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
Gamifying Remote Patient Monitoring
Dr. Emilia Molimpakis, CEO & Co-founder of Thymia, shares how their platform uses video games based on neuropsychology, alongside analyses of facial microexpressions and speech, to quickly, accurately, and objectively...
Social Health Prescription: Connecting People, Empowering Patients, & Improving Outcomes
Lynda Brown-Ganzert, Founder & CEO of Curatio, discusses the concept of social health prescription and the inspiration behind Curatio. She also explores questions such as how AI and “intelligent matchmaking” can be leveraged...
Launching Health Tech Innovations in the New Normal
Aahuti Rai (Strategic Advisor, Healthcare Innovation at Four Points Consulting) & Jessica Smith (Co-Founder and CXO at SomX) discuss all things HealthTech, including the current barriers to HealthTech commercialization, holistic...
Protecting Ownership of Technological & Pharmaceutical Innovation
Joshua Goldberg, Co-Managing Partner at Nath, Goldberg & Meyer, discusses key intellectual property issues and pitfalls in the digital health space, the importance of international patent protection, and why it’s...
Measuring Vital Health Indicators Through Your Camera
Dr. Keith Thompson, CMO at Nuralogix, dives into virtual care, telemedicine, and advanced digital health tools for improving primary care workflows and population health. He also shares his insights into...
VR/AR Applications for Training and Healthcare
Mike Waldron, CEO and Co-Founder of Propel VR, discusses how virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) can be leveraged in the healthcare industry, including specific applications of VR/AR for...
Forging Innovative Solutions by Merging Art and Science
Ariel Garten, Founder & Chief Evangelism Officer at Muse, explores many exciting topics such as the idea of whether art and beauty can be broken down into biological codes, the...
Expanding Access to High-Quality Healthcare
Dr. Jason Cross, Co-founder & Chief Strategy Officer at Rymedi, dives into Connected Health, including how it can be used to expand access to high-quality healthcare, current barriers to its...
Developing Innovative Digital Strategies to Engage Patients
Caitlin Wagner, Associate Marketing Director at Pharming, shares her expertise on innovative patient engagement strategies, including the roles of mobile apps and social media, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic...
The New Normal: Upcoming Trends in Clinical Trials
Samuel Searcy, Founder & CEO of CliniStart, shares his expert insights into trends, current gaps, and future predictions for clinical trials. Among many other things, we also dive into his...