Role of Medical Science Liaisons Evolving to Meet the Needs of Diverse Customer Groups

CHAPEL HILL, N.C., April 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Medical Device organizations are increasingly being challenged to deliver exceptional services to a diverse set of customers and stakeholders. On top of this, concerns about compliance and legal limitations are forcing companies to re-examine how their medical science liaisons (MSLs) and internal medical staff are working to build relationships with key customer groups and decision-makers.

Given the expanding role of MSLs, it's critical for organizations to continually improve their MSLs group's activities and services to ensure that they are creating value for diverse customer groups. According to research by benchmarking firm Best Practices, LLC, regulatory and political pressures have led many companies to increase the role of MSLs with more scientific focus, but potential commercial pressure. This shift has implications for how a company structures, assigns and supports MSL management and MSL support responsibilities.

The report, "Medical Science Liaison Services Excellence: Generating Value for Diverse Customer Groups within the Medical Device Industry," provides metrics and insights that will help leaders to determine how to create value for diverse customer groups. The report also outlines the many services and stakeholders that MSLs are involved with as a part of their growing responsibilities at device organizations.

Key study topics include:

• Key Opinion Leaders Management
• MSL Internal Services and Activities
• MSL Services and Payer Education and Support
• MSL Services and Hospital/Health Care Access
• Emerging Trends and Mitigating Risks
• MSL Services and Physician Education
• MSL Services and Patient Education and Advocacy Support
• MSL Group Structure and Oversight
• MSL Activities Throughout Lifecycle

This 77-page benchmarking study drew participation from eight executives and managers from eight different medical device companies. Three-quarters of the group currently work at the director level or above.

To access the full report, or to download a complimentary summary containing insights found in this report, click on the following link: http://www.best-in-class.com/rr1284.htm.

For more information on other recent primary research studies, contact us at 919.403.0251. For related research, visit our Best Practices, LLC website at http://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. Best Practices, LLC believes in the profound principle that organizations can chart a course to superior economic performance by studying the best business practices, operating tactics and winning strategies of world-class companies.

SOURCE Best Practices, LLC