Leading pharmaceutical and medical device companies rely on input from key opinion leaders (known as KOLs or as key external experts or KEEs) to drive their critical projects forward. But our research shows 81% of life science teams aren’t always getting input from all their relevant stakeholders. Respondents to our insights management survey said they must consider more insights from key experts like specialists and surgeons, nurses, and family physicians. How can pharma teams increase KOL participation in ad boards and other important engagements?
Virtual work and asynchronous collaboration have freed many pharma organizations from the limitations of timeframes and travel budgets, allowing KOLs worldwide to participate in discussions and provide feedback without leaving their clinic, family, or day-to-day routine.
Based on more than a decade of working with teams on our asynchronous discussion platform, we know that over-time discussions generate high levels of engagement and deeper insight from KOLs. This was true before the COVID-19 pandemic, and we can confidently say it continues to hold true – because that’s what KOLs tell us.
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Checking in with KOLs
Part of our post-engagement diligence includes asking KOLs to tell us what they liked about their experience on the Within3 platform. In reviewing the responses, a few high-level themes emerged: convenience, the benefits of being exposed to global perspectives, time for thought and reflection, and learning opportunities topped the list of ways our platform overcomes communication and insight-gathering challenges for life science companies.
These benefits also roll up to the teams who engage KOLs. Building inclusion, eliminating hierarchy influence, and accommodating people’s desire to engage at their own pace – anywhere they like – result in more actionable insights to use toward the greater goal of improving patient outcomes.
KOLs in their own words
Here’s what KOLs told us about participating in a Within3 engagement:
- “I liked the online session because we could still interact with global colleagues without traveling. I like the format because it allows more time in the clinic and with family.”
- “Being able to share experiences with other colleagues from other countries makes us learn other ways to work.”
- “The ability for everyone to have a voice and be heard, not just the loudest or most forceful person in the room.”
- “The online sessions allow for more time to ruminate before answering…at a meeting with multiple KOLs in the room, there is just not enough time for everyone to voice their opinions.”
- “I was able to really think about my questions and then ponder over others’ answers before the workshop, felt like it made me more productive.”
The future of KOL engagement
While in-person discussions will always have a place in KOL engagement, these responses underscore the value of a more flexible approach. When experts have adequate time to engage thoughtfully and contribute the full benefit of their experience, pharma teams get richer insights to use in decision-making. But that’s not the only reason to shift advisory boards and other activities to an asynchronous platform.
As technologies like artificial intelligence see broader acceptance in the pharmaceutical industry, teams must be prepared. This could mean embracing good change management to ensure success with new technology or investing in an insights management platform that allows you to add capabilities as you need them while continuing to support your ongoing needs.
Even as the tools that enable engagement evolve, the value of KOLs and KEEs will endure. Offering these critical experts a convenient and rewarding experience is advantageous to all parties.
Learn more about the strategy behind a great KOL experience.
