Medicalwriters.com
Catchbox Case Study
Published on: Mar 28, 2019
Technological innovation has come a long way in the last decade. Whilst developments in facial recognition and consumer AI grab the headlines, the continuing advances in medical science are perhaps even more astonishing. Each year, an increasing number of revolutionary treatments are securing approval from regulators, and in turn, dramatically improve the wellbeing of patients across the world.
Almost as important as the innovation itself, is the need for the science behind the drug to be understood by the medical community, so that new treatments can be properly put to use. We caught up with Wesley Portegies, the CEO of Medical Communications agency Medicalwriters.com, to find out how they are using Catchbox to rethink the way innovation is shared within the medical community.
Who are Medicalwriters.com?
To the average person, advanced medical science is a complete mystery, and the less time spent with the doctor the better. But away from the doctor’s office, medical science is constantly evolving and pushing forward new therapies that make the once unthinkable a reality. Given that what’s being presented could potentially change lives, communication takes on an additional level of importance in the medical industry. Medicalwriters.com is a communications agency specializing in all aspects of medical ‘knowledge transfer’ using innovations of their own to bring the latest scientific advances to the wider medical world.
Almost as important as the innovation itself, is the need for the science behind the drug to be understood by the medical community, so that new treatments can be properly put to use. We caught up with Wesley Portegies, the CEO of Medical Communications agency Medicalwriters.com, to find out how they are using Catchbox to rethink the way innovation is shared within the medical community.
What challenges does Medicalwriters.com face?
The nature of the medical industry creates some unique challenges for Medicalwriters.com and the events they create. Firstly, the subject matter is almost always complex, highly specific and very technical. Whilst pioneering technologies can be difficult to explain to even the most knowledgeable audience, it is vital that medical professionals in attendance are able to understand what’s being discussed.
Secondly, the industry understandably focuses on content, but sometimes overlooks ways of engaging the audience. Medicalwriters.com CEO Wesley Portegies observes that there’s is often a reluctance at meetings and conferences for doctors to speak up or to create a dialogue. Younger or less experienced professionals might feel ‘starstruck’ and discouraged from asking questions of other attendees or presenters – especially if they are senior or even famous in the field. In spite of this perception, most experienced doctors really want to engage with their colleagues, and see this as where the real value of such events lies. As one leading neurologist put it: “I don’t want to fly halfway across the world to sit and listen to something I could see on YouTube, but I will happily make the trip if it means I can take part in a real, meaningful discussion.” As such, the challenge is to create the right environment where these barriers can be broken down and ideas, opinions, and questions can be shared freely.
How does Catchbox help?
When discussing the challenges to drive engagement and participation in medical events, Wesley notes how people often suggest trying out various apps or sophisticated technologies. Whilst there is certainly a place for these kinds of solutions, it’s the simplicity of Catchbox – a throwable microphone that’s fun to use – that sets it apart as an audience engagement tool. “We love this product because it encourages attendees to take part in the discussion”. Even professionals and experienced public speakers can get nervous – something that feels much worse if you have to fiddle with switches or wires. Again, ease of use is key here with Catchbox – no wires, no switches, just catch and speak into the box!
How does the audience respond?
Medicalwriters.com uses Catchbox to cultivate positive energy at their meetings, something that really helps to open up the audience. At events where serious subjects such as terminal illness and rare diseases are being discussed, it is often refreshing for participants to engage in a bit of light fun. It’s hard not to smile when you’ve just caught a throwable microphone from someone halfway across the room! Wesley believes this fun-factor relaxes attendees and encourages them to share their thoughts. “When you throw it into the audience, you really see a change in the mood. It’s as if we’re saying – don’t be shy, tell us your opinions! We really want to know what you think.”
Though each event is unique, the aim is always the same: for attendees to leave feeling they have learned something. By changing how participants interact with the presentation material and their fellow attendees, Catchbox helps Medicalwriters.com break down the barriers to effective knowledge transfer. In turn, attendees are more likely to take valuable insights away from the event and put them into practice in their own work.
What advice would you give to other Catchbox users?
“Use it wherever you can – seriously!” Wesley encourages users to think outside the box (pun intended!). Whilst Medicalwriters.com love using Catchbox at the events and meetings they organize, they’ve also had real success using the product as an audience engagement tool within their own company. The simple setup and ease of use means it can be used anywhere and anytime – perfect for livening up internal briefings or Friday afternoon meetings. Be creative! See how Catchbox can shake up your work routine.
