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
Boosting Memory with Frequent Virtual Touchpoints – Perks of Virtual Medical Education
Unlock the secrets to effective learning with our latest video! Learn how frequent, short virtual sessions utilize the Recency Effect to improve memorization and avoid fatigue, outperforming long, one-time meetings....
Enhancing Continuity with Online Meetings – Perks of Virtual Medical Education
Explore the power of online meetings for superior continuity in our latest video from the "Perks of Virtual Medical Education" series. Learn how shorter, more frequent virtual touchpoints allow for...
Equal Voice in Virtual Meetings – Perks of Virtual Medical Education
In virtual meetings, every participant has the chance to be heard. Our new video from the "Perks of Virtual Medical Education" series explores how features like chat and Q&A ensure...
Top 10 Medical Education Trends of 2024
Discover the top 10 trends revolutionizing medical education, from VR and gamification to microlearning and AI, making learning more personalized, interactive, and effective. Read the full article to explore how...
Overcoming Collaboration Barriers – Perks of Virtual Medical Education
Explore the advantages of virtual collaboration in minimizing production blocking and cognitive interference! Our new video from the "Perks of Virtual Medical Education" series shows how electronic brainstorming can outperform...
Online Investigator Meetings: A Customer Story
Discover how Impetus Digital transformed a multicenter Phase III clinical trial with their innovative virtual solutions.
Mobile Flexibility – Perks of Virtual Medical Education
Unlock the potential of virtual collaboration with mobile flexibility! Discover how the latest technologies enable you to engage in medical education and collaborate from any corner of the globe. Watch...
Unrivalled Convenience – Perks of Virtual Medical Education
Explore the unrivalled convenience of virtual collaboration in medical education with our new series, "Perks of Virtual Medical Education." Learn why this flexible, efficient mode of learning is the future...
Unleashing Creativity in Virtual Pharma Engagements
Think outside the box with virtual engagements! Discover how creative asynchronous touchpoints can revolutionize your interactions. Explore everything from OLAs to treatment pathway profiling via a pharma-compliant virtual platform.
Maximizing KOL Engagement with Asynchronous Tools
Dive into the variety of asynchronous tools available on the Impetus InSite Platform® with our ninth tip. Learn how different tools can enhance your virtual touchpoints and elevate the quality...