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

Enrique de-Madaria, José J. Mira, Irene Carrillo, Waqqas Afif, Daphne Ang, Marina Antelo, Steven Bollipo, Antoni Castells, Prabhleen Chahal, Henriette Heinrich, Joanna K. Law, Monique E. van Leerdam, Sabela Lens, Rahul Pannala, San Hyoung Park, Atoosa Rabiee, Edoardo V. Savarino, Vikesh K. Singh, John Vargo, Aline CharabatyJoost P.H. Drenth

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)485-494
Number of pages10
JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Volume7
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2022

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Gastroenterology
  • Hepatology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The present and future of gastroenterology and hepatology: an international SWOT analysis (the GASTROSWOT project)'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this