Communications at the Core of Medical Writing

While it is true that scientific and regulatory knowledge is needed for the art of effective medical writing, communications is at the core of every successful clinical and nonclinical submission. Medical writing communications is more than just sending and receiving information, it’s being able to connect with the team and the individual, and to facilitate a smooth and efficient process between all parties involved.

Connecting on an individual level is one of the key strategies of medical writing. Being able to “speak the language” of an individual Subject Matter Expert (SME) is central to receiving the information for the medical writer to author documents. Sometimes, this means tailoring communications to what best suits the SME (which requires what is often called “people skills”, an understanding of basic human behavior). Some people communicate better live or on the phone, while others may prefer email or instant messages.  Also, knowing what frequency of communication works best for different individuals is also a part of efficient communications; some people require frequent reminders, while others do not.  When in the primary stage of drafting the first document, close communications with the SME  in understanding key messaging, and interest in the experiment really helps to form commitment, trust, and enthusiasm. When our SMEs are excited about medical writers working with them, a mutual collaboration and bond is formed, everyone has a good time and ultimately, better documents are written.

Connecting with the team is another key strategy to success. While medical writing on the surface seems like it’s about sitting in a dark room and writing documents solo, it’s much more than that. Prepping documents for round table meetings, and being able to facilitate a substantial discussion with team members from different functions in a timely manner requires communication and understanding of the group dynamics with relevant content. Being able to make sure all team members are on the same page with document comments and reviewer opinions, and to be able to follow-up with members efficiently requires organization and efficient communications. Lastly, being able to master the knowledge of the document timelines, process, and “next steps” in real-time is the glue that keeps it all together and what everyone on the team relies on to move the process forward successfully.

At Acumen, we value our communications as much as we value our scientific and regulatory knowledge, to make sure the process moves smoothly and that everyone is on the same page. Ultimately, good communications is in the forefront of any successful relationship, and medical writing is all about relationships.

Mahin Arastu
Lead Medical Writer