iPads Enhancing Medical Science Liaison Interactions with Thought Leaders, New Study Shows

CHAPEL HILL, N.C., Aug. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Medical Science Liaisons serve as a critical bridge between pharmaceutical organizations and thought leaders in the healthcare sector. As the impact of technology in the marketplace continues to evolve, the iPad is changing how Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) interact with physicians and other thought leaders.

MSLs are using the tablet to not only share important disease and therapy information with physicians but also to better coordinate thought leader interactions across geographies and therapeutic areas.

While the iPad brings many attributes to the table, its use also comes with challenges such as issues around CRM integration and content delivery.

To help biopharmaceutical companies better understand the benefits and challenges that come with MSLs utilizing iPads in the field, research and consulting firm Best Practices, LLC recently completed a wide-ranging study on the current practices of field medical teams use of iPads.

Topics addressed in "The iPad: How MSLs Use it to Deliver Science and Data to HCPs" include:

• Training
• Content Delivery and Usage
• Syncing Tablets with CRM Systems
• Security and Compliance Concerns
• Measuring Effectiveness
• Challenges and Best Practices

The study found that customized applications and software are needed to use iPad tablets for specialized MSLs activities. For 48% of organizations, this job was done by vendors while for 36% of organizations it was handled by their IT department.

The 62-page study includes chapters examining how pharma companies approach content delivery and CRM integration associated with MSLs' use of iPads. Another study finding was that companies should develop a content management strategy prior to device deployment. About 50 percent of respondents faced barriers related to content development and availability after an iPad roll-out to MSLs

Research findings provide implementation plans, application strategy and evaluating measures that will equip executives to enhance MSL performance and successfully realize corporate investment in iPads. Best Practices, LLC engaged 25 Medical Affairs leaders at 18 companies through a benchmarking survey instrument. All participants share leadership and oversight of Medical Science Liaison groups at their companies.

To learn more about this report, download a complimentary report excerpt at http://www3.best-in-class.com/rr1308.htm.

For related research, visit our Best Practices, LLC Web site at www.best-in-class.com/. 

ABOUT BEST PRACTICES, LLC
Best Practices, LLC is a leading benchmarking, consulting and advisory services firm serving biopharmaceutical and medical device companies worldwide. Best Practices, LLC's clients include all the top 10 and 48 of the top 50 global healthcare companies. The firm conducts primary research and consulting using its comprehensive proprietary benchmarking tools and analysis. The operational insights, findings and analysis form the basis for our Benchmarking Reports, databases and advisory services to support executives in commercial and R&D operations.

SOURCE Best Practices, LLC

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