Matthew Reaney
Scientific Lead, Patient Centered Endpoints, IQVIA
DIA Study Endpoints Community Chair
Q&A
In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge in your field?
Science, technology, and patient empowerment are not moving at the same rate. I am a big believer in all three of these things, but trying to get them working together to drive towards a scientifically credible outcome that is precise, reliable, timely, complete, non-burdensome, and meaningful for patients, regulators, and payers is very, very difficult indeed. We are starting to make some progress, but we are still a long way from making the most of the empowered and technologically rich environment of routine practice.
What do you like most and least about your job?
I love that we have an opportunity to listen and learn every day to patients, and that we have the skills to turn what we hear into outcomes and endpoints against which we can measure the benefit of interventions. I feel great about this. I am absolutely convinced, however, that the field of outcomes research—and particularly clinical outcome assessment—needs to adapt to the current environment and make the most of the connected environment in which many people live. Unfortunately, there are few decision makers who are looking at this with sufficient rapidity to blaze a trail that straddles good science and meaningful data. This frustrates me.
What is the first book you remember reading?
I only read one book as a child. It was called Stig of the Dump and was about a caveman trying to live in the (relatively) modern era. I often find the book analogous to the healthcare systems in which I now work!
Who would you have over for a dinner party, and what would you talk to them about?
I know what kind of answer you should give to this question…but I have less interest in academic or clinical discussions in my spare time. Instead I would invite Tommy Cooper – and it would not be for a discussion. I would just ask him to talk so that I could listen and laugh, and laugh, and laugh.
What would you like to see DIA do for you in the future?
DIA has a really exciting set of Communities touching on broad and interesting topics. I would like to see greater collaborative research conducted among these Communities, with DIA sponsoring or rewarding those who help to drive the field of drug development forward through collaboration.