Financial support for research in otolaryngology

Area of Science:

• Medical research funding trends
• Otolaryngology research support
• Head and neck sciences funding

Background:

• Tracking medical research funding is crucial for resource allocation.
• Understanding funding sources and trends informs research strategy.
• Otolaryngology research encompasses basic sciences and clinical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the use of computer-assisted searches for tracking medical research funding.
• To analyze the prevalence and type of funding in medical research, specifically otolaryngology.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of computer-assisted Medline searches (CAMS) for monitoring funding.

Main Methods:

• A computer-assisted observational survey of the medical literature was conducted.
• Computer-assisted Medline searches (CAMS) covered 1986-1991 and 1992-1996.
• Searches focused on funding sources, specialty comparisons, and CAMS validity within otolaryngology.

Main Results:

• Otolaryngology basic sciences received one-third of funding (34%), with increasing National Institutes of Health (NIH) support over time.
• The clinical specialty of otolaryngology was less funded (26%) compared to basic sciences.
• A trend of decreased funding was observed in the clinical specialty of otolaryngology over the study period.

Conclusions:

• Computer-assisted surveys are effective tools for monitoring research funding in otolaryngology and other fields.
• While basic science research in otolaryngology shows growing support, the clinical specialty faces diminishing NIH funding.
• CAMS can be a valuable tool for identifying and addressing funding challenges in otolaryngology.