Within Medical Affairs, digital transformation is not just a buzzword—it’s a necessary shift that is reshaping how teams operate and derive strategic value from data. The rise of technologies like artificial intelligence and omnichannel engagement is unlocking new ways to gather, analyze, and act on insights. Yet, the path to effective digital integration is filled with challenges, from selecting the right technology partners to ensuring data processes are robust and compliant.
Donna Holder, Executive Director, Head of Digital Strategy and Innovation at Daiichi Sankyo, joined Acceleration Point Co-CEO Scott Thompson on OnPoint: The Medical Excellence Podcast, to discuss what Medical Affairs teams should look for when selecting a Medical Insights platform and partner, keys to successful digital transformation and the role of AI in Medical Affairs. Watch Scott’s full conversation with Donna here.
The Role of Digital in Medical Affairs
The world of Medical Affairs continues to evolve, and digital innovation is no longer a futuristic vision but a current reality shaping strategies and operations. As Donna Holder, Executive Director, Head of Digital Strategy and Innovation at Daiichi Sankyo, aptly noted during an episode on OnPoint: The Medical Excellence Podcast with Acceleration Point Co-CEO Scott Thompson, “Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen omnichannel and artificial intelligence topics dominate conferences. Now, teams are moving from learning to action.”
Medical Affairs teams are expected to leverage advanced digital tools for efficiency and strategic decision-making. This shift demands digital investment and thoughtful integration of technology, which poses both opportunities and risks. Kwello simplifies this complexity by focusing on refining processes, not just adding tech solutions. Our tailored platform ensures that every digital advancement genuinely supports Medical Affairs in achieving meaningful outcomes.
Choosing the Right Insights Technology Partner
Amid a sea of emerging vendors, how do you select a partner that aligns with your goals? On our podcast, Donna Holder emphasized the criticality of working with companies that “demonstrate experience in Medical Affairs” and can effectively navigate the unique challenges of this field. “When they don’t ask the right questions about our processes or infrastructure, I wonder how much they really know,” she shared, underscoring the need for relevant expertise.
Kwello stands out in this landscape by prioritizing Medical Affairs teams. Our platform is custom-built to transform insights into impactful strategies, with the flexibility to work seamlessly across different organizational structures. We understand that collaboration with the right technology partner can accelerate your digital transformation, enabling more insightful decisions while respecting the regulatory and procedural nuances of the pharmaceutical industry.
Using AI for Insights Analysis
The application of AI in Medical Affairs, particularly for insights analysis, is a hot topic. “AI helps us move from manual processes—where MSLs sift through data on spreadsheets—to instantaneous insights through machine learning and natural language processing,” said Holder. However, she cautioned that AI is not a magic bullet: “People think it’s magic, but it requires training and feeding it the right data.”
Kwello’s AI-powered tool, ElsieAI, enhances the insights journey from insight generation to insight analysis that can be used to develop and hone medical strategy. What excites us most is the potential for AI not just to automate analysis but to assist in creating better input data. Imagine an AI whispering in your ear as you enter insights: “That’s not an insight” or “Your explanation needs clarity.” By embedding AI into the data capture process, Kwello helps ensure better data quality, making downstream analysis far more reliable and actionable.
Digital Transformation and Kwello’s Commitment
Digital transformation in Medical Affairs is more than adopting the latest tech trends; it requires a comprehensive strategy that integrates people, processes, and technology. As Donna Holder articulated, the success of digital initiatives often depends on having a leader who is not only knowledgeable about Medical Affairs but also curious about technology. “I would choose someone with strong Medical Affairs experience over someone purely technical,” she said.
Kwello’s unique approach addresses these needs. We partner with Medical Affairs leaders to provide not only technology but also the strategic guidance and support necessary for effective implementation. By prioritizing user-friendly interfaces, robust AI capabilities, and a deep understanding of Medical Affairs, Kwello ensures your team is equipped to thrive in the digital age.
Conclusion
As Medical Affairs enters this new digital frontier, the right insights technology partner can make all the difference. With Kwello, you gain more than a tool—you gain a partner dedicated to making you the hero of your organization. Our platform empowers you to turn insights into action and fosters a future-ready, data-driven strategy.
Ready to transform your Medical Affairs strategy? Connect with us to schedule a meeting with our team.
