Abstract

Background: The science and technology that form the backbone of today’s anesthesia practice change at a rapid pace. New ideas and innovations, from drug discovery to electronic medical records, have the potential to greatly impact the field of anesthesiology. Despite the plethora of basic science research, translational research, and educational research, there are many hurdles to overcome to develop an idea from an abstract or manuscript into a consumer-ready product. Hypothesis: Development of a standard, multidisciplinary approach to technology development can help one navigate the obstacles of bringing a theoretical idea to a functional product. Method Design: In 2010, a Scholarly Activity Point (SAP) evaluation system was developed to objectively describe the scholarly activity of anesthesiology residents. Its usefulness was verified using a cohort of resident graduates within an anesthesiology program. A SAP calculation tool using the formula presented in the initial scientific abstract served as the instrument to move from conceptual idea to consumer-ready website. Milestones from conception of an idea to creation of a patented product (SAP calculation website: www.scholarlyactivitypoints.com) were identified. The time required to achieve each milestone was recorded. Results: The idea of the SAP evaluation system and matrix (Table 1) was conceptualized in August 2010 (Figure 1). The abstract on the SAP evaluation system was completed in December 2010 (5th month after conception of the idea). The abstract was presented in a total of five professional meetings (local to national) between February 2011 – June 2011 (7th – 11th month) for initial exposure and feedback, which lead to the plan to create a SAP calculation website in June 2011 (11th month). A full manuscript on SAPs was completed and submitted to a peer-reviewed journal in August 2011 (13th month). Prototyping of the SAP calculation website was completed in October 2011 (15th month). Around this phase, meetings were held with the institutional technology development center for business planning and with the institutional legal team for intellectual property right issues. Beta-testing of the SAP calculation website was conducted both on an intra-departmental and an inter-departmental basis in October 2011 – November 2011 (16th month). The final product is expected in 2012 and will be used commercially. Conclusions: Developing a website with real-life application from a theoretical idea involves multiple hurdles and checkpoints. The algorithm presented here attempts to accurately characterize the transformation of a scientific abstract into a functional product. Creating a standard approach to technology development can lead to increased awareness and innovation within our medical specialty.