Adapting digital technology to the gastroenterology and endoscopy practice in the pandemic era

Abstract

There has been a shift toward the use of digital technology worldwide due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. People are advised to stay at home to maintain physical distancing and reduce risks of infection. Clinical services are put to minimum operations and routine endoscopic services have been inadvertently halted. With no definitive treatment of the viral disease up to now, lockdowns and mitigation efforts have been extended. In effect, clinicians resort to other feasible and creative means to continue their practice in the attempt to move forward and achieve normalcy. As gastroenterologists, we adapt and respond using different technological opportunities to be able to resume our clinical practice with utmost priority on safety. Fellows continue their training with the blended method of limited patient encounters and maximized digital learning. Digital tools that can be used include telemedicine, eHealth, internet, social media, and video conference platforms. Newer innovations such as wearable technologies, virtual realities, and artificial intelligence endoscopy could also be tapped. Nevertheless, there are perceived barriers in the practice of technology and these should be adequately addressed.