MSL insights gathering is a core competency but is also tricky tricky. The best, most impactful MSLs are continuously upskilling. Especially when it comes to insights gathering. A way to improve insights gathering capabilities is to review past activities.

“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards.” -Steve Jobs

Reflecting on prior insights activity improves performance, increases adaptability, and helps advance your career. Here is a insights yearly review template for MSLs to:

🎯Review the impact their insights gathering activities had
🎯Understand what worked and what didn’t
🎯Set insights priorities for the coming year

Use the form below to download!

Why Reviewing Insights Activities is Key 🗝️

MSL insights (or medical insights) help Medical Affairs teams show their value. Great insights guide decision-making making but getting insights right is a top challenge for MSLs. The healthcare landscape and medical strategies are constantly changing. New clinical trials start. New competitor products get approved. Being strategic and having decision-grade insights is critical. If MSLs can nail insights, they create a strategic decision-making tool for the organization.

High performers constantly review past activities, what worked, what didn’t and why, and then use this to guide efforts (if you want to get serious about focusing on high-impact work, check out this weekly reset article). It helps avoid making the same mistake over and over again, and to double down on what works (check out this article for review questions!). The insights yearly review template for MSLs is designed to help MSLs approach insights gathering strategically. Download using the form below.

How to Use the Insights Yearly Review Template for MSLs

1. Download the insights yearly review template for MSLs by filling out the form. You will receive both a printable and editable PDF. Pick the format that suits you best.

2. Dedicate 30-60 to reflect on the questions/prompts and fill out the form.

3. Review this form monthly/quarterly to ensure you are on track. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

⭐ Am I sticking to my insights priorities?
⭐ Why or why not?
⭐ Am I on track?

You can find more questions here. 

Conclusion

A core component of strategic thinking in Medical Affairs is connecting the dots. This helps identify future opportunities and challenges to creative solutions to overcome them. MSL insights are a strategic tool. By uncovering the motivations and the why behind HCPs’ thoughts and behaviors, life sciences companies can make better decisions to create better patient outcomes.

MSLs that are top performers know that insights gathering skills require a proactive approach. Great insights don’t magically materialize (get tips to avoid common insights gathering pitfalls in this eBook). High-performing MSLs have a plan for gathering great insights and are always looking for ways to improve. This insights yearly review template for MSLs helps stay on top of the game.