Best Practices in Globalizing MSL & Field-Based Medical Specialist Programs: Resources and Global Standards

STUDY OVERVIEW

Best Practices, LLC undertook a benchmarking study to assist medical affairs leaders in achieving functional excellence in MSL globalization. The study looks at the resources and global standards that drive success in globalizing field medical teams. It includes benchmarks and insights around span of control, MSL to KOL ratios, outsourcing trends and establishing global standards for field teams while recognizing regional needs.

This study will allow medical affairs leaders to compare their company's resourcing and standards for global field based medical teams with other peer organizations.

KEY TOPICS

• Resources for MSL & Field-Based Medical Specialist Programs
• Global Standards & Policies
• Benchmark Participant Demographics

SAMPLE KEY METRICS

• Percentage of Funding for the MSL/FBMS Program Budget Received from Different Functions
• MSL/FBMS Budget Location
• MSL/FBMS Budget Allocation
• Average Number of Direct MSL Managers
• Average Number of FTEs Overseen by Each Direct Manager of MSL/Field-Based Medical Specialists
• Average Number of KOLs per MSL/FBMS
• Current and Past Outsourcing of MSL/FBMS Function
• Best Methods for Determining No. of Specialists to be Put into Field
• Medical Specialist Deployment Method Effectiveness
• Global Services Uniformity
• MSL Service Differentiation by Region
• Approach to Developing Global Policies for MSLs/FBMSs
• Obstacles to Implementing Global Standards

SAMPLE KEY FINDING

• Global MSL Service Standardization: Only 16% of participants have no approach for standardizing MSL service across all markets, while the rest take at least one approach to developing global policies for MSLs. Among key obstacles to standardization are local resistance, local misunderstanding of the MSL function, decentralization, variations in local regulations, and differences in customs, language, or culture.

METHODOLOGY

Thirty-eight leaders of Medical Science Liaison (MSL) and Field-Based Medical Specialist (FBMS) functions at 31 different pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device companies participated in this study. Results include more than one response from seven companies, where survey participants represented separate MSL organizations.

If you purchase Best Practice Database document(s), you will have 30 days from the date of purchase to apply some or all of the cost of the document(s) toward the cost of a Full Access Individual, Pharma, Group or University Membership. Write us at DatabaseTeam@bestpracticesllc.com or call David Guinn at 919-767-9179 if you have any questions.