As a result of COVID-19, and the need for virtual engagements with a KOL, are there additional training topics that would be beneficial?

The primary purpose of the MSL Activities During the COVID-19 Pandemic global survey was to gain insights into how the current pandemic is impacting the activities of Medical Science Liaisons globally including working virtually and engaging with KOLs. One of the benefits from the results is to not only understand how other companies and MSL teams are dealing with the pandemic, but to also be able to utilize the results as a tool to set and manage realistic expectations regarding MSL activities in the new reality.

One of the questions in the survey that addressed the concern of KOL engagement was “As a result of COVID-19, and the need for virtual engagements with a KOL, are there additional training topics that would be beneficial?”

Although the question received more than 400 free text responses which included numerous and varying training topics, one of the most frequently provided answers focused on how to effectively conduct virtual KOL engagements.

This is revealing because even though 70% of U.S. based MSLs reported that KOL engagement or access has been REDUCED by more than 51% as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, MSLs are still very interested in receiving additional training on how to conduct virtual KOL engagements.

Another recent survey further highlights the desire of MSLs to receive additional training. During a live webinar conducted on April 16th 2020, 86% of MSLs polled answered yes to the question “Would you like additional training on how to effectively conduct virtual KOL engagements?”

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, how MSLs engage with and access to KOLs and other healthcare providers is quickly evolving. The results of these surveys underscore the desire of MSLs to continually receive additional effective and adequate training. The MSL Activities During the COVID-19 Pandemic survey results allow MSL leaders to gain detailed insights into issues impacting the performance of MSLs and can be used to make informed and effective business decisions.