The present and future of gastroenterology and hepatology: an international SWOT analysis (the GASTROSWOT project). (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: de-Madaria, Enrique; Mira, José J; Carrillo, Irene; Afif, Waqqas; Ang, Daphne; Antelo, Marina; Bollipo, Steven; Castells, Antoni; Chahal, Prabhleen; Heinrich, Henriette; Law, Joanna K; van Leerdam, Monique E; Lens, Sabela; Pannala, Rahul; Park, San Hyoung; Rabiee, Atoosa; Savarino, Edoardo V; Singh, Vikesh K; Vargo, John; Charabaty, Aline; Drenth, Joost P H
• Is Part Of: Lancet gastroenterology and hepatology. Volume 7:Number 5(2022)
• Page Start: 485
• Page End: 494
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• DOI: 10.1016/S2468-1253(21)00442-8
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2468-1253

Abstract

Summary: GASTROSWOT is a strategic analysis of the current and projected states of the different subspecialties in gastroenterology that aims to provide guidance for research, clinical, and financial planning in gastroenterology. We executed a consensus-based international strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis. Four general coordinators, six field coordinators, and 12 experts participated in the study. SWOTs were provided for the following fields: neurogastroenterology, functional gastrointestinal disorders, and upper gastrointestinal diseases; inflammatory bowel disease; pancreatology and biliary diseases; endoscopy; gastrointestinal oncology; and hepatology. The GASTROSWOT analysis highlights the following in the current state of the field of gastroenterology: the incidence and complexity of several gastrointestinal diseases, including malignancies, are increasing; the COVID-19 pandemic has affected patient care on several levels; and with the advent of technical innovations in gastroenterology, a well trained workforce and strategic planning are required to optimise health-care utilisation. The analysis calls attention to the following in the future of gastroenterology: artificial intelligence and the use of big data will speed up discovery and smarter health-care provision in the field; the growth and diversification of gastroenterological specialties will improve specialised care for patients, but could promote fragmentation of care and health system inefficiencies; and furthermore, thoughtful planning is needed to reach an effective balance between the need for subspecialists and the value of general gastroenterology services.