Financial support for research in otolaryngology

Abstract

Objectives: This project describes the use of computer-assisted searches of medical literature in an attempt to track the prevalence and type of funding of medical research. Study design and setting: The study is a computer-assisted observational survey of the medical literature. To establish a database and track funding trends, a computer-assisted Medline search (CAMS) of the literature from 1986 to 1991 and 1992 to August 1996 was undertaken for 3 areas of interest: (1) sources of support, (2) comparison with other specialties, and (3) the validity of CAMS. A journal-based search examined the field of otolaryngology, which includes all the head and neck related sciences, and an institution-based search examined the clinical specialty of otolaryngology. Results: By selected journal search, the field of otolaryngology has about one-third funding (34% of 20,751 papers), and about one-half of that is supported by the National Institutes of Health. This proportion of federal support increased over time. By institution line search, the specialty of otolaryngology is less well funded (26% of 15,480 papers) as might be expected. However, in contrast to basic sciences, there is a trend of decreased funding over the 11-year period of the study. Significance: It appears that while the field of otolaryngology (basic scientists and clinicians) may be enjoying increasing support of research, the clinical specialty of otolaryngology is among the many specialties that exhibit a trend of decreasing level of NIH support. Conclusions: Computer-assisted surveys are an effective method of tracking funding for research in otolaryngology and other specialties. CAMS may be a valuable tool for monitoring efforts to improve funding resources for otolaryngology.