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
CRM Design and Optimization for Life Science Organizations
John Leombruno, CEO of OkRx, shares how his company is working to improve PSP strategy and operations in Canada. He also discusses the impact of COVID-19 on PSPs, digital transformation, clinical...
Enabling Patient-Focused Research Through Virtual Clinical Trials
Chad Walsh, CEO of Sciteline, dives into virtual trials, including their benefits, barriers, and impact on patient-centricity. Among other things, we will discuss data privacy concerns, the role of digital...
Innovative Approaches to Managing Mental Health Conditions
Owen Muir, MD, CIO at Brooklyn Minds, explores the secondary effects of COVID-19 on mental health conditions, along with techniques such as deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS), Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT), and...
Looking back at the year when everything changed
COVID-19 has impacted every aspect of our lives, from the way we shop for groceries to the way we conduct work and interact with healthcare providers and our families.
PRESS RELEASE: IMPETUS DIGITAL LAUNCHES INSITE EVENT™
Impetus Digital launches InSite Event™ - the most comprehensive virtual event platform for life science companies, delivered with white glove service
Risk Management, Ethics, and Compliance Considerations in the New Normal
Myriam Prescott, Head of Ethics, Risks and Compliance - Oncology, Novartis Canada, dissects the importance of effective patient engagement and strong compliance & monitoring programs. We also dive into the...
A Deep-Dive into the COVID-19 Pandemic and its Secondary Effects
Dr. Farah Fourcand, Author of Pandemic Manifesto, shares her experience working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. She also dives into the psychological impact of COVID-19, lessons learned from the...
Women in Leadership: Barriers & Opportunities in the Life Science Industry
Allison Gaw, Executive Director, Corporate and Business Development at Chinook Therapeutics, discusses women in STEM, effective leadership, cross-border collaboration during COVID-19, the future of healthcare, and much more.
Highlighting Patient Voices, Workforce Well-Being & Health Literacy During & After the Pandemic
We explore the importance of health literacy, patient voices, and workforce wellbeing during COVID-19 with Deborah Collyar (Patient Advocates in Research), Cathryn Gunther (Population Health Alliance) & Catina O'Leary (Health...
Leveraging Consumer Insights & Innovative Technologies to Disrupt Healthcare Engagement
Brent Walker, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Analytics, Patient Bond, dives into the world of psychometrics. We explore the roles of AI and machine learning in extracting psychometric insights,...