Despite uptake in iPads, value hasn’t always been seen, notes study on pharma field roles

A new study from Best Practices has revealed that even though the uptake in tablet technology has increased in popularity for field-based medical roles, such as medical science liaisons (MSLs), this has not necessarily translated into improved effectiveness.

The study revealed that only a third of respondents believed the shift in technology from laptop to tablet had afforded a light of great improvement of thought leader call quality, with more than half (57%) saying that call quality had remained the same.

However, when looking at the number of scientific presentations delivered by MSLs (considered to be the most common key performance indicator by the study participants) most respondents claimed tablets had improved effectiveness. In fact, 59% reported an increase in the number of presentations delivered after tablets had been deployed.

The 47-page report from Best Practices, ‘Deploying the iPad or Android-Based Tablet to Medical Science Liaison Teams: Benchmarking Training and Effectiveness’, included responses from 22 leaders from 16 biopharmaceutical companies and two medical device firms. It focuses on metrics surrounding iPad field use and how CRM and CLM software is employed for increased productivity.

Best Practices is a benchmarking, consulting and advisory services firm serving global biopharmaceutical and medical device companies.