LAUSR

Publisher Summary Many studies at the cell or gene level may “translate” new information that increases the understanding of how biologic systems function and/or are regulated. Such research is clearly bench-type. Much useful information can come from the study of large databases that may translate new information concerning outcomes and cost benefits of certain diseases and even treatments. Such research is certainly included under the platform of clinical research. Another subset of clinical research is patient-oriented research (POR); it has been divided into subgroups: clinical trials, human pharmacology, human physiology, pathophysiology, and genetics and gene and cell therapy. POR differs from the other major group comprising the clinical research category by the nature of the research material used. Population-oriented researchers use databases, while patient-oriented researchers use individuals. Population-oriented research can be subgrouped into at least three major categories: clinical epidemiology, outcomes, and healthcare service. The other major concept that sometimes distinguishes the patient-oriented investigator from the other two classes of biological scientists is the necessity and complexity of the “team.” While increasingly all biologic scientific endeavors are dependent on some type of teamwork, for the POR investigator it is an absolute requirement. This requirement not only changes the cost of doing the research, but also requires POR investigators to have excellent interpersonal skills (and a subdued ego) to effectively engage their team in the research activity. This chapter gives a complete review of the future of clinical research.