As the global healthcare landscape rapidly changes, medical education has had to evolve to meet new demands for digital transformation. Daniela Clape, CEO and Founder of Xpeer, joined Disruptores Digitales by InboundCycle to share the story behind launching Xpeer, a groundbreaking platform that brought medical education into the digital age. Here’s how Xpeer disrupted a traditionally conservative sector, both before and during the pandemic, and continues to drive innovation in medical education today.
Breaking barriers in a traditional industry
The medical sector is often slow to adopt new technologies, but Daniela saw an opportunity to innovate. Long before the pandemic, the need for more accessible, digitalized medical education was evident. In September 2019, Xpeer was launched with the goal of addressing this gap, providing healthcare professionals from all over the world access to good quality continuous medical education online.
At that time, the healthcare industry resisted digital tools, believing that physicians preferred face-to-face interactions. Traditionally, companies favored in-person events and congresses to disseminate scientific knowledge. However, that belief was, and sometimes still persists as, a myth.
The pandemic: A catalyst for digital transformation in medical education
Then, the global health crisis hit, and everything changed. The pandemic accelerated the digital transformation that Xpeer had anticipated. Physicians quickly embraced the digital shift because it was something they had long been waiting for. Xpeer became a trusted platform, as we were the first and only app accredited by the UEMS. To further establish this trust, we swiftly launched one of the first accredited courses on COVID-19, providing reliable, high-quality content when it was needed most.
The platform became an essential tool for medical professionals looking to stay informed while in-person learning was no longer an option. By June 2020, Xpeer had secured its first pharmaceutical sponsor, and early adopters of the platform recognized its innovative approach to healthcare education.
Adapting to the new normal in healthcare education
Although the immediate necessity for digital solutions was clear during the pandemic, Xpeer’s growth didn’t stop there. The company’s approach shifted towards a more strategic outreach, utilizing tools like LinkedIn to connect with key decision-makers in the pharmaceutical industry. This outreach led to successful partnerships, but it wasn’t without challenges. Many in the sector remained attached to traditional methods of learning.
However, Daniela emphasizes that the future of medical education is omnichannel. While there is a place for in-person events, the flexibility of digital learning offers a broader reach, allowing busy physicians to access information at their convenience. This is a crucial shift that Xpeer continues to champion.
Lead growth strategy: The future of Xpeer
Today, Xpeer is evolving from its initial outreach model to a more refined lead growth strategy. As the healthcare industry continues to change, Daniela recognizes that the way pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals interact must also adapt. Pharma leaders now prefer to research on their own before engaging with solutions or services. They need to see expertise and thought leadership from the brands they work with.
This shift is evident in Xpeer’s own strategy. The company is leveraging content marketing, webinars, and social media to establish itself as a thought leader in the digitalization of healthcare education. Daniela believes that sharing actionable insights with pharmaceutical leaders is key to helping them understand how to approach healthcare professionals (HCPs) in this new era.
Xpeer’s business model: Combining sponsorship and subscription
The foundation of Xpeer’s success lies in its unique business model. The company partners with pharmaceutical companies to sponsor free courses for healthcare professionals, ensuring that physicians have access to high-quality, unbiased scientific content. Xpeer maintains its neutrality by presenting information without favoring any specific treatment, allowing physicians to make informed decisions independently.
To reduce reliance on pharmaceutical funding, Xpeer has also introduced a premium subscription service. This allows the platform to collaborate with other content creators, including scientific societies, universities, and key opinion leaders. The premium service provides a sustainable source of revenue while continuing to offer valuable education to healthcare professionals.
Xpeer’s role in the future of digital transformation in medical education
As Daniela Clape continues to drive Xpeer’s mission forward, the platform remains at the forefront of medical education’s digital transformation. Xpeer is not only adapting to the evolving needs of healthcare professionals but also empowering the pharmaceutical industry to embrace new, digital channels. With a unique blend of sponsorship and premium content, Xpeer is poised to remain a leader in the future of healthcare learning.
