How Freelance Medical Writers and Editors Use Digital Tools: Results From the 2024 Freelance Medical Communicator Tools of the Trade Survey

Abstract

Freelance medical writers and editors might benefit from the judicious use of digital tools to make some tasks more efficient and less stressful. The 2016 and 2018 Freelance Medical Communicator Tools of the Trade (FMCTT) surveys provided valuable insights on the software and apps used by these professionals. To obtain updated data and monitor trends, I conducted the 2024 FMCTT 32-question online survey of the software and apps used for various tasks (ie, computer backup and security, website design and hosting, accounting, invoicing, time tracking, project management, and citation management), and exploring the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) apps in medical writing or editing. Participants were recruited via announcements posted on the AMWA Engage forum, LinkedIn, and by email campaigns. A total of 291 participants (88% female; 54% 40 to 59 years old; 58% from the United States) completed the survey. Most responders had a business website (56%) and used citation or reference management software and apps for medical writing or editing (74%); they didn’t use software or apps for accounting and bookkeeping (51%), time tracking (57%), or project management (68%); and they hadn’t used generative AI apps for medical writing or editing work (58%). The youngest and least experienced cohorts were the least likely to have a business website and use software and apps for accounting and bookkeeping and time tracking, and the most likely to use generative AI. Results from the FMCTT 2024 survey provide insights on how freelance medical communicators have or have not adopted the use of a range of digital tools that could help them work more efficiently. These findings may inform new and current freelance communicators of ways to expand and update their digital toolboxes.