Patient case studies

• A patient case study is a compelling, detailed narrative that provides insight into an individual's experience with a health condition - spanning from diagnosis to treatment & recovery [if applicable], these stories often highlight the quality of life impacts of various medical conditions, resilience & the emotional journey that patients face, creating human interest to complex healthcare issues.

• By sharing patient stories, our campaigns foster empathy & break down stigma - this emotional connection helps engage audiences on a personal level, encouraging them to take action, whether that's seeking help, supporting cause, or raising awareness​

• VIVA! Communications creates an alliance of patient case studies & interviews them to create patient case study profiles

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Raising awareness

• ​By featuring real patients in our campaigns, we can highlight the need for better recognition, support, & treatment options. This awareness is critical in driving public understanding & encouraging more research, advocacy, & funding for those affected by lesser-known or underrepresented health conditions​

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Amplifying voices of those affected

• Patient voices are often the most powerful & impactful. By featuring case studies in PR campaigns, we amplify the voices of individuals directly impacted by specific health conditions. This not only empowers patients but also reinforces the importance of their experiences in shaping healthcare policy, treatment options, & support networks.

• These voices help ensure that patients’ needs & perspectives are at the forefront of any healthcare discussion. In a sector where the voices of patients can sometimes be drowned out by clinical or institutional perspectives, case studies are a powerful tool in ensuring that individuals’ experiences are heard & valued.

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Education & advocacy 

• Patient case studies serve as valuable educational tools, helping both the general public & healthcare professionals gain a deeper understanding of what it's like to live with a particular illness. 

• These stories provide context for the medical challenges that patients face & can shed light on the social, emotional & psychological toll of illness. 

• Furthermore, patient case studies are a powerful form of advocacy. They call attention to gaps in care; highlight the importance of early intervention & advocate for better healthcare services. By including these narratives in campaigns, we can spark discussions about policy changes, better funding for research & the need for accessible treatment options - further enhancing our clients goals.

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Reliability & impact

• The media thrives on stories that have the power to engage, inform & resonate with the audience. Patient case studies offer just that. Journalists seek stories that are relatable, & nothing connects with readers like a real-life personal story. Patients’ experiences create an emotional bond with the audience, making health-related issues more accessible & engaging.

• By featuring real patients, the media can highlight the human side of healthcare & draw attention to the struggles & triumphs of everyday people. These stories also encourage readers to reflect on their own lives & their own health, deepening their connection to the topic at hand.

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Filling a Narrative Gap

• In healthcare journalism, there is often a gap between statistical information & human experiences. While research, policy & treatments are crucial topics, they can sometimes feel abstract or impersonal. Patient case studies fill this gap by providing narrative depth. They transform dry facts into stories that have character, emotion & meaning, helping to bridge the divide between medical knowledge & real-world impact.

• Journalists rely on patient stories to bring a compelling human element to their reporting, ensuring that healthcare coverage is not just informative but also inspiring & thought-provoking.

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Trust & Credibility

• Trust is a cornerstone of good journalism, & patient case studies help to build this trust. The media values the authenticity & credibility of real-life stories, especially when they are coupled with expert opinions or research data. The transparency of sharing a patient’s lived experience fosters trust with audiences, who may otherwise be skeptical of general claims made by institutions or corporations.

• By sharing the voices of patients who have lived through health conditions, the media ensures that their stories are grounded in reality, which enhances the credibility of the message & its overall impact.

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Patient case studies are more than just compelling stories - they are powerful tools that strengthen our campaign messages. By integrating real experiences, we can drive home the key points we are trying to convey, whether it’s the importance of early intervention, the challenges of living with a chronic illness, or the need for better treatment options. These stories help humanise complex issues, making the messages resonate with audiences on a deeper level.

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Ultimately, patients are utilised to carry out & communicate our client's key messages.