What should be the first course of action when preparing for a pre-submission meeting with a health authority?

The first course of action when preparing for a pre-submission meeting with a health authority is to check on the list of attendees for the meeting. Understanding who will be present allows the organization to tailor the agenda, identify key stakeholders, and anticipate the potential questions and discussions that may arise. Knowing the attendees helps establish the context of the meeting and directs the preparatory efforts effectively, ensuring that all relevant topics align with the interests and expertise of the participants.

Being aware of the attendees also allows for better engagement strategies. Different members from the health authority may have specific focal points or concerns based on their roles. Thus, when preparing an agenda or presentation materials, knowing who will be in attendance helps prioritize content and addresses the most pertinent issues for those participants.

While drafting the meeting agenda, preparing presentation materials, and reviewing previous meeting notes are all valuable steps in the overall preparation process, they become more effective once there is clarity about who will be part of the meeting. This foundational knowledge drives the remaining preparatory activities, enhancing the quality and focus of the discussion during the pre-submission meeting.