Basic research in endoscopy.

Abstract

Endoscopic research includes Technologic Development, Facilitated Research in which endoscopy may simply be a means to an end (such as to gauge a response to a pharmacologic agent or obtain tissue which is used for genetic analysis); Translational Research which can be defined as the clinical evaluation of endoscopic techniques or technology as well as the delivery of basic science innovations to patients endoscopically; and Outcomes Research. Defining the barriers to endoscopic research is much more important than the distinction of whether the research is basic or clinical. These barriers are multifactorial and include inadequate infrastructure and training and lack of both funding and protected time at the divisional level. Governmental, GI Societal, and industry financial support will all be required as will training programme revisions. The latter may include training in areas such as outcomes, physics, or biomedical engineering; and should also entail a formal mentoring process, "seed money" early in the investigator's career and protected time.