a not-for-profit body, set up in 1993.

The EarthWorks is a healthcare marketing communications agency, part of OPEN Health, run by Joint MDs, Alex Butler and Carwyn Jones.