Industry Insights MedComms: 02/03/25
This week’s medical communications post discusses some of the most interesting findings from this year’s MedComms Freelancing Barometer survey organised by Networkpharma.tv.
The MedComms Freelancing Barometer 2025 questioned freelancers working in and around medical communications on various topics related to work as a freelance writer. A panel of experts in medical communications, including Lisa Baker, Adriana Rocha and Eleanor Steele, presented the survey’s results in a webinar recently published by Networkpharma.tv.
Freelancing has steadily become a stable income source
The majority (93%) of freelancers reported that freelancing was their sole income. This finding may indicate a decrease in the number of people freelancing as a side gig. The proportion of people who reported working as many hours as they wanted increased this year compared with the results from 2024. Many respondents stated that they had to adapt their work habits to achieve their desired working hours. This adjustment included work pattern changes, client base diversification, and work during weekends.
Freelance writers work with several clients
The survey found that freelancers generally collaborated with a diverse range of clients, with a spread of responses from zero to over 20 clients. Around 11% of respondents reported having one client. Freelancers are potentially doing one-off projects rather than having long-term, consistent work from one or two clients. However, 44% of respondents reported that over half of their annual income came from their biggest client. The survey shows that many freelancers are trying to diversify their income streams.
The popularity of generative AI in MedComms is on the rise
The survey found an increase in the use of generative AI (artificial intelligence) tools among freelance writers. About 60% of respondents this year stated that they have used generative AI tools to some extent. In contrast, 60% of freelancers denied using AI in the 2024 survey. According to the panel speakers, freelancers want to learn more about AI, but concerns about data confidentiality, client prohibitions, and environmental impact remain. The respondents added that they use AI tools primarily for idea generation, editing, and research.
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