The Future of MSL Training – How Digital Technologies Are Shaping Success
November 20, 2025 | HCP digital education, HCP education, HCP learning, HCP training, HCP virtual education, MSL education, MSL learning, MSL training, Online education, Pharma trends, Virtual training, digital tool for pharma, digital training, pharma digital, virtual education
Discover how pharmaceutical companies are using asynchronous platforms and microlearning to eliminate geographical barriers, track performance, and achieve cost-effective, consistent training for global teams.
A version of this article was previously published in the Journal of mHealth.
Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between pharmaceutical companies and the medical community and are vital to the success of a company. Beyond ensuring that products are utilized effectively and serving as a scientific expert for the medical community, the primary role of MSLs involves establishing and maintaining peer-to-peer relationships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and other clinicians (1). In today’s dynamic healthcare landscape, where scientific information evolves rapidly and access to medical experts is crucial, the need for highly trained MSLs is paramount. Yet, while the vast majority of MSLs want training, only two-thirds report that these opportunities are available to them, and almost 40% state that they lack time for professional upskilling (2).
Current Pain Points in MSL Training
In addition to a lack of time, MSL training is plagued by a range of issues, including geographical barriers for global companies, which can make it challenging to deliver consistent training if opting for in-person delivery. Traditional in-person training also comes with substantial cost barriers and logistical hurdles, as well as the risk of information overload if delivered as multi-hour or multi-day live events. In turn, this can reduce MSL engagement and negatively impact knowledge retention.
Further, with rapidly evolving scientific information, data, and guidelines, there is a clear need for continuous learning and knowledge reinforcement. However, considering how busy MSLs are with other priorities, this can be challenging if opting for a traditional approach to training.
Finally, accurately measuring and demonstrating the effectiveness of training in terms of its impact on MSL performance and knowledge retention can prove a challenge.
Training Needs for MSLs in Today’s Evolving Landscape
For training to be effective, the Medical Affairs Professional Society (MAPS) identified that it needs to be (3):
- Practical and able to be used immediately.
- Technology-based, flexible, and available whenever, wherever the trainee wants to access it.
- Available in multiple formats.
- Consumable as individual, low-commitment offerings, but placed within a larger framework.
- Collaborative and engaging, with learning enhanced by mentoring, gamification, accountability partnering, collaborative case study reviews, and more.
- Relevant and streamlined to reduce the cognitive load and improve the learning experience.
With these points in mind, the importance of leveraging digital tools and cutting-edge technologies becomes evident.
Digital Tools for MSL Training
Luckily, there is no shortage of digital tools available for MSL training. Some important examples include:
Asynchronous e-Learning Platforms
These ‘over-time, anytime’ platforms offer versatile learning opportunities for MSLs: from hosting on-demand videos, podcasts, and written materials to interactive infographics and posters, digital journal clubs, quizzes, online case studies, and more. Adding a well-maintained resource center to serve as a knowledge repository/central information hub further helps ensure consistent and accurate information dissemination.
Mobile Learning and Microlearning
Mobile apps and micro modules—short, focused learning modules—are ideal for providing on-the-go knowledge reinforcement and just-in-time learning. Having this option available alongside other, more comprehensive tools enhances accessibility and convenience for busy MSLs.
Click here to read the full article
This content was provided by Impetus Digital
Company Details
Latest Content from Impetus Digital
Democratizing Brain Health with Digital Assessments
Dr. Pam Ventola, Senior Science Director at Cogstate, shares how the company is working to optimize brain health assessments in rare disease and pediatric clinical trials, and how this can...
Top 10 Tips for Running a Successful Virtual Event
As I explored in a recent article previously published on Pharmaphorum, the ways that pharmaceutical and scientific communities attend meetings and events completely changed in 2020. Virtual events are rapidly improving, as...
Removing Barriers to Pharmaceutical Accessibility & Affordability Worldwide
Dr. Dhiren Thakker, Founding President and CEO at Med Aditus, shares his insights into how blockchain and other leading-edge technologies can help revolutionize pharmaceutical manufacturing in sub-Saharan Africa and globally....
Top 10 Most Common Participant Comments – Online Advisory Boards
What advisors and participants have to say about the Impetus InSite Platform!
Top 10 Ways that Medical Affairs Team Can Leverage the Impetus Insite Platform
New to asynchronous touchpoints? Don’t know where to start? Need help designing an asynchronous event that will engage your stakeholders and give you the insights you’re looking for? In addition...
Digitalizing Self-Care to Empower Patients
Jonathon Carr-Brown, Chief Operating Officer at Healthily, shares how they are redefining the relationship between retailers and over-the-counter pharmaceutical companies with their customers, and how a digitally-enabled Pre-Primary Care Health...
Upcoming webinars on March 22, 23, 24 – virtual product launches and pre-launch planning
Grab your beverage of choice and join us! This month, we’re diving into virtual product launches and pre-launch planning.
Virtual Product Launch Planning & Preparation: A Customer Story
For this Pre-Product Launch Longitudinal Expert Engagement Plan™ (LEEP™), our client leveraged Impetus Digital’s cutting-edge virtual tools, comprehensive online platform, and White-Glove™ digital and strategic services to engage a group...
Top 10 Tips to Increase Engagement During Virtual Events
If you are a member of the Medical Affairs Professional Society (MAPS), you might have caught our popular webinar on how COVID-19 has impacted (and will continue to impact) live...
Consumer-driven Healthcare in the Digital Age
Dr. Gil Blander, Co-founder & Chief Scientific Officer at InsideTracker, explores consumer-driven healthcare, the use of big data and AI for creating personalized health protocols, the trillion-dollar “longevity economy,” and...