7 ways asynchronous advisory programs can make an impact
In biopharmaceuticals, success often requires you to be the first to know and first to act in a rapidly changing environment. Advisory and other insight-gathering activities are critical decision-making catalysts that determine whether you end up ahead or behind the curve.
Traditional, in-person advisory programs have been increasingly supplemented with collaboration-over-time (asynchronous) approaches that, when implemented correctly, can add insight and value not previously accessible. One challenge with implementing asynchronous insight-gathering tactics is that viewing them simply as digital versions of a traditional advisory board leaves many opportunities on the table. Here are seven ways that asynchronous advisory programs can add distinct value to your strategic mix:
1. Bite-size insight. Simplify content for targeted questions.
The sheer amount of information exchanged during a multiday advisory meeting can be daunting. There can be a sense of urgency to cover tremendous ground “while everyone is together” and often you leave out some critical questions. The notion of a one-question ad board may feel absurd, but what if this was practical? Asynchronous (Asynch) advisory activities, given their inherent speed and efficiency, are excellent at focusing on smaller, critical questions.
2. Expanding perspectives: Build a bigger tent.
As the health system becomes more complex and fragmented, it is becoming more important to understand perspectives across the entire spectrum of care. Asynch can help teams break away from the top-of-pyramid approach to advisory selection and include groups or individuals with specialized expertise much more efficiently. Further, there are many experts who have valuable insights to give but simply will not travel or are difficult to schedule. Offering simplified engagements, completed on their time, can be the difference between having a working engagement with a Healthcare Practitioner HCP or not.
3. Offer some time to think: Enhanced decision-making and problem-solving.
In an industry where decisions can have significant consequences, the quality of every contribution matters. Sometimes the more hectic, taking-turns environment of a live event provides participants with less time to reflect, research, and respond thoughtfully. Asynch programs that promote ongoing discussion and dialogue can lead to more informed and nuanced discussions. This ensures that the insights you gather are the result of careful deliberation and diverse input, crucial in a field where precision is paramount.
4. Prepare advisors for important events.
Perhaps it’s time to rethink the pre-read. When advisors come to advisory events well prepared, it’s always a win. Often there will be information that advisors will need to process and learn before providing feedback. Digital platforms can enhance the pre-read into a more meaningful experienced with rich media, video, polls, interactive instruction, and surveys.
5. Respect experts’ limited time.
Our data show that HCPs do enjoy and value in-person interaction but also appreciate the opportunity to contribute when they are the most focused and prepared and with respect to their own work and life schedules. A specialty dermatology company recently polled 28 of its advisors on this question. None reported preferring exclusively in-person events, 29% preferred exclusively asynch activities, and the rest cited preferring a blended approach. Asynch collaboration streamlines workflows and demonstrates empathy for participants’ often extremely busy lives.
6. Go with the flow: Sequencing content over time.
Imagine being able to stop time for 24 hours in the middle of an advisory board meeting, giving you time to adapt content for the second half of the agenda based on feedback from the first. There are many scenarios where the insights from one group may fuel the questions posed to another. Asynch engagements give you the ability to flow insights from one activity to the next and can be exceptionally powerful, especially when you require insights across multiple, diverse groups of experts.
7. Scalability and adaptability: Meeting the industry’s evolving needs.
The pharmaceutical industry is constantly evolving, driven by new scientific discoveries, regulatory changes, and global health challenges. Asynch collaboration is inherently scalable and adaptable, enabling organizations to respond swiftly to changing circumstances and scale their operations as needed.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Conclusion
Asynch advisory engagements are not only an alternative to the conventional; they are fast becoming part of how biopharmaceutical leaders will meet the challenges of the future. As we move forward, the adoption and refinement of asynch collaboration tools and methodologies will play a critical role in the continued growth and success of the pharmaceutical industry.