Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Topic 25: Highlights of Day 2 of the Medical and Scientific Communications 2013 Forum

A great second day for the MSC meeting, with a range of interesting topics.  My take below.

DISCLAIMER:  My focus is on interesting information, I did not try to take verbatim notes and will not try to assign comments to a particular speaker.  Any mistakes are mine alone.

In no particular order, some of things are found interesting included:

-  MSL Value Proposition:

  • Questions of value are often linked with a lack of fully understanding what a modern MSL does, vs. MSLs of old

  • Many in group have had good success inviting key stakeholders, up to and including CEO, for ride-alongs with MSL

    • Proven track record at overcoming skeptics about MSL skills and value

    • One key to proving value is remain consistent in priorities to show value over time

      • When priorities are shifting its hard to build up track record

      • Remember that one of the greatest MSL values, relationships, is the least structured and always make that point clear






-  Other non-traditional areas where MSLs can show value:

  • Training CRAs on underlying science before trials

  • Conducting formal evaluations of CME vendors to ensure vendors are providing good value

  • Identifying authors for Pub group


-   Measure what matters to the people that matter

  • Develop measures that highlight accomplishments that only MSLs can achieve

  • Create monthly list of these unique accomplishments to address qualitative questions


-  External Surveys

  • Important to get qualitative measures

  • But expensive and difficult

  • Also, expect lots of push back from people who don’t think they are fair

  • Don’t let the complainers win, the data is critical to effectively target efforts


-  A number of MSL organizations use monthly internal newsletters

  • Highlight key activities and accomplishments

  • Provide some science training

  • Implicitly defines values and culture through examples chosen and emphasis


-  Challenge of “boom bust” in MSL team sizing

  • Number of speakers referred to the challenge of staffing for launch only to see the team significantly reduced 1 to 2 years after launch

  • This is especially challenging outside of the US where country-level resources are very limited

  • Need to consider this issue up-front during initial staffing and make the case for the long term from the start


-  Breakout session about MSL management

  • Almost everyone in group had turnover of less than 10% and most less than 5%

  • Most organizations had two non-managerial  levels of MSL – MSL and Sr. MSL

    • Some organizations had three with an Executive MSL above Sr.

    • Most organizations had at least two managerial levels but the titles varies

      • Some had three

      • Expectations about activity level varied but some examples from different companies:

        • 4 visits per week

        • X number of interactions per week (phone/email/visit)

        • MSLs will be out in the field 3 to 4 days per week

        • Key to expectations is flexibility

          • Some MSLs in small geogs some in large, their expectations should be different

          • Some TAs have large number of meetings, some few, so their expectations should be different










-  Mobile technology

  • IPADS is the de-facto mobile tech of today

  • Currently adjunct devices to laptops, NOT replacements

  • Hard to justify on “cost saving” but easy to justify on WOW factor

  • Be careful of SOPs that are linked into the old way of doing things, may need to be re-written to accommodate the tablet

  • User experience is more important on Ipad than on PCs

    • Users have very low tolerance for clunky Ipad interfaces

    • Some other interesting ideas:

      • KOLs are likely to grab the Ipad so make sure everything you don’t want them to see is locked down

      • Ipad syncing is a manual process and may people may avoid, so build in lock outs to programs to force them to update at least monthly

      • 4 Digit standard Ipad passwords stink – they are breakable in minutes, use a much longer password

      • Use  cloud-based apps like DropBox or Google Drive only after being approved by compliance

      • People want to use their Ipads for personal stuff (photos, music, games) and most companies let them use it for that as well

      • Allow people choice in covers and other accessories since it is very personal

      • Have an accessories swap program to allow people to turn in accessories they no longer want and others can use






-  Odds and Ends Ideas

  • Conduct “Office Hours” during major meetings when top CD resources are available in booth so MSLs can introduce their KOLs

  • Compliance ride alongs – if compliance is unsure of an approach, offer to pilot it with them on a ride along so they can see it in action then make a determination

  • Community MSL group focused on non-HCPs, like Advocacy Group


Obviously, this is merely a few key concepts from the day but it should give you some flavor of the type of discussions and the focus of the meeting.

The meeting remains a very positive experience.  One of the key takeaways from today, however, was the desire of the audience to have more time to interact and learn from each other.  A good problem to have!

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