Medical Science Liaison Services Excellence in the Medical Device Sector: Trends in KOL Management, Support Services, Group Structure and Best Practices

STUDY OVERVIEW

As competition for the time and attention of Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) intensifies, medical device companies are increasingly turning to Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) to build and strengthen key relationships. However, both the policies surrounding the use of MSLs and the manner in which MSLs interact with KOLs are changing.

Best Practices, LLC conducted this study to investigate the changing role of MSLs in serving their key constituents. This research presents benchmarks around key MSL services and criteria in serving KOLs. In addition, the research provides metrics around structure and oversight of MSL groups and emerging trends within the device industry. Medical device executives can use this study to assess resource allocation of MSLs and key strategies used in MSL interfacing as the function evolves in the future.


KEY TOPICS

• Key Opinion Leaders Management
• Emerging Trends and Mitigating Risks
• MSL Group Structure and Oversight
• MSL Services Best Practices and Voices from the Field

• Changes that will impact the way MSLs interact with KOLs
• Importance ranking of different scientific activities MSLs provide to KOLs
• Importance ranking of the different services MSLs provide to KOLs
• Effectiveness ranking of the different relationship management activities MSLs provide to KOLs
• Relevance ranking of different criteria used to profile a KOLs influence and impact
• Importance rating for key channels used to build strong relationships with KOLs
• Change in restrictiveness of MSL interaction with healthcare providers
• Level of risk that varying scenarios will impact MSL ability to serve KOLs
• Pitfalls faced that disrupt or threaten MSLs effectiveness in serving KOLs
• Frequency of MSL support for different policy and advocacy groups
• Geographic span of responsibility of Medical Affairs
• Groups that have functional responsibility for MSL and KOL management

• MSL Management Structure Insight: Regulatory and political pressures have led many companies to increase roles of MSLs with more scientific focus, but potential commercial pressure. This shift has implications for how a company structures, assigns and supports MSL management and MSL support responsibilities.
• Involve KOLs in Science to Create Ownership: Involve KOLs from Phase II onward. Get them to work with the compounds and oftentimes they will help you write the protocols and they will have a better understanding of its purpose.
  

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