A model for partnership and research between the CAG and sponsors.

Abstract

337 Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is a field in rapid evolution. The management of patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding has dramatically changed since the early 1990s, which is when the last large, multibodied consensus was put forth (1,2). Recent advances, including developments in the acute care of patients with nonvariceal causes, and the advent of profound acid suppression with intravenous proton pump inhibitors, as well as newer endoscopic technologies, have further significantly affected the standards of care in this therapeutic area (3-7). This focus of clinical care is important to members of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (CAG). Upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding is a very prevalent condition in which the gastrointestinal endoscopist assumes a pivotal role (2,5,8). Thus, this is a clinical management area of keen interest to the membership, and one where it is natural for the CAG to want to take up a leadership role in setting clinical standards tailored to Canadian practice. In 1999, the CAG, in scientific partnership with Byk Canada Inc, developed and initiated the Registry on Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding and Endoscopy (RUGBE). This research partnership is indeed unique. It has forged a novel linkage, which facilitated the genesis of the scientifically rigorous RUGBE. Indeed, RUGBE has set the stage upon which the CAG and its industry partners can advance future research projects that will help provide important and needed Canadian data in the area of gastrointestinal health and diseases. With the RUGBE initiative, the CAG has been able to gather a snapshot of the practice of selected CAG members across the country. RUGBE has gathered extensive clinical A model for partnership and research between the CAG and sponsors