An important aspect of this survey was to capture how the COVID-19 international pandemic has impacted interviewing and hiring of MSLs during an early phase (March 24-30, 2020). These survey questions captured the feedback from MSL Managers and Executives based on responses to 2 key questions: Has COVID-19 specifically reduced Interviewing for vacant MSL positions? Has … [Read more...]

The MSL Activities During the COVID-19 Pandemic Survey has proven to be an incredible resource to many of us, as we begin to better understand the impact the pandemic has on the MSL profession, the expectations from HCP’s and ultimately the direct impact on how MSLs are quickly adopting new ways of working in this “new normal”.  An area within the survey results that I found … [Read more...]

When asked how the MSL found ways to support their KOLs and HCPs, survey participants predominantly indicated that they have prioritized extending offers of support, appreciation, and compassion focused on the human aspect to their contacts and KOLs.  Participants have designated texting as an easier method of staying connected although email and varied virtual platforms have … [Read more...]

Results are totally divided between those who believe there will be permanent changes and those who do not expect changes, along with those who are not yet sure. The survey results clearly reflect the situation in which our profession is currently immersed. From my point of view, whether we like it or not, the current restrictions are going to have an impact on our day to … [Read more...]

The survey has shown a bit of anxiety on our job security. Like other industries, laying off people has been the norm due to the pandemic. Many are worried about losing their jobs. Globally, 46% of all MSLs surveyed are concerned about job security,  37% are not and 16% are not sure. Whereas, about 50% of MSL managers were not worried at all. It is human nature to feel the … [Read more...]

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, … [Read more...]

  In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, MSLs are embracing virtual technology to keep in touch with their KOLs. This article will review the tactics MSLs reported using to successfully obtain virtual engagements. At the time of the survey, many MSLs were converting planned face to face interactions to virtual meetings. However, MSLs were finding it more difficult to set up … [Read more...]

52% of responses to the survey indicate use of ZOOM with 48% responding that they use Webex.  Both are excellent web meeting platforms! We are primarily using ZOOM for web meetings with KOLs / HCP at Biohaven and the field sales team is also using ZOOM virtual meetings.   As we made this quick adjustment from in person to virtual meetings, one aspect that was really useful is … [Read more...]

Widespread physical distancing measures have been implemented in response to the coronavirus pandemic. These measures obviously have a drastic impact on the daily life of many people around the world. Prior to any orders to shelter in place, restrictions on travel and visitation to healthcare facilities forced many MSLs to change their standard operating procedures due to the … [Read more...]

Distribution or sharing of peer reviewed scientific/clinical journal publications with Medical Experts is typically subject to each pharma company’s legal advisors and interpretation of guidance documents (i.e.: “Guidance for Industry Distributing Scientific and Medical Publications on Unapproved New Uses —Recommended Practices).    In the current US survey, a slight … [Read more...]

Yes, the day to day, and monthly expectations for MSL engagement and insight gathering metrics have been paused. MSLs continue to work to engage with HCPs virtually via e-mail, phone, and WebEx platforms, but the focus has shifted to support and encouragement first, rather than scientific exchange. Virtual advisory boards, HCP survey question feedback via e-mail, and some … [Read more...]

Opportunities to Upskill All MSLs have personal and professional growth goals.  Whether your company provides training, or you have to seek it out yourself, take the opportunity during the restricted travel for self-improvement.  Those books you wanted to read, the soft skills you needed to hone, the therapeutic area refreshers, online courses for new subjects you wanted to … [Read more...]

For March, most of the scheduled face to face meetings are being converted to virtual interactions. Most as either done via telephone or video. However in April as HCPs are continuing to be inundated the number of engagements are down dramatically (10-25% of what they were in March). The results indicate that MSL managers may be slightly underestimating the impact this has had … [Read more...]