Module one, twenty twenty-three
Module one, twenty twenty-three
Part one - Historical overview
One point one. Why research is important
One point one. Why research is important
Medical science and practice is constantly evolving. New diagnostic and therapeutic treatments appear every year, often replacing established treatments that are either not effective, indicated or accessible for many patients.
This implies that:
. established treatments need to be monitored and evaluated to determine when they are effective,
. the search for new treatments must be ongoing,
. medicine is inherently experimental,
. new diseases and conditions emerge that require novel treatments.
Research is a central and indispensable component of improving health. Over the past century, there has been great progress in medical research, including the development of many new drugs, devices and techniques such as surgical, transplant and transfusion procedures. The field of health research has expanded tremendously in the past half century in terms of both financial investment and diversity in epidemiology, genetics, sociology and anthropology, and health systems research.
Although much new knowledge has been generated, large gaps remain. The knowledge and tools available are not always adequate to tackle existing health problems and there is a constant and never-ending need to generate new information and develop improved and more effective ways of protecting and promoting health and reducing disease. Further advances in these areas require research involving human participants.
In low- and middle-income countries, the need for research related to the burden of diseases and the improvement of healthcare is urgent. Many products of research (for example, new drugs) are not readily available or accessible. In addition, it is important to continue expanding the quality and quantity of research that focuses on the health problems of poorer countries and of marginalized populations. Wherever possible, such research should be conducted in these countries with the full involvement of local researchers, with the goal of improving health services and alleviating suffering.