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77 interesting medical research topics for 2024

Last updated

25 November 2023

Reviewed by

Brittany Ferri, PhD, OTR/L

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Medical research is the gateway to improved patient care and expanding our available treatment options. However, finding a relevant and compelling research topic can be challenging.

Use this article as a jumping-off point to select an interesting medical research topic for your next paper or clinical study.

• How to choose a medical research topic

When choosing a research topic , it’s essential to consider a couple of things. What topics interest you? What unanswered questions do you want to address? 

During the decision-making and brainstorming process, here are a few helpful tips to help you pick the right medical research topic:

Focus on a particular field of study

The best medical research is specific to a particular area. Generalized studies are often too broad to produce meaningful results, so we advise picking a specific niche early in the process. 

Maybe a certain topic interests you, or your industry knowledge reveals areas of need.

Look into commonly researched topics

Once you’ve chosen your research field, do some preliminary research. What have other academics done in their papers and projects? 

From this list, you can focus on specific topics that interest you without accidentally creating a copycat project. This groundwork will also help you uncover any literature gaps—those may be beneficial areas for research.

Get curious and ask questions

Now you can get curious. Ask questions that start with why, how, or what. These questions are the starting point of your project design and will act as your guiding light throughout the process. 

For example: 

What impact does pollution have on children’s lung function in inner-city neighborhoods? 

Why is pollution-based asthma on the rise? 

How can we address pollution-induced asthma in young children? 

• 77 medical research topics worth exploring in 2023

Need some research inspiration for your upcoming paper or clinical study? We’ve compiled a list of 77 topical and in-demand medical research ideas. Let’s take a look. 

• Exciting new medical research topics

If you want to study cutting-edge topics, here are some exciting options:

COVID-19 and long COVID symptoms

Since 2020, COVID-19 has been a hot-button topic in medicine, along with the long-term symptoms in those with a history of COVID-19. 

Examples of COVID-19-related research topics worth exploring include:

The long-term impact of COVID-19 on cardiac and respiratory health

COVID-19 vaccination rates

The evolution of COVID-19 symptoms over time

New variants and strains of the COVID-19 virus

Changes in social behavior and public health regulations amid COVID-19

Vaccinations

Finding ways to cure or reduce the disease burden of chronic infectious diseases is a crucial research area. Vaccination is a powerful option and a great topic to research. 

Examples of vaccination-related research topics include:

mRNA vaccines for viral infections

Biomaterial vaccination capabilities

Vaccination rates based on location, ethnicity, or age

Public opinion about vaccination safety 

Artificial tissues fabrication

With the need for donor organs increasing, finding ways to fabricate artificial bioactive tissues (and possibly organs) is a popular research area. 

Examples of artificial tissue-related research topics you can study include:

The viability of artificially printed tissues

Tissue substrate and building block material studies

The ethics and efficacy of artificial tissue creation

• Medical research topics for medical students

For many medical students, research is a big driver for entering healthcare. If you’re a medical student looking for a research topic, here are some great ideas to work from:

Sleep disorders

Poor sleep quality is a growing problem, and it can significantly impact a person’s overall health. 

Examples of sleep disorder-related research topics include:

How stress affects sleep quality

The prevalence and impact of insomnia on patients with mental health conditions

Possible triggers for sleep disorder development

The impact of poor sleep quality on psychological and physical health

How melatonin supplements impact sleep quality

Alzheimer’s and dementia 

Cognitive conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are on the rise worldwide. They currently have no cure. As a result, research about these topics is in high demand. 

Examples of dementia-related research topics you could explore include:

The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in a chosen population

Early onset symptoms of dementia

Possible triggers or causes of cognitive decline with age

Treatment options for dementia-like conditions

The mental and physical burden of caregiving for patients with dementia

• Lifestyle habits and public health

Modern lifestyles have profoundly impacted the average person’s daily habits, and plenty of interesting topics explore its effects. 

Examples of lifestyle and public health-related research topics include:

The nutritional intake of college students

The impact of chronic work stress on overall health

The rise of upper back and neck pain from laptop use

Prevalence and cause of repetitive strain injuries (RSI)

• Controversial medical research paper topics

Medical research is a hotbed of controversial topics, content, and areas of study. 

If you want to explore a more niche (and attention-grabbing) concept, here are some controversial medical research topics worth looking into:

The benefits and risks of medical cannabis

Depending on where you live, the legalization and use of cannabis for medical conditions is controversial for the general public and healthcare providers.

Examples of medical cannabis-related research topics that might grab your attention include:

The legalization process of medical cannabis

The impact of cannabis use on developmental milestones in youth users

Cannabis and mental health diagnoses

CBD’s impact on chronic pain

Prevalence of cannabis use in young people

The impact of maternal cannabis use on fetal development 

Understanding how THC impacts cognitive function

Human genetics

The Human Genome Project identified, mapped, and sequenced all human DNA genes. Its completion in 2003 opened up a world of exciting and controversial studies in human genetics.

Examples of human genetics-related research topics worth delving into include:

Medical genetics and the incidence of genetic-based health disorders

Behavioral genetics differences between identical twins

Genetic risk factors for neurodegenerative disorders

Machine learning technologies for genetic research

Sexual health studies

Human sexuality and sexual health are important (yet often stigmatized) medical topics that need new research and analysis.

As a diverse field ranging from sexual orientation studies to sexual pathophysiology, examples of sexual health-related research topics include:

The incidence of sexually transmitted infections within a chosen population

Mental health conditions within the LGBTQIA+ community

The impact of untreated sexually transmitted infections

Access to safe sex resources (condoms, dental dams, etc.) in rural areas

• Health and wellness research topics

Human wellness and health are trendy topics in modern medicine as more people are interested in finding natural ways to live healthier lifestyles. 

If this field of study interests you, here are some big topics in the wellness space:

Gluten sensitivity

Gluten allergies and intolerances have risen over the past few decades. If you’re interested in exploring this topic, your options range in severity from mild gastrointestinal symptoms to full-blown anaphylaxis. 

Some examples of gluten sensitivity-related research topics include:

The pathophysiology and incidence of Celiac disease

Early onset symptoms of gluten intolerance

The prevalence of gluten allergies within a set population

Gluten allergies and the incidence of other gastrointestinal health conditions

Pollution and lung health

Living in large urban cities means regular exposure to high levels of pollutants. 

As more people become interested in protecting their lung health, examples of impactful lung health and pollution-related research topics include:

The extent of pollution in densely packed urban areas

The prevalence of pollution-based asthma in a set population

Lung capacity and function in young people

The benefits and risks of steroid therapy for asthma

Pollution risks based on geographical location

Plant-based diets

Plant-based diets like vegan and paleo diets are emerging trends in healthcare due to their limited supporting research. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the potential benefits or risks of holistic, diet-based medicine, examples of plant-based diet research topics to explore include:

Vegan and plant-based diets as part of disease management

Potential risks and benefits of specific plant-based diets

Plant-based diets and their impact on body mass index

The effect of diet and lifestyle on chronic disease management

Health supplements

Supplements are a multi-billion dollar industry. Many health-conscious people take supplements, including vitamins, minerals, herbal medicine, and more. 

Examples of health supplement-related research topics worth investigating include:

Omega-3 fish oil safety and efficacy for cardiac patients

The benefits and risks of regular vitamin D supplementation

Health supplementation regulation and product quality

The impact of social influencer marketing on consumer supplement practices

Analyzing added ingredients in protein powders

• Healthcare research topics

Working within the healthcare industry means you have insider knowledge and opportunity. Maybe you’d like to research the overall system, administration, and inherent biases that disrupt access to quality care. 

While these topics are essential to explore, it is important to note that these studies usually require approval and oversight from an Institutional Review Board (IRB). This ensures the study is ethical and does not harm any subjects. 

For this reason, the IRB sets protocols that require additional planning, so consider this when mapping out your study’s timeline. 

Here are some examples of trending healthcare research areas worth pursuing:

The pros and cons of electronic health records

The rise of electronic healthcare charting and records has forever changed how medical professionals and patients interact with their health data. 

Examples of electronic health record-related research topics include:

The number of medication errors reported during a software switch

Nurse sentiment analysis of electronic charting practices

Ethical and legal studies into encrypting and storing personal health data

Inequities within healthcare access

Many barriers inhibit people from accessing the quality medical care they need. These issues result in health disparities and injustices. 

Examples of research topics about health inequities include:

The impact of social determinants of health in a set population

Early and late-stage cancer stage diagnosis in urban vs. rural populations

Affordability of life-saving medications

Health insurance limitations and their impact on overall health

Diagnostic and treatment rates across ethnicities

People who belong to an ethnic minority are more likely to experience barriers and restrictions when trying to receive quality medical care. This is due to systemic healthcare racism and bias. 

As a result, diagnostic and treatment rates in minority populations are a hot-button field of research. Examples of ethnicity-based research topics include:

Cancer biopsy rates in BIPOC women

The prevalence of diabetes in Indigenous communities

Access inequalities in women’s health preventative screenings

The prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension in Black populations

• Pharmaceutical research topics

Large pharmaceutical companies are incredibly interested in investing in research to learn more about potential cures and treatments for diseases. 

If you’re interested in building a career in pharmaceutical research, here are a few examples of in-demand research topics:

Cancer treatment options

Clinical research is in high demand as pharmaceutical companies explore novel cancer treatment options outside of chemotherapy and radiation. 

Examples of cancer treatment-related research topics include:

Stem cell therapy for cancer

Oncogenic gene dysregulation and its impact on disease

Cancer-causing viral agents and their risks

Treatment efficacy based on early vs. late-stage cancer diagnosis

Cancer vaccines and targeted therapies

Immunotherapy for cancer

Pain medication alternatives

Historically, opioid medications were the primary treatment for short- and long-term pain. But, with the opioid epidemic getting worse, the need for alternative pain medications has never been more urgent. 

Examples of pain medication-related research topics include:

Opioid withdrawal symptoms and risks

Early signs of pain medication misuse

Anti-inflammatory medications for pain control

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• 10 Research Question Examples to Guide Your Research Project

10 Research Question Examples to Guide your Research Project

Published on October 30, 2022 by Shona McCombes . Revised on October 19, 2023.

The research question is one of the most important parts of your research paper , thesis or dissertation . It’s important to spend some time assessing and refining your question before you get started.

The exact form of your question will depend on a few things, such as the length of your project, the type of research you’re conducting, the topic , and the research problem . However, all research questions should be focused, specific, and relevant to a timely social or scholarly issue.

Once you’ve read our guide on how to write a research question , you can use these examples to craft your own.

Note that the design of your research question can depend on what method you are pursuing. Here are a few options for qualitative, quantitative, and statistical research questions.

Other interesting articles

If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Methodology

• Sampling methods
• Simple random sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Cluster sampling
• Likert scales
• Reproducibility

 Statistics

• Null hypothesis
• Statistical power
• Probability distribution
• Effect size
• Poisson distribution

Research bias

• Optimism bias
• Cognitive bias
• Implicit bias
• Hawthorne effect
• Anchoring bias
• Explicit bias

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McCombes, S. (2023, October 19). 10 Research Question Examples to Guide your Research Project. Scribbr. Retrieved September 18, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-question-examples/

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Explore the Best Medical and Health Research Topics Ideas

Table of contents

• 1 How to Choose Medical Research Paper Topics
• 2 New Medical Research Paper Topics
• 3 Medical Research Topics for College Students
• 4 Controversial Medical Topics for Research Paper
• 5 Health Research Topics
• 6 Medicine Research Topics
• 7 Healthcare Research Topics
• 8 Public Health Research Topics
• 9 Mental Health Research Paper Topics
• 10 Anatomy Research Topics
• 11 Biomedical Research Topics
• 12 Bioethics Research Topics
• 13 Cancer Research Topics
• 14 Clinical Research Topics
• 15 Critical Care Research Topics
• 16 Pediatric Research Topics
• 17 Dental Research Topics Ideas
• 18 Dermatology Research Topics
• 19 Primary Care Research Topics
• 20 Pharmaceutical Research Topics
• 21 Medical Anthropology Research Topics
• 22 Paramedic Research Paper Topics
• 23 Surgery Research Topics
• 24 Radiology Research Paper Topics
• 25 Anatomy and Physiology Research Paper Topics
• 26 Healthcare Management Research Paper Topics
• 27 Medical Ethics Research Paper Topics
• 28 Environmental Health and Pollution Research Paper Topics
• 29 Conclusion

Writing an original and compelling research paper is a daunting task in such a complex and broad field as medicine. Each student decides where his interests lie, from investigating public care concerns to cancer treatment studies. We aim to help students find new angles to study and focus on relevant topics. With our resources, you can write an engaging and rigorous paper.

How to Choose Medical Research Paper Topics

Choosing good research paper topics is often more challenging than the writing process itself. You need to select a captivating subject matter that will grab the reader’s attention, showcase your knowledge of a specific field, help you progress in your studies, and perhaps even inspire future research.

To accomplish that, you need to start with brainstorming, followed by thorough research. Here are some great tips to follow:

• Pick an interesting topic – The key is to pick something that you find interesting, and yet make sure it’s not too general or too narrow. It should allow you to delve deep into the subject matter and show that you’re a professional who is ready to take on a challenge when it comes to your chosen field of medicine.
• Narrow down your focus – Once you have a list of potential topics, sift through recent medical research papers to get up-to-date with the latest trends, developments, and issues in medicine and healthcare. Check out textbooks, news articles, and other relevant sources for more information related to your potential topics. If a particular condition or disease interests you (perhaps something that drew you to a career in medicine), there’s your cue for narrowing down your topic.
• Pinpoint the “why,” “how,” and “what” – Whether you are looking into nutrition research paper topics , controversial medical topics, nursing research topics, or anything in-between, ask yourself why each of them is important. How could they contribute to the available medical studies, if any? What new information could they bring to improve the future of medicine? Asking these questions will help you pick the right medical research paper topic that suits you and helps you move forward and reach your aspirations.

To help you on that quest, we’ve compiled a list of topics that you could use or that might inspire you to come up with something unique. Let’s dive in.

New Medical Research Paper Topics

Are you interested in the newest and most interesting developments in medicine? We put hours of effort into identifying the current trends in health research so we could provide you with these examples of topics. Whether you hire a research paper writing service for students or write a paper by yourself, you need an appealing topic to focus on.

• Epidemics versus pandemics
• Child health care
• Medical humanitarian missions in the developing world
• Effectiveness of mobile health clinics in rural Africa
• Homeopathic medicines – the placebo effect
• Comparative study of the efficacy of homeopathic treatments and conventional medicine in managing chronic pain
• Virus infections – causes and treatment
• Trends in COVID-19 vaccine uptake
• Advancements in the treatment of influenza
• Is medical research on animals ethical
• Vaccination – dangers versus benefits
• Artificial tissues and organs
• Rare genetic diseases
• Brain injuries
• Long-Term Effects of COVID-19
• Social behavior shifts due to COVID-19

Medical Research Topics for College Students

You don’t know where to start with your medical research paper? There are so many things you could write about that the greatest challenge is to narrow them down. This is why we decided to help.

• Antibiotics treatments
• Efficacy of mRNA vaccines against viral diseases
• Viability and function of 3D printed tissues
• Chronic diseases
• Palliative treatment
• Battling Alzheimer’s disease
• How modern lifestyle affects public health
• Professional diseases
• Sleep disorders
• Changes in physical and mental health due to aging
• Eating disorders
• Terminal diseases

Controversial Medical Topics for Research Paper

In healthcare, new discoveries can change people’s lives in the blink of an eye. This is also the reason why there are so many controversial topics in medicine, which involve anything from religion to ethics or social responsibility. Read on to discover our top controversial research topics.

• Ethical debates on artificial tissue engineering
• Public opinions on vaccination safety
• Implementing food standards
• Telehealth’s Role in Chronic Illness Management
• Gluten allergy
• Assisted suicide for terminal patients
• Testing vaccines on animals – ethical concerns
• Moral responsibilities regarding cloning
• Marijuana legalization for medical purposes
• Abortion – medical approaches
• Vegan diets – benefits and dangers
• Increased life expectancy: a burden on the healthcare system?
• Circumcision effects

Health Research Topics

Students conducting health research struggle with finding good ideas related to their medical interests. If you want to write interesting college papers, you can select a good topic for our list.

• Impact of location, ethnicity, or age on vaccination rates
• Uses of biomaterials in vaccination technology
• Deafness: communication disorders
• Household air pollution
• Diabetes – a public danger
• Coronaviruses
• Oral health assessment
• Tobacco and alcohol control
• Diseases caused by lack of physical exercise
• How urban pollution affects respiratory diseases
• Healthy diets

Medicine Research Topics

Regardless of the requirements in your research assignment, you can write about something that is both engaging and useful in your future career. Choose a topic from below.

• Causes for the increasing cancer cases
• Insulin resistance
• How terrorism affects mental health
• AIDS/HIV – latest developments
• Treating pregnant women versus non-pregnant women
• Latest innovations in medical instruments
• Genetic engineering
• Successful treatment of mental diseases
• Is autism a disease
• Natural coma versus artificial coma
• Treatments for sleep disorders and their effectiveness
• Role of melatonin supplements in sleep quality

Healthcare Research Topics

Healthcare research includes political and social aspects, besides medical. For college students who want to explore how medicine is affected by society’s values or principles, we provide examples of topics for papers. Select yours from the list below.

• Government investment in healthcare services in the EU versus the USA
• Inequalities in healthcare assistance and services
• Electronic health records systems – pros and cons
• Can asylums treat mental issues
• Health care for prison inmates
• Equipment for improving the treatment of AIDS
• Correlation between economic development and health care services across countries
• Impact of smoking on organs
• Heart attacks – causes and effects
• Breast cancer – recent developments
• Materials used in artificial tissue and their impacts

Public Health Research Topics

For current examples of public health topics, browse our list. We provide only original, researchable examples for which you can easily find supporting data and evidence.

• Public versus private hospitals
• Health Disparities in Diabetes Management Across Different Socioeconomic Groups
• Health care professionals – management principles
• Surgery failures – who is responsible
• What legal responsibilities has the hospital administration
• Patient service quality in public versus private hospitals
• What benefits do national health care systems have
• Estimated costs of cancer treatments
• Public health in developing countries
• Banning tobacco ads – importance for public health
• Government solutions to the anti-vaccine’s movement
• How the COVID-19 pandemic has changed public health regulations

Mental Health Research Paper Topics

Mental health is one of the most complex areas of medicine, where things are never as clear as with other medical issues. This increases the research potential of the field with plenty of topics left for debate.

• Mental Health Impact of Social Media on American Teenagers
• Causes of anxiety disorders
• Bulimia versus anorexia
• Childhood trauma
• Mental health public policies
• Impact of Lifestyle Factors on the Progression of Dementia in the Elderly Population
• Postpartum Depression
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
• Seasonal Affective Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Stress and its effects on sleep quality
• Insomnia and its relation to mental health disorders

Anatomy Research Topics

Anatomy covers everything about the human body and how it works. If you find that intriguing and want to pay for medical research paper, start by selecting a topic.

• Causes and treatments of virus infections
• Chemotherapy: how it affects the body
• Thyroid glands – functions in the body
• Human endocrine system
• Preventative Measures and Treatments for Common Liver Diseases
• Heart diseases
• How does the human muscular system develop
• Lymphatic system – importance
• Investigating genetic diseases
• Digestive system
• Role of the Spleen in the Human Immune System and Related Disorders

Biomedical Research Topics

Biology and medicine often work together. For the newest changes in the biomedical field, check our topics.

• Comparative Efficacy of Alternative Medicine Practices in Chronic Pain Management
• Alzheimer’s disease – paths for treatment
• Vaccines and drug development in the treatment of Ebola
• Antibiotic resistance
• Biological effects caused by aging
• Air pollution effects on health
• Infectious disease past versus present
• Regenerative medicine
• Biomedical diagnostics
• Biomedical technology
• Advanced biomaterials for vaccine delivery

Bioethics Research Topics

A controversial area of medicine, bioethics is where you get the chance to add personal input to a research topic and come up with new insights. You could consider these subjects.

• Organ donation
• Alternative or complementary medicine
• Assisted suicide or the right to die
• Artificial insemination or surrogacy
• Chemical and biological warfare
• Contraception
• Environmental bioethics
• In Vitro Fertilization
• Ethical considerations in medical research on animals

Cancer Research Topics

Are you writing a paper related to cancer causes, diagnosis, treatment or effects? Look below for a hot topic that it’s easy to research and important for medical advance.

• The ability of immune system cells to fight cancer
• Computational oncology
• Metastasis affected by drug resistance
• Stem cells – applications for cancer treatment
• Tumor microenvironment
• Obesity and age in cancer occurrence
• Early cancer detection – benefits
• Artificial intelligence predicting cancer
• Hematologic malignancies
• Pathogen-related cancers
• Impact of COVID-19 on cancer treatment studies

Clinical Research Topics

Learn more about clinical medicine by conducting more in-depth research. We prepared for you a list of relevant issues to touch upon.

• Ethical concerns regarding research on human subjects
• Subject recruitment
• Budget preparation
• Human subject protection
• Clinical trials – financial support
• Clinical practices for health professionals
• Using vulnerable populations in clinical research
• Quality assurance in clinical research
• Academic clinical trials versus clinical trials units
• Data collection and management
• Evolution of clinical symptoms in COVID-19 patients

Critical Care Research Topics

Critical care is a key area in medical studies. Explore these topics in your research paper to gain more valuable knowledge in this field. You can also get in contact with nursing research paper writers .

• Obesity and asthma – clinical manifestations
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Rhythm analysis for cardiac arrest
• Traumatic brain injury – fluid resuscitation
• Hydrocortisone for multiple trauma patients
• Care and nutrition for critically ill adults
• Diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis
• Coma and sedation scales
• Artificial airways suctioning
• Arterial puncture and arterial line
• Long-term cardiac and respiratory effects of COVID-19

Pediatric Research Topics

Any topic that refers to health care for children, pregnant women, mothers, and adolescents goes under pediatric care.

• Early Intervention Methods for Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Preventive healthcare strategies for children
• Impact of early childhood nutrition on long-term health
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Congenital heart disease in newborns
• Adolescent medicine
• Neonatal medicine
• Rare diseases in children and teenagers
• Obesity and weight fluctuations
• Behavioral sleep problems in children
• Children with anemia
• Child healthcare enhancements and innovations

Dental Research Topics Ideas

Choose a topic on oral health or dental care from this list of the most interesting topics in the field.

• How smoking affects oral health
• Children’s risk for dental caries
• Causes of Dental Anxiety and Effective Interventions for Reducing Fear in Patients
• Types of dental materials – new advances
• Bad breath bacteria
• How diabetes affects oral health
• Oral cancer
• Dental pain – types, causes
• Dental implants
• Oral health-related quality of life
• Advancements in treatments for virus infections

Dermatology Research Topics

Find the best research topic for your dermatology paper among our examples.

• Atopic dermatitis
• Contact dermatitis
• Epidemiology behind uncommon skin disorders
• Cutaneous aging
• Risk factors of melanoma skin cancer
• Acne versus rosacea
• Genetic testing for skin conditions
• Effects of cosmetic agents on skin health
• Improving skin barrier with pharmaceutical agents
• Skin manifestations of autoimmune disorders
• Study of virus effects on skin health

Primary Care Research Topics

Write a primary care paper that can demonstrate your research skills and interest in powerful scientific findings.

• Primary care for vulnerable/uninsured populations
• Interpersonal continuity in care treatment
• How primary care contributes to health systems
• Primary care delivery models
• Developments in family medicine
• Occupational/environmental health
• Pharmacotherapy approaches
• Formal allergy testing
• Oral contraception side effects
• Dietary or behavioral interventions for obesity management

Pharmaceutical Research Topics

Pharma students who need paper topics can use one from our list. We include all things related to pharmacy life.

• Drugs that can treat cancer
• Drug excretion
• Elimination rate constant
• Inflammatory stress drug treatment
• Aspirin poising
• Ibuprofen – dangers versus benefits
• Toxicodynamics
• Opioid use disorder
• Pharmacotherapy for schizophrenia
• Ketamine in depression treatment

Medical Anthropology Research Topics

Medical anthropology unites different areas of human knowledge. Find powerful ideas for a paper below.

• Cultural contexts regarding reproductive health
• Women sexuality
• Anthropological aspects of health care
• Contributions of social sciences to public health
• Euthanasia and medical ethics across cultures
• Health-related behavior in adults across cultures
• Transcultural nursing
• Forensic psychiatry
• Symptoms of Celiac Disease – a disease with no symptoms
• Nursing ethics

Paramedic Research Paper Topics

Topics for paramedic research must be based on evidence, data, statistics, or practical experience. Just like ours.

• Trends and statistics in EMS
• Disaster medicine
• Mass casualties
• Pandemics and epidemics
• Infection control
• Basic versus advanced life support
• Scene safety in EMS
• Shock management
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Challenges in medical humanitarian missions during pandemics

Surgery Research Topics

Discover all the intricacies of surgeries that save lives by writing about our topics.

• Medical malpractice and legal issues
• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
• Early Detection and Management Strategies for Sepsis in Hospital Settings
• Pain management
• Perioperative nursing
• Wound management
• Colorectal cancer surgery
• Breast cancer surgery
• Minimally invasive surgeries
• Vascular disease
• Changes in surgical practices during pandemics

Radiology Research Paper Topics

Find a radiology topic related to your academic interests to write a successful paper.

• Using MRI to diagnose hepatic focal lesions
• Multidetector computer tomography
• Ultrasound elastography in breast cancer
• Assessing traumatic spinal cord injuries with MRI diffusion tensor imaging
• Sonographic imaging to detect male infertility
• Role of tomography in diagnosing cancer
• Brain tumor surgery with magnetic resonance imaging
• Bacterial meningitis imaging
• Advanced imaging techniques for virus infection detection

Anatomy and Physiology Research Paper Topics

Any ideas for a medical research paper? We have included the most important topics for an anatomy and physiology paper.

• What role has the endocrine system
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Environmental factors that affect development of human muscular system
• What role has the lymphatic system
• An investigation of genetic diseases
• Explaining the aging process
• The digestive tract
• Effects of stress on cells and muscles
• Evolution of the human nervous system
• What role has the cardiovascular system
• Impact of viruses on respiratory health in urban settings

Healthcare Management Research Paper Topics

There are numerous topics you could write about when it comes to healthcare management. There’s a wide range of options to pick, from infrastructure, staff, and financial management to HR and patient management. Here are some of the top healthcare management research paper options.

Medical Ethics Research Paper Topics

Medical ethics is a field that opens the door to numerous compelling topics for research papers. Here are some of the most appealing ones you could tackle.

• Clinical research on humans
• Vaccines and immunization
• Religious beliefs in healthcare
• Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide
• Ethical issues across cultures
• Amniocentesis or prenatal birth defect testing
• Medical malpractice and going back to work
• Racial and ethnic preferences and perceptions in organ donations
• Racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare
• Ethical concerns of AI in healthcare
• Debates on animal ethics in medical research
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Environmental Health and Pollution Research Paper Topics

• Environmental Pollutants and Respiratory Health in Urban Areas of the USA
• How environmental changes affect human health
• Long-Term Impact of PM2.5 Exposure on Lung, Heart, and Brain Function
• Health Risks of Air Pollution Across Different Life Stages
• Hospital Admissions and Air Quality in the USA
• Risk Reduction Strategies for Indoor Air Pollution from Gas Stoves
• Impact of Air Pollution on Cognitive Development and Socioeconomic Achievements
• Long-Term Health Effects of Early Childhood Exposure to Air Pollution
• Impact of Traffic Noise on Cardiovascular Health

Selecting the right medical research topic is essential, but the writing process can be equally challenging. If you’re seeking expert help, professional research paper writing services can assist in crafting a well-researched and meticulously written paper.

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Research Topics & Ideas: Healthcare

F inding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation, thesis or research project. If you’ve landed on this post, chances are you’re looking for a healthcare-related research topic , but aren’t sure where to start. Here, we’ll explore a variety of healthcare-related research ideas and topic thought-starters across a range of healthcare fields, including allopathic and alternative medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, optometry, pharmacology and public health.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps . In this post, we’ll kickstart the process by sharing some research topic ideas within the healthcare domain. This is the starting point, but to develop a well-defined research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , along with a well-justified plan of action to fill that gap.

If you’re new to the oftentimes perplexing world of research, or if this is your first time undertaking a formal academic research project, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course. In it, we cover the process of writing a dissertation or thesis from start to end. Be sure to also sign up for our free webinar that explores how to find a high-quality research topic.

Overview: Healthcare Research Topics

• Allopathic medicine
• Alternative /complementary medicine
• Veterinary medicine
• Physical therapy/ rehab
• Optometry and ophthalmology
• Pharmacy and pharmacology
• Public health
• Examples of healthcare-related dissertations

Allopathic (Conventional) Medicine

• The effectiveness of telemedicine in remote elderly patient care
• The impact of stress on the immune system of cancer patients
• The effects of a plant-based diet on chronic diseases such as diabetes
• The use of AI in early cancer diagnosis and treatment
• The role of the gut microbiome in mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety
• The efficacy of mindfulness meditation in reducing chronic pain: A systematic review
• The benefits and drawbacks of electronic health records in a developing country
• The effects of environmental pollution on breast milk quality
• The use of personalized medicine in treating genetic disorders
• The impact of social determinants of health on chronic diseases in Asia
• The role of high-intensity interval training in improving cardiovascular health
• The efficacy of using probiotics for gut health in pregnant women
• The impact of poor sleep on the treatment of chronic illnesses
• The role of inflammation in the development of chronic diseases such as lupus
• The effectiveness of physiotherapy in pain control post-surgery

Topics & Ideas: Alternative Medicine

• The benefits of herbal medicine in treating young asthma patients
• The use of acupuncture in treating infertility in women over 40 years of age
• The effectiveness of homoeopathy in treating mental health disorders: A systematic review
• The role of aromatherapy in reducing stress and anxiety post-surgery
• The impact of mindfulness meditation on reducing high blood pressure
• The use of chiropractic therapy in treating back pain of pregnant women
• The efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine such as Shun-Qi-Tong-Xie (SQTX) in treating digestive disorders in China
• The impact of yoga on physical and mental health in adolescents
• The benefits of hydrotherapy in treating musculoskeletal disorders such as tendinitis
• The role of Reiki in promoting healing and relaxation post birth
• The effectiveness of naturopathy in treating skin conditions such as eczema
• The use of deep tissue massage therapy in reducing chronic pain in amputees
• The impact of tai chi on the treatment of anxiety and depression
• The benefits of reflexology in treating stress, anxiety and chronic fatigue
• The role of acupuncture in the prophylactic management of headaches and migraines

Topics & Ideas: Dentistry

• The impact of sugar consumption on the oral health of infants
• The use of digital dentistry in improving patient care: A systematic review
• The efficacy of orthodontic treatments in correcting bite problems in adults
• The role of dental hygiene in preventing gum disease in patients with dental bridges
• The impact of smoking on oral health and tobacco cessation support from UK dentists
• The benefits of dental implants in restoring missing teeth in adolescents
• The use of lasers in dental procedures such as root canals
• The efficacy of root canal treatment using high-frequency electric pulses in saving infected teeth
• The role of fluoride in promoting remineralization and slowing down demineralization
• The impact of stress-induced reflux on oral health
• The benefits of dental crowns in restoring damaged teeth in elderly patients
• The use of sedation dentistry in managing dental anxiety in children
• The efficacy of teeth whitening treatments in improving dental aesthetics in patients with braces
• The role of orthodontic appliances in improving well-being
• The impact of periodontal disease on overall health and chronic illnesses

Topics & Ideas: Veterinary Medicine

• The impact of nutrition on broiler chicken production
• The role of vaccines in disease prevention in horses
• The importance of parasite control in animal health in piggeries
• The impact of animal behaviour on welfare in the dairy industry
• The effects of environmental pollution on the health of cattle
• The role of veterinary technology such as MRI in animal care
• The importance of pain management in post-surgery health outcomes
• The impact of genetics on animal health and disease in layer chickens
• The effectiveness of alternative therapies in veterinary medicine: A systematic review
• The role of veterinary medicine in public health: A case study of the COVID-19 pandemic
• The impact of climate change on animal health and infectious diseases in animals
• The importance of animal welfare in veterinary medicine and sustainable agriculture
• The effects of the human-animal bond on canine health
• The role of veterinary medicine in conservation efforts: A case study of Rhinoceros poaching in Africa
• The impact of veterinary research of new vaccines on animal health

Topics & Ideas: Physical Therapy/Rehab

• The efficacy of aquatic therapy in improving joint mobility and strength in polio patients
• The impact of telerehabilitation on patient outcomes in Germany
• The effect of kinesiotaping on reducing knee pain and improving function in individuals with chronic pain
• A comparison of manual therapy and yoga exercise therapy in the management of low back pain
• The use of wearable technology in physical rehabilitation and the impact on patient adherence to a rehabilitation plan
• The impact of mindfulness-based interventions in physical therapy in adolescents
• The effects of resistance training on individuals with Parkinson’s disease
• The role of hydrotherapy in the management of fibromyalgia
• The impact of cognitive-behavioural therapy in physical rehabilitation for individuals with chronic pain
• The use of virtual reality in physical rehabilitation of sports injuries
• The effects of electrical stimulation on muscle function and strength in athletes
• The role of physical therapy in the management of stroke recovery: A systematic review
• The impact of pilates on mental health in individuals with depression
• The use of thermal modalities in physical therapy and its effectiveness in reducing pain and inflammation
• The effect of strength training on balance and gait in elderly patients

Need a helping hand?

Topics & Ideas: Optometry & Opthalmology

• The impact of screen time on the vision and ocular health of children under the age of 5
• The effects of blue light exposure from digital devices on ocular health
• The role of dietary interventions, such as the intake of whole grains, in the management of age-related macular degeneration
• The use of telemedicine in optometry and ophthalmology in the UK
• The impact of myopia control interventions on African American children’s vision
• The use of contact lenses in the management of dry eye syndrome: different treatment options
• The effects of visual rehabilitation in individuals with traumatic brain injury
• The role of low vision rehabilitation in individuals with age-related vision loss: challenges and solutions
• The impact of environmental air pollution on ocular health
• The effectiveness of orthokeratology in myopia control compared to contact lenses
• The role of dietary supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, in ocular health
• The effects of ultraviolet radiation exposure from tanning beds on ocular health
• The impact of computer vision syndrome on long-term visual function
• The use of novel diagnostic tools in optometry and ophthalmology in developing countries
• The effects of virtual reality on visual perception and ocular health: an examination of dry eye syndrome and neurologic symptoms

Topics & Ideas: Pharmacy & Pharmacology

• The impact of medication adherence on patient outcomes in cystic fibrosis
• The use of personalized medicine in the management of chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease
• The effects of pharmacogenomics on drug response and toxicity in cancer patients
• The role of pharmacists in the management of chronic pain in primary care
• The impact of drug-drug interactions on patient mental health outcomes
• The use of telepharmacy in healthcare: Present status and future potential
• The effects of herbal and dietary supplements on drug efficacy and toxicity
• The role of pharmacists in the management of type 1 diabetes
• The impact of medication errors on patient outcomes and satisfaction
• The use of technology in medication management in the USA
• The effects of smoking on drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics: A case study of clozapine
• Leveraging the role of pharmacists in preventing and managing opioid use disorder
• The impact of the opioid epidemic on public health in a developing country
• The use of biosimilars in the management of the skin condition psoriasis
• The effects of the Affordable Care Act on medication utilization and patient outcomes in African Americans

Topics & Ideas: Public Health

• The impact of the built environment and urbanisation on physical activity and obesity
• The effects of food insecurity on health outcomes in Zimbabwe
• The role of community-based participatory research in addressing health disparities
• The impact of social determinants of health, such as racism, on population health
• The effects of heat waves on public health
• The role of telehealth in addressing healthcare access and equity in South America
• The impact of gun violence on public health in South Africa
• The effects of chlorofluorocarbons air pollution on respiratory health
• The role of public health interventions in reducing health disparities in the USA
• The impact of the United States Affordable Care Act on access to healthcare and health outcomes
• The effects of water insecurity on health outcomes in the Middle East
• The role of community health workers in addressing healthcare access and equity in low-income countries
• The impact of mass incarceration on public health and behavioural health of a community
• The effects of floods on public health and healthcare systems
• The role of social media in public health communication and behaviour change in adolescents

Examples: Healthcare Dissertation & Theses

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a healthcare-related research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses to see how this all comes together.

Below, we’ve included a selection of research projects from various healthcare-related degree programs to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• Improving Follow-Up Care for Homeless Populations in North County San Diego (Sanchez, 2021)
• On the Incentives of Medicare’s Hospital Reimbursement and an Examination of Exchangeability (Elzinga, 2016)
• Managing the healthcare crisis: the career narratives of nurses (Krueger, 2021)
• Methods for preventing central line-associated bloodstream infection in pediatric haematology-oncology patients: A systematic literature review (Balkan, 2020)
• Farms in Healthcare: Enhancing Knowledge, Sharing, and Collaboration (Garramone, 2019)
• When machine learning meets healthcare: towards knowledge incorporation in multimodal healthcare analytics (Yuan, 2020)
• Integrated behavioural healthcare: The future of rural mental health (Fox, 2019)
• Healthcare service use patterns among autistic adults: A systematic review with narrative synthesis (Gilmore, 2021)
• Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Combatting Burnout and Compassionate Fatigue among Mental Health Caregivers (Lundquist, 2022)
• Transgender and gender-diverse people’s perceptions of gender-inclusive healthcare access and associated hope for the future (Wille, 2021)
• Efficient Neural Network Synthesis and Its Application in Smart Healthcare (Hassantabar, 2022)
• The Experience of Female Veterans and Health-Seeking Behaviors (Switzer, 2022)
• Machine learning applications towards risk prediction and cost forecasting in healthcare (Singh, 2022)
• Does Variation in the Nursing Home Inspection Process Explain Disparity in Regulatory Outcomes? (Fox, 2020)

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are quite specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. This is an important thing to keep in mind as you develop your own research topic. That is to say, to create a top-notch research topic, you must be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

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19 Comments

I need topics that will match the Msc program am running in healthcare research please

Hello Mabel,

I can help you with a good topic, kindly provide your email let’s have a good discussion on this.

Can you provide some research topics and ideas on Immunology?

Thank you to create new knowledge on research problem verse research topic

Help on problem statement on teen pregnancy

This post might be useful: https://gradcoach.com/research-problem-statement/

can you give me research titles that i can conduct as a school nurse

can you provide me with a research topic on healthcare related topics to a qqi level 5 student

Please can someone help me with research topics in public health ?

Hello I have requirement of Health related latest research issue/topics for my social media speeches. If possible pls share health issues , diagnosis, treatment.

I would like a topic thought around first-line support for Gender-Based Violence for survivors or one related to prevention of Gender-Based Violence

Please can I be helped with a master’s research topic in either chemical pathology or hematology or immunology? thanks

Can u please provide me with a research topic on occupational health and safety at the health sector

Good day kindly help provide me with Ph.D. Public health topics on Reproductive and Maternal Health, interventional studies on Health Education

may you assist me with a good easy healthcare administration study topic

May you assist me in finding a research topic on nutrition,physical activity and obesity. On the impact on children

I have been racking my brain for a while on what topic will be suitable for my PhD in health informatics. I want a qualitative topic as this is my strong area.

Hi, may I please be assisted with research topics in the medical laboratory sciences

How do i frame a qualitative topic that will be suitable for the use of calibrated drape among midwifes. this is a thesis for my master programme in midwifery education.

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The Graduate Health & Life Sciences Research Library at Georgetown University Medical Center

Evidence-based medicine resource guide.

• Defining EBM

Types of Clinical Questions

Formulating a well built clinical question, type of clinical question and study design.

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Resources and Types of Clinical Question

Background questions are best answered by medical textbooks, point-of-care tools such as DynaMed Plus and Essential Evidence Plus, and narrative reviews.

Foreground questions are best answered by consulting medical databases such as MEDLINE (via PubMed or Ovid), Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and ACP Journal Club.

DML's Clinical Quick Reference page is a great place to locate EBM resources. Each resource has been labeled background and/or foreground, for you!

Clinical questions may be categorized as either background or foreground. Why is this important?

Determining the type of question will help you to select the best resource to consult for your answer.

Background questions ask for general knowledge about an illness, disease, condition, process or thing. These types of questions typically ask who, what, where, when, how & why about things like a disorder, test, or treatment, etc.

For example

• How overweight is a woman to be considered slightly obese?
• What are the clinical manifestations of menopause?
• What causes migraines?

Foreground questions ask for specific knowledge to inform clinical decisions. These questions typically concern a specific patient or particular population. Foreground questions tend to be more specific and complex compared to background questions. Quite often, foreground questions investigate comparisons, such as two drugs, two treatments, two diagnostic tests, etc. Foreground questions may be further categorized into one of 4 major types: treatment/therapy, diagnosis, prognosis, or etiology/harm.

• Is Crixivan effective when compared with placebo in slowing the rate of functional impairment in a 45 year old male patient with Lou Gehrig's Disease?
• In pediatric patients with Allergic Rhinitis, are Intranasal steroids more effective than antihistamines in the management of Allergic Rhinitis symptoms?

According to the Centre for Evidence Based Medicine (CEBM) , "one of the fundamental skills required for practising EBM is the asking of well-built clinical questions. To benefit patients and clinicians, such questions need to be both directly relevant to patients' problems and phrased in ways that direct your search to relevant and precise answers."

A well-built clinical foreground question should have all four components. The PICO model is a helpful tool that assists you in organizing and focusing your foreground question into a searchable query. Dividing into the PICO elements helps identify search terms/concepts to use in your search of the literature.

P = Patient, Problem, Population (How would you describe a group of patients similar to you? What are the most important characteristics of the patient?)

I = Intervention, Prognostic Factor, Exposure (What main intervention are you considering? What do you want to do with this patient?)

C = Comparison (What are you hoping to compare with the intervention: another treatment, drug, placebo, a different diagnostic test, etc.? It's important to include this element and to be as specific as possible.)

O = Outcome (What are you trying to accomplish, measure, improve or affect? Outcomes may be disease-oriented or patient-oriented.)

Small collection.  Updated monthly.

Two additional important elements of the well-built clinical question to consider are the type of foreground question and the type of study (methodology) . This information can be helpful in focusing the question and determining the most appropriate type of evidence.

Foreground questions can be further divided into questions that relate to therapy, diagnosis, prognosis, etiology/harm

• Therapy: Questions of treatment in order to achieve some outcome. May include drugs, surgical intervention, change in diet, counseling, etc.
• Diagnosis: Questions of identification of a disorder in a patient presenting with specific symptoms.
• Prognosis: Questions of progression of a disease or likelihood of a disease occurring.
• Etiology/Harm: Questions of negative impact from an intervention or other exposure.

Meta-analysis: A statistical technique that summarizes the results of several studies in a single weighted estimate, in which more weight is given to results of studies with more events and sometimes to studies of higher quality.

Systematic Review: a review in which specified and appropriate methods have been used to identify, appraise, and summarize studies addressing a defined question. (It can, but need not, involve meta-analysis). In Clinical Evidence, the term systematic review refers to a systematic review of RCTs unless specified otherwise.

Randomized Controlled Trial: a trial in which participants are randomly assigned to two or more groups: at least one (the experimental group) receiving an intervention that is being tested and another (the comparison or control group) receiving an alternative treatment or placebo. This design allows assessment of the relative effects of interventions.

Controlled Clinical Trial: a trial in which participants are assigned to two or more different treatment groups. In Clinical Evidence, we use the term to refer to controlled trials in which treatment is assigned by a method other than random allocation. When the method of allocation is by random selection, the study is referred to as a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Non-randomized controlled trials are more likely to suffer from bias than RCTs.

Cohort Study: a non-experimental study design that follows a group of people (a cohort), and then looks at how events differ among people within the group. A study that examines a cohort, which differs in respect to exposure to some suspected risk factor (e.g. smoking), is useful for trying to ascertain whether exposure is likely to cause specified events (e.g. lung cancer). Prospective cohort studies (which track participants forward in time) are more reliable than retrospective cohort studies.

Case control study: a study design that examines a group of people who have experienced an event (usually an adverse event) and a group of people who have not experienced the same event, and looks at how exposure to suspect (usually noxious) agents differed between the two groups. This type of study design is most useful for trying to ascertain the cause of rare events, such as rare cancers.

Case Series: analysis of series of people with the disease (there is no comparison group in case series).

• << Previous: Defining EBM
• Next: Point-of-Care Tools >>
• Last Updated: Aug 12, 2024 10:45 AM
• URL: https://guides.dml.georgetown.edu/ebm

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Asking the Right Questions: A Primer on Medical Research

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About the author.

Pete Broderick is the Marketing and Communications Manager at the Rocky Mountain MS Center. He is also the editor and one of the primary writers for InforMS Magazine.

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• 1. Assemble Your Team

2. Develop a Research Question

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• 8. Write the Review
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A well-developed and answerable question is the foundation for any systematic review. This process involves:

• Systematic review questions typically follow a PICO-format (patient or population, intervention, comparison, and outcome)
• Using the PICO framework can help team members clarify and refine the scope of their question. For example, if the population is breast cancer patients, is it all breast cancer patients or just a segment of them? 
• When formulating your research question, you should also consider how it could be answered. If it is not possible to answer your question (the research would be unethical, for example), you'll need to reconsider what you're asking
• Typically, systematic review protocols include a list of studies that will be included in the review. These studies, known as exemplars, guide the search development but also serve as proof of concept that your question is answerable. If you are unable to find studies to include, you may need to reconsider your question

Other Question Frameworks

PICO is a helpful framework for clinical research questions, but may not be the best for other types of research questions. Did you know there are at least  25 other question frameworks  besides variations of PICO?  Frameworks like PEO, SPIDER, SPICE, and ECLIPS can help you formulate a focused research question. The table and example below were created by the  Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Libraries .

The PEO question framework is useful for qualitative research topics. PEO questions identify three concepts: population, exposure, and outcome. Research question : What are the daily living experiences of mothers with postnatal depression?

The SPIDER question framework is useful for qualitative or mixed methods research topics focused on "samples" rather than populations. SPIDER questions identify five concepts: sample, phenomenon of interest, design, evaluation, and research type.

Research question : What are the experiences of young parents in attendance at antenatal education classes?

The SPICE question framework is useful for qualitative research topics evaluating the outcomes of a service, project, or intervention. SPICE questions identify five concepts: setting, perspective, intervention/exposure/interest, comparison, and evaluation.

Research question : For teenagers in South Carolina, what is the effect of provision of Quit Kits to support smoking cessation on number of successful attempts to give up smoking compared to no support ("cold turkey")?

The ECLIPSE framework is useful for qualitative research topics investigating the outcomes of a policy or service. ECLIPSE questions identify six concepts: expectation, client group, location, impact, professionals, and service.

Research question:  How can I increase access to wireless internet for hospital patients?

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• Last Updated: Jun 18, 2024 9:41 AM
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Defining the Question: Foreground & Background Questions

In order to most appropriately choose an information resource and craft a search strategy, it is necessary to consider what  kind  of question you are asking: a specific, narrow "foreground" question, or a broader background question that will help give context to your research?

Foreground Questions

A "foreground" question in health research is one that is relatively specific, and is usually best addressed by locating primary research evidence. 

Using a structured question framework can help you clearly define the concepts or variables that make up the specific research question. 

 Across most frameworks, you’ll often be considering:

• a who (who was studied - a population or sample)
• a what (what was done or examined - an intervention, an exposure, a policy, a program, a phenomenon)
• a how ([how] did the [what] affect the [who] - an outcome, an effect). 

PICO is the most common framework for developing a clinical research question, but multiple question frameworks exist.

PICO (Problem/Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome)

Appropriate for : clinical questions, often addressing the effect of an intervention/therapy/treatment

Example : For adolescents with type II diabetes (P) does the use of telehealth consultations (I) compared to in-person consultations  (C) improve blood sugar control  (O)?

Framing Different Types of Clinical Questions with PICO

Different types of clinical questions are suited to different syntaxes and phrasings, but all will clearly define the PICO elements.  The definitions and frames below may be helpful for organizing your question:

Intervention/Therapy

Questions addressing how a clinical issue, illness, or disability is treated.

"In__________________(P), how does__________________(I) compared to_________________(C) affect______________(O)?"

Questions that address the causes or origin of disease, the factors which produce or predispose toward a certain disease or disorder.

"Are_________________(P), who have_________________(I) compared with those without_________________(C) at_________________risk for/of_________________(O) over_________________(T)?" 

Questions addressing the act or process of identifying or determining the nature and cause of a disease or injury through evaluation.

In_________________(P) are/is_________________(I) compared with_________________(C) more accurate in diagnosing_________________(O)?

Prognosis/Prediction:

Questions addressing the prediction of the course of a disease.

In_________________(P), how does_________________(I) compared to_________________ (C) influence_________________(O)?

Questions addressing how one experiences a phenomenon or why we need to approach practice differently.

"How do_________________(P) with_________________(I) perceive_________________(O)?" 

Adapted from: Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2011). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Beyond PICO: Other Types of Question Frameworks

PICO is a useful framework for clinical research questions, but may not be appropriate for all kinds of reviews.  Also consider:

PEO (Population, Exposure, Outcome)

Appropriate for : describing association between particular exposures/risk factors and outcomes

Example : How do  preparation programs (E) influence the development of teaching competence  (O) among novice nurse educators  (P)?

SPIDER (Sample, Phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation, Research Type)

Appropriate for : questions of experience or perspectives (questions that may be addressed by qualitative or mixed methods research)

Example : What are the experiences and perspectives (E) of  undergraduate nursing students  (S)  in clinical placements within prison healthcare settings (PI)?

SPICE (Setting, Perspective, Intervention/phenomenon of Interest, Comparison, Evaluation)

Appropriate for : evaluating the outcomes of a service, project, or intervention

Example : What are the impacts and best practices for workplace (S) transition support programs (I) for the retention (E) of newly-hired, new graduate nurses (P)?

PCC (Problem/population, Concept, Context)

Appropriate for : broader (scoping) questions

Example : How do nursing schools  (Context) teach, measure, and maintain nursing students ' (P)  technological literacy  (Concept))throughout their educational programs?

Background Questions

To craft a strong and reasonable foreground research question, it is important to have a firm understanding of the concepts of interest.  As such, it is often necessary to ask background questions, which ask for more general, foundational knowledge about a disorder, disease, patient population, policy issue, etc. 

For example, consider the PICO question outlined above:

"For adolescents with type II diabetes does the use of telehealth consultations compared to in-person consultations  improve blood sugar control ?

To best make sense of the literature that might address this PICO question, you would also need a deep understanding of background questions like:

• What are the unique barriers or challenges related to blood sugar management in adolescents with TII diabetes?
• What are the measures of effective blood sugar control?
• What kinds of interventions would fall under the umbrella of 'telehealth'?
• What are the qualitative differences in patient experience in telehealth versus in-person interactions with healthcare providers?
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PICOT Question Examples for Nursing Research

Are you looking for examples of nursing PICOT questions to inspire your creativity as you research for a perfect nursing topic for your paper? You came to the right place.

We have a comprehensive guide on how to write a good PICO Question for your case study, research paper, white paper, term paper, project, or capstone paper. Therefore, we will not go into the details in this post. A good PICOT question possesses the following qualities:

• A clinical-based question addresses the nursing research areas or topics.
• It is specific, concise, and clear.
• Patient, problem, or population.
• Intervention.
• Comparison.
• Includes medical, clinical, and nursing terms where necessary.
• It is not ambiguous.

For more information, read our comprehensive PICOT Question guide . You can use these questions to inspire your PICOT choice for your evidence-based papers , reports, or nursing research papers.

If you are stuck with assignments and want some help, we offer the best nursing research assignment help online. We have expert nursing writers who can formulate an excellent clinical, research, and PICOT question for you. They can also write dissertations, white papers, theses, reports, and capstones. Do not hesitate to place an order.

List of 180 Plus Best PICOT Questions to Get Inspiration From

Here is a list of nursing PICO questions to inspire you when developing yours. Some PICOT questions might be suitable for BSN and MSN but not DNP. If you are writing a change project for your DNP, try to focus on PICOT questions that align to process changes. 

• Among healthy newborn infants in low- and middle-income countries (P), does early skin-to-skin contact of the baby with the mother in the first hour of life (I) compared with drying and wrapping (C) have an impact on neonatal mortality, hypothermia or initiation/exclusivity/ duration of breastfeeding (O)?
• Is it necessary to test blood glucose levels 4 times daily for a patient suffering from Type 1 diabetes?
• Does raising the head of the bed of a mechanically ventilated patient reduce the chances of pneumonia?
• Does music therapy is an effective mode of PACU pain management for patients who are slowly coming out from their anesthesia?
• For all neonates (P), should vitamin K prophylaxis (I) be given for the prevention of vitamin K deficiency bleeding (O)?
• For young infants (0-2 months) with suspected sepsis managed in health facilities (P), should third generation cephalosporin monotherapy (I) replace currently recommended ampicillin-gentamicin combination (C) as first line empiric treatment for preventing death and sequelae (O)?
• In low-birth-weight/pre-term neonates in health facilities (P), is skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth (I) more effective than conventional care (C) in preventing hypothermia (O)?
• In children aged 259 months (P), what is the most effective antibiotic therapy (I, C) for severe pneumonia (O)?
• Is skin-to-skin contact of the infant with the mother a more assured way of ensuring neonatal mortality compared to drying and wrapping?
• Are oral contraceptives effective in stopping pregnancy for women above 30 years?
• Is spironolactone a better drug for reducing the blood pressure of teenagers when compared to clonidine?
• What is the usefulness of an LP/spinal tap after the beginning of antivirals for a pediatric population suffering from fever?
• In children aged 259 months in developing countries (P), which parenteral antibiotic or combination of antibiotics (I), at what dose and duration, is effective for the treatment of suspected bacterial meningitis in hospital in reducing mortality and sequelae (O)?
• Does the habit of washing hands third-generation workers decrease the events of infections in hospitals?
• Is the intake of zinc pills more effective than Vitamin C for preventing cold during winter for middle-aged women?
• In children with acute severe malnutrition (P), are antibiotics (I) effective in preventing death and sequelae (O)?
• Among, children with lower respiratory tract infection (P), what are the best cut off oxygen saturation levels (D), at different altitudes that will determine hypoxaemia requiring oxygen therapy (O)?
• In infants and children in low-resource settings (P), what is the most appropriate method (D) of detecting hypoxaemia in hospitals (O)?
• In children with shock (P), what is the most appropriate choice of intravenous fluid therapy (I) to prevent death and sequelae (O)?
• In fully conscious children with hypoglycaemia (P) what is the effectiveness of administering sublingual sugar (I)?
• Is using toys as distractions during giving needle vaccinations to toddlers an effective pain response management?
• What is the result of a higher amount of potassium intake among children with low blood pressure?
• Is cup feeding an infant better than feeding through tubes in a NICU setup?
• Does the intervention of flushing the heroin via lines a more effective way of treating patients with CVLs/PICCs?
• Is the use of intravenous fluid intervention a better remedy for infants under fatal conditions?
• Do bedside shift reports help in the overall patient care for nurses?
• Is home visitation a better way of dealing with teen pregnancy when compared to regular school visits in rural areas?
• Is fentanyl more effective than morphine in dealing with the pain of adults over the age of 50 years?
• What are the health outcomes of having a high amount of potassium for adults over the age of 21 years?
• Does the use of continuous feed during emesis a more effective way of intervention when compared to the process of stopping the feed for a short period?
• Does controlling the amount of sublingual sugar help completely conscious children suffering from hypoglycemia?
• Is the lithotomy position an ideal position for giving birth to women in labor?
• Does group therapy help patients with schizophrenia to help their conversational skills?
• What are the probable after-effects, in the form of bruises and other injuries, of heparin injection therapy for COPD patients?
• Would standardized discharge medication education improve home medication adherence in adults age 65 and older compared to-standardized discharge medication education?
• In patients with psychiatric disorders is medication non-compliance a greater risk compared with adults experiencing chronic illness?
• Is the use of beta-blockers for lowering blood pressure for adult men over the age of 70 years effective?
• Nasal swab or nasal aspirate? Which one is more effective for children suffering from seasonal flu?
• What are the effects of adding beta-blockers for lowering blood pressure for adult men over the age of 70 years?
• Does the process of stopping lipids for 4 hours an effective measure of obtaining the desired TG level for patients who are about to receive TPN?
• Is medical intervention a proper way of dealing with childhood obesity among school-going children?
• Can nurse-led presentations of mental health associated with bullying help in combating such tendencies in public schools?
• What are the impacts of managing Prevacid before a pH probe study for pediatric patients with GERD?
• What are the measurable effects of extending ICU stays and antibiotic consumption amongst children with sepsis?
• Does the use of infrared skin thermometers justified when compared to the tympanic thermometers for a pediatric population?
• What are the roles of a pre-surgery cardiac nurse in order to prevent depression among patients awaiting cardiac operation?
• Does the increase in the habit of smoking marijuana among Dutch students increase the chances of depression?
• What is the direct connection between VAP and NGT?
• Is psychological intervention for people suffering from dementia a more effective measure than giving them a placebo?
• Are alarm sensors effective in preventing accidents in hospitals for patients over the age of 65 years?
• Is the sudden change of temperature harmful for patients who are neurologically devastated?
• Is it necessary to test blood glucose levels, 4 times a day, for a patient suffering from Type 1 diabetes?
• Is the use of MDI derive better results, when compared to regular nebulizers, for pediatric patients suffering from asthma?
• What are the effects of IVF bolus in controlling the amount of Magnesium Sulfate for patients who are suffering from asthma?
• Is the process of stopping lipids for 4 hours an effective measure of obtaining the desired TG level for patients who are about to receive TPN?
• What are the standards of vital signs for a pediatric population?
• Is daily blood pressure monitoring help in addressing the triggers of hypertension among males over 65 years?
• Does receiving phone tweets lower blood sugar levels for people suffering from Type 1 diabetes?
• Are males over the age of 30 years who have smoked for more than 1 year exposed to a greater risk of esophageal cancer when compared to the same age group of men who have no history of smoking?
• Does the increase in the use of mosquito nets in Uganda help in the reduction of malaria among the infants?
• Does the increase in the intake of oral contraceptives increase the chances of breast cancer among 20-30 years old women in the UK?
• In postpartum women with postnatal depression (P), does group therapy (I) compared to individual therapy (C) improve maternal-infant bonding (O) after eight weeks (T)?
• In patients with chronic pain (P), does mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (I) compared to pharmacotherapy (C) improve quality of life (O) after 12 weeks (T)?
• In patients with type 2 diabetes (P), does continuous glucose monitoring (I) compared to self-monitoring of blood glucose (C) improve glycemic control (O) over a period of three months (T)?
• In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does a vegetarian diet (I) compared to a regular diet (C) slow the decline in renal function (O) after one year (T)?
• In pediatric patients with acute otitis media (P), does delayed antibiotic prescribing (I) compared to immediate antibiotic prescribing (C) reduce antibiotic use (O) within one week (T)?
• In older adults with dementia (P), does pet therapy (I) compared to no pet therapy (C) decrease agitation (O) after three months (T)?
• In patients with chronic heart failure (P), does telemonitoring of vital signs (I) compared to standard care (C) reduce hospital readmissions (O) within six months (T)?
• In patients with anxiety disorders (P), does exposure therapy (I) compared to cognitive therapy (C) reduce anxiety symptoms (O) after 12 weeks (T)?
• In postpartum women with breastfeeding difficulties (P), does lactation consultation (I) compared to standard care (C) increase breastfeeding rates (O) after four weeks (T)?
• In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P), does long-acting bronchodilator therapy (I) compared to short-acting bronchodilator therapy (C) improve lung function (O) after three months (T)?
• In patients with major depressive disorder (P), does bright light therapy (I) compared to placebo (C) reduce depressive symptoms (O) after six weeks (T)?
• In patients with diabetes (P), does telemedicine-based diabetes management (I) compared to standard care (C) improve glycemic control (O) over a period of six months (T)?
• In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does a low-phosphorus diet (I) compared to a regular diet (C) decrease serum phosphate levels (O) after one year (T)?
• In pediatric patients with acute gastroenteritis (P), does probiotic supplementation (I) compared to placebo (C) reduce the duration of diarrhea (O) within 48 hours (T)?
• In patients with chronic pain (P), does acupuncture (I) compared to sham acupuncture (C) reduce pain intensity (O) after eight weeks (T)?
• In older adults at risk of falls (P), does a home modification program (I) compared to no intervention (C) reduce the incidence of falls (O) over a period of six months (T)?
• In patients with schizophrenia (P), does cognitive remediation therapy (I) compared to standard therapy (C) improve cognitive function (O) after one year (T)?
• In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (I) compared to angiotensin receptor blockers (C) slow the progression of renal disease (O) over a period of two years (T)?
• In postoperative patients (P), does chlorhexidine bathing (I) compared to regular bathing (C) reduce the risk of surgical site infections (O) within 30 days (T)?
• In patients with type 2 diabetes (P), does a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet (I) compared to a low-fat diet (C) improve glycemic control (O) over a period of six months (T)?
• In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P), does pulmonary rehabilitation combined with telemonitoring (I) compared to standard pulmonary rehabilitation (C) improve exercise capacity (O) after three months (T)?
• In patients with heart failure (P), does a nurse-led heart failure clinic (I) compared to usual care (C) improve self-care behaviors (O) after six months (T)?
• In postpartum women with postnatal depression (P), does telephone-based counseling (I) compared to face-to-face counseling (C) reduce depressive symptoms (O) after eight weeks (T)?
• In patients with chronic migraine (P), does prophylactic treatment with topiramate (I) compared to amitriptyline (C) reduce the frequency of migraines (O) after three months (T)?
• In pediatric patients with acute otitis media (P), does watchful waiting (I) compared to immediate antibiotic treatment (C) reduce the duration of symptoms (O) within seven days (T)?
• In older adults with dementia (P), does reminiscence therapy (I) compared to usual care (C) improve cognitive function (O) after three months (T)?
• In patients with chronic heart failure (P), does telemonitoring combined with a medication reminder system (I) compared to telemonitoring alone (C) reduce hospital readmissions (O) within six months (T)?
• In patients with asthma (P), does self-management education (I) compared to standard care (C) reduce asthma exacerbations (O) over a period of one year (T)?
• In postoperative patients (P), does the use of wound dressings with antimicrobial properties (I) compared to standard dressings (C) reduce the incidence of surgical site infections (O) within 30 days (T)?
• In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does mindfulness-based stress reduction (I) compared to usual care (C) improve psychological well-being (O) over a period of three months (T)?
• In adult patients with chronic pain (P), does biofeedback therapy (I) compared to relaxation techniques (C) reduce pain intensity (O) after eight weeks (T)?
• In patients with type 2 diabetes (P), does a low-glycemic index diet (I) compared to a high-glycemic-index diet (C) improve glycemic control (O) over a period of six months (T)?
• In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P), does regular physical activity (I) compared to no physical activity (C) improve health-related quality of life (O) after three months (T)?
• In patients with major depressive disorder (P), does mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (I) compared to antidepressant medication (C) reduce depressive symptoms (O) after eight weeks (T)?
• In postpartum women (P), does perineal warm compresses (I) compared to standard perineal care (C) reduce perineal pain (O) after vaginal delivery (T)?
• In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does a low-protein, low-phosphorus diet (I) compared to a low-protein diet alone (C) slow the progression of renal disease(O) after two years (T)?
• In pediatric patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (P), does mindfulness-based interventions (I) compared to medication alone (C) improve attention and behavior (O) after six months (T)?
• In patients with chronic pain (P), does cognitive-behavioral therapy (I) compared to physical therapy (C) reduce pain interference (O) after 12 weeks (T)?
• In elderly patients with osteoarthritis (P), does aquatic exercise (I) compared to land-based exercise (C) improve joint flexibility and reduce pain (O) after eight weeks (T)?
• In patients with multiple sclerosis (P), does high-intensity interval training (I) compared to moderate-intensity continuous training (C) improve physical function (O) after three months (T)?
• In postoperative patients (P), does preoperative carbohydrate loading (I) compared to fasting (C) reduce postoperative insulin resistance (O) within 24 hours (T)?
• In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P), does home-based tele-rehabilitation (I) compared to center-based rehabilitation (C) improve exercise capacity (O) after six months (T)?
• In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (P), does tai chi (I) compared to pharmacological treatment (C) reduce joint pain and improve physical function (O) after six months (T)?
• In postpartum women with postpartum hemorrhage (P), does early administration of tranexamic acid (I) compared to standard administration (C) reduce blood loss (O) within two hours (T)?
• In patients with hypertension (P), does mindfulness meditation (I) compared to relaxation techniques (C) reduce blood pressure (O) after eight weeks (T)?
• In elderly patients with hip fractures (P), does multidisciplinary geriatric care (I) compared to standard care (C) improve functional outcomes (O) after three months (T)?
• In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does aerobic exercise (I) compared to resistance exercise (C) improve renal function (O) after six months (T)?
• In patients with major depressive disorder (P), does add-on treatment with omega-3 fatty acids (I) compared to placebo (C) reduce depressive symptoms (O) after 12 weeks (T)?
• In postoperative patients (P), does preoperative education using multimedia materials (I) compared to standard education (C) improve patient satisfaction (O) after surgery (T)?
• In patients with type 2 diabetes (P), does a plant-based diet (I) compared to a standard diet (C) improve glycemic control (O) after three months (T)?
• In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P), does high-flow oxygen therapy (I) compared to standard oxygen therapy (C) improve exercise tolerance (O) after three months (T)?
• In patients with heart failure (P), does nurse-led telephone follow-up (I) compared to standard care (C) reduce hospital readmissions (O) within six months (T)?
• In postpartum women with postnatal depression (P), does online cognitive-behavioral therapy (I) compared to face-to-face therapy (C) reduce depressive symptoms (O) after eight weeks (T)?
• In patients with chronic migraine (P), does mindfulness-based stress reduction (I) compared to medication alone (C) reduce the frequency and severity of migraines (O) after three months (T)?
• In older adults with delirium (P), does structured music intervention (I) compared to standard care (C) reduce the duration of delirium episodes (O) during hospitalization (T)?
• In patients with chronic low back pain (P), does yoga (I) compared to physical therapy (C) reduce pain intensity (O) after six weeks (T)?
• In pediatric patients with acute otitis media (P), does watchful waiting with pain management (I) compared to immediate antibiotic treatment (C) reduce the need for antibiotics (O) within one week (T)?
• In patients with schizophrenia (P), does family psychoeducation (I) compared to standard treatment (C) improve medication adherence (O) over a period of six months (T)?
• In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does a low-phosphorus diet (I) compared to a regular diet (C) slow the progression of renal disease (O) after one year (T)?
• In postoperative patients (P), does wound irrigation with saline solution (I) compared to povidone-iodine solution (C) reduce the incidence of surgical site infections (O) within 30 days (T)?
• In patients with type 1 diabetes (P), does continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (I) compared to multiple daily injections (C) improve glycemic control (O) over a period of six months (T)?
• In postoperative patients (P), does the use of prophylactic antibiotics (I) compared to no antibiotics (C) reduce the incidence of surgical site infections (O) within 30 days (T)?
• In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P), does smoking cessation counseling (I) compared to no counseling (C) decrease the frequency of exacerbations (O) over a period of six months (T)?
• In patients with diabetes (P), does a multidisciplinary team approach (I) compared to standard care (C) improve self-management behaviors (O) over a period of one year (T)?
• In pregnant women with gestational hypertension (P), does bed rest (I) compared to regular activity (C) reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia (O) before delivery (T)?
• In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (I) compared to placebo (C) slow the progression of renal disease (O) over a period of two years (T)?
• In older adults with hip fractures (P), does early surgical intervention (I) compared to delayed surgery (C) improve functional outcomes (O) after six months (T)?
• In patients with major depressive disorder (P), does exercise (I) compared to antidepressant medication (C) reduce depressive symptoms (O) after eight weeks (T)?
• In children with autism spectrum disorder (P), does applied behavior analysis (I) compared to standard therapy (C) improve social communication skills (O) over a period of one year (T)?
• In postoperative patients (P), does the use of incentive spirometry (I) compared to no spirometry (C) decrease the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (O) within seven days (T)?
• In patients with hypertension (P), does a combination of diet modification and exercise (I) compared to medication alone (C) lower blood pressure (O) after six months (T)?
• In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P), does home oxygen therapy (I) compared to no oxygen therapy (C) improve exercise capacity (O) after threemonths (T)?
• In patients with heart failure (P), does a multidisciplinary heart failure management program (I) compared to standard care (C) reduce hospital readmissions (O) within six months (T)?
• In postpartum women with postnatal depression (P), does mindfulness meditation (I) compared to relaxation techniques (C) reduce depressive symptoms (O) after eight weeks (T)?
• In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does a low-sodium diet (I) compared to a regular diet (C) lower blood pressure (O) after six months (T)?
• In pediatric patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (P), does neurofeedback training (I) compared to medication (C) improve attention and behavior (O) after six months (T)?
• In patients with chronic pain (P), does transcranial direct current stimulation (I) compared to sham stimulation (C) reduce pain intensity (O) after eight weeks (T)?
• In older adults with osteoporosis (P), does a structured exercise program (I) compared to no exercise (C) improve bone mineral density (O) after six months (T)?
• In patients with type 2 diabetes (P), does a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet (I) compared to a standard diet (C) improve glycemic control (O) over a period of six months (T)?
• In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P), does mindfulness-based stress reduction (I) compared to usual care (C) improve dyspnea symptoms (O) after three months (T)?
• In postpartum women with postnatal depression (P), does online peer support (I) compared to individual therapy (C) reduce depressive symptoms (O) after eight weeks (T)?
• In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does resistance training (I) compared to aerobic training (C) improve muscle strength (O) after six months (T)?
• In pediatric patients with asthma (P), does a written asthma action plan (I) compared to verbal instructions (C) reduce emergency department visits (O) within six months (T)?
• In patients with chronic pain (P), does yoga (I) compared to pharmacological treatment (C) reduce pain interference (O) after eight weeks (T)?
• In older adults at risk of falls (P), does a multifactorial falls prevention program (I) compared to no intervention (C) reduce the rate of falls (O) over a period of six months (T)?
• In patients with schizophrenia (P), does cognitive-behavioral therapy (I) compared to medication alone (C) reduce positive symptom severity (O) after six months (T)?
• In postpartum women with breastfeeding difficulties (P), does breast massage (I) compared to no massage (C) improve milk flow (O) after four weeks (T)?
• In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P), does long-term oxygen therapy (I) compared to short-term oxygen therapy (C) improve survival rates (O) after one year (T)?
• In patients with major depressive disorder (P), does repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (I) compared to sham treatment (C) reduce depressive symptoms (O) after six weeks (T)?
• In patients with diabetes (P), does a digital health app (I) compared to standard care (C) improve medication adherence (O) over a period of six months (T)?
• In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does a low-potassium diet (I) compared to a regular diet (C) lower serum potassium levels (O) after one year (T)?
• In pediatric patients with acute gastroenteritis (P), does oral rehydration solution (I) compared to intravenous fluid therapy (C) reduce hospital admissions (O) within 48 hours (T)?
• In patients with chronic pain (P), does hypnotherapy (I) compared to no hypnotherapy (C) reduce pain intensity (O) after eight weeks (T)?
• In older adults at risk of falls (P), does a tai chi program (I) compared to no exercise program (C) improve balance and stability (O) after six months (T)?
• In patients with chronic heart failure (P), does a home-based self-care intervention (I) compared to standard care (C) reduce hospital readmissions (O) within six months (T)?
• In patients with anxiety disorders (P), does acceptance and commitment therapy (I) compared to cognitive-behavioral therapy (C) reduce anxiety symptoms (O) after 12 weeks (T)?
• In postpartum women with breastfeeding difficulties (P), does the use of nipple shields (I) compared to no nipple shields (C) improve breastfeeding success (O) after four weeks (T)?
• In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P), does a comprehensive self-management program (I) compared to usual care (C) improve health-related quality of life (O) after three months (T)?
• In patients with major depressive disorder (P), does internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (I) compared to face-to-face therapy (C) reduce depressive symptoms (O) after eight weeks (T)?
• Does the increase in the habit of smoking marijuana among Dutch students increase the likelihood of depression?
• Does the use of pain relief medication during surgery provide more effective pain reduction compared to the same medication given post-surgery?
• Does the increase in the intake of oral contraceptives increase the risk of breast cancer among women aged 20-30 in the UK?
• Does the habit of washing hands among healthcare workers decrease the rate of infections in hospitals?
• Does the use of modern syringes help in reducing needle injuries among healthcare workers in America?
• Does encouraging male work colleagues to talk about sexual harassment decrease the rate of depression in the workplace?
• Does bullying in boarding schools in Scotland increase the likelihood of domestic violence within a 20-year timeframe?
• Does breastfeeding among toddlers in urban United States decrease their chances of obesity as pre-schoolers?
• Does the increase in the intake of antidepressants among urban women aged 30 years and older affect their maternal health?
• Does forming work groups to discuss domestic violence among the rural population of the United States reduce stress and depression among women?
• Does the increased use of mosquito nets in Uganda help in reducing malaria cases among infants?
• Can colon cancer be more effectively detected when colonoscopy is supported by an occult blood test compared to colonoscopy alone?
• Does regular usage of low-dose aspirin effectively reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke for women above the age of 80 years?
• Is yoga an effective medical therapy for reducing lymphedema in patients recovering from neck cancer?
• Does daily blood pressure monitoring help in addressing the triggers of hypertension among males over 65 years?
• Does a regular 30-minute exercise regimen effectively reduce the risk of heart disease in adults over 65 years?
• Does prolonged exposure to chemotherapy increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases among teenagers suffering from cancer?
• Does breastfeeding among toddlers in the urban United States decrease their chances of obesity as pre-schoolers?
• Are first-time mothers giving birth to premature babies more prone to postpartum depression compared to second or third-time mothers in the same condition?
• For women under the age of 50 years, is a yearly mammogram more effective in preventing breast cancer compared to a mammogram done every 3 years?
• After being diagnosed with blood sugar levels, is a four-times-a-day blood glucose monitoring process more effective in controlling the onset of Type 1 diabetes?

Related: How to write an abstract poster presentation.

You can never go wrong with getting expertly written examples as a source for your inspiration. They factor in all the qualities of a good PICO question, which sets you miles ahead in your research process.

If you need a personalized approach to choosing a good PICOT question and writing a problem and purpose statement, our nursing paper acers can help you.

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Trends in Medicine

3 steps to designing effective research questions and study methods.

Every day, scientists conduct important research that brings real value to the medical field. And the most impactful efforts typically begin with a clear question that will add a new perspective to the current knowledge that exists, as well as a well-designed study format, explains Jamie Robertson, PhD, MPH, director of Innovation in Surgical Education at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, associate director of Harvard Medical School’s  Global Clinical Scholars Research Training  program and co-director for the  Foundations of Clinical Research  program. 

For instance, perhaps you notice that your patients who go running regularly have lower blood pressure than their counterparts. But, is running directly related to reduced hypertension rates, or could these patients also be making other lifestyle choices that are impacting the equation? Fully understanding the relationship can be valuable to help you provide good advice to your other patients to help them control or prevent hypertension. Yet in order to find out the connection, you’ll need to come up with a solid research question and conduct a study that will help you to understand whether running is related to blood pressure.  

Step 1: Develop a Targeted Question 

To develop a meaningful research question, it’s important to narrow your interest to a very specific area.  

“Often people get excited and want to study a big topic,” Robertson says. This could be something like the factors related to hypertension among adults of all ages. “But you can actually do your best work when you have a concise and focused question,” she points out. Narrow in on a specific subset of the population and make sure that what you want to answer is complex and not too obvious. An example might be looking at the impact that running three times a week has on the blood pressure levels of middle-age patients with no other confounding health factors. 

She points out that when you develop such a question, it’s important that you make sure that the data you seek to collect will be adding a new perspective, rather than just repeating information that already exists.  

“Think about why a medical student or resident should care about your research. It should not be something that they can already find in the medical literature or that they can answer just using common sense,” she adds. 

Step 2: Include the Right Elements 

Once you have an idea of what you want to tackle in your research, Robertson suggests using a method called PICO to flesh out the research question and all the nuances involved and determine how best to go about answering it.

Each letter of PICO stands for a different topic area, she says.  

• P=Population: Who are the people being studied?  In this case, it might be runners between the ages of 35 and 55 in good health. 
• I=Intervention: What is the action that you want to explore?  This could be the impact of running on hypertension. 
• C=Control: What is the other group that you will use in order to compare your results?  You could use a group of people in the same age range with similar health status overall but who do not run.
• O=Outcome: What are the results?  This would be the blood pressure levels.  

Using this method to define all of the elements can be essential in helping you focus your efforts and determine how to tackle the research study most effectively. 

Step 3: Explore Study Design Formats 

The next step is selecting the study format you want to use to gather your data. “People often ask me what the best study design is to use for their work. But there is no one right answer,” Robertson says. “We tend to think randomized clinical trials have the highest level of evidence. But that is not the right study design in all cases, and it may not even be ethical, or feasible, or cost effective, in some situations,” she stresses. Therefore, you’ll want to explore different options to see what fits best for your circumstances.  

Here are some common study designs that you might want to consider, along with ideas of how each one might work to answer the question about running and hypertension: 

• Randomized control trial:  If you want to determine the relationship between running and blood pressure, using a randomized clinical trial can minimize the confounding factors and provide level 1 evidence while controlling bias. Yet, this method will be expensive to perform and will require an extended study period. There is also the question of whether participants will be compliant over the long term—in this case, continuing to run three times a week.  
• Prospective cohort study:  A prospective cohort study would enable you to follow one group that runs and one group that does not and see how their blood pressure responds. No intervention would be needed. The drawbacks with this method, however, include that it takes a long time to see the results, and it would be hard to know if the runners will continue to run over time. Non-compliance would negate the results. 
• Case control study:  “For this type of study, I’d go into the records and find patients diagnosed with hypertension and patients who don’t have it. I would pick groups with details that match except for this diagnosis. Then, I would look back and see their exposure to running,” she says. You could interview participants and find out how many times they ran five years ago, and also look for their exercise data using fitness tracking apps to get this information. The key is that for a case control study, you will select participants based on their diagnoses or health status and then look at their exercise history to see if patterns exist. 
• Retro study:  “For a retro study, I would look at fitness records from 10 years ago [perhaps from a fitness tracker or app] and divide participants into two groups—those who ran three times a week and those who did not run. Then, I would go forward in time to the present and see if they now have hypertension,” she says. 
• Prospective case control study:  Another less common option is a prospective case control study: “In this case, you would wait for people to get the disease or outcome of interest and then enroll them in your study. So, I would hang out in my clinic and wait for people to be diagnosed and then enroll them instead of getting them from the medical records,” she says. 

Contributing to the Field 

Robertson points out that when you consider all of these aspects to help you design and implement research studies to answer well thought out and informative questions, you can help to advance your research career in exciting directions, while also adding a significant body of knowledge to the field that may lead to improved outcomes.

Written by Lisa D. Ellis

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Health Humanities: Primary and Secondary Sources: Research Question

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How to Develop your Research Question?

What is a research question? A research question is a question around which you center your research. It should be:

• clear : it provides enough specifics that one’s audience can easily understand its purpose without needing additional explanation.
• focused : it is narrow enough that it can be answered thoroughly in the space the writing task allows.
• concise : it is expressed in the fewest possible words.
• complex : it is not answerable with a simple “yes” or “no,” but rather requires synthesis and analysis of ideas and sources prior to the composition of an answer.
• arguable : its potential answers are open to debate rather than accepted facts.

You should ask a question about an issue that you are genuinely curious and/or passionate about.

The question you ask should be developed for the discipline you are studying. A question appropriate for Biology, for instance, is different from an appropriate one in Political Science or Sociology. If you are developing your question for a course other than the first-year composition, you may want to discuss your ideas for a research question with your professor.

Why is a Research Question Essential?

Why is a research question essential to the research process? Research questions help writers focus their research by providing a path through the research and writing process. The specificity of a well-developed research question helps writers avoid the “all-about” paper and work toward supporting a specific, arguable thesis.

Steps to developing a research question:

• Choose an interesting general topic.  Most professional researchers focus on topics they are genuinely interested in studying. Writers should choose a broad topic about which they genuinely would like to know more. An example of a general topic might be “Slavery in the American South” or “Films of the 1930s.”
• Do some preliminary research on your general topic.  Do a few quick searches in current periodicals and journals on your topic to see what’s already been done and to help you narrow your focus. What issues are scholars and researchers discussing, when it comes to your topic? What questions occur to you as you read these articles?
• Consider your audience.  For most college papers, your audience will be academic, but always keep your audience in mind when narrowing your topic and developing your question. Would that particular audience be interested in the question you are developing?
• Start asking questions.  Taking into consideration all of the above, start asking yourself open-ended “how” and “why” questions about your general topic. For example, “Why were slave narratives effective tools in working toward the abolishment of slavery?” or “How did the films of the 1930s reflect or respond to the conditions of the Great Depression?”
• Is your research question clear?  With so much research available on any given topic, research questions must be as clear as possible in order to be effective in helping the writer direct his or her research.
• Is your research question focused?  Research questions must be specific enough to be well covered in the space available.
• Is your research question complex?  Research questions should not be answerable with a simple “yes” or “no” or by easily-found facts.  They should, instead, require both research and analysis on the part of the writer. They often begin with “How” or “Why.”
• Begin your research .  After you’ve come up with a question, think about the possible paths your research could take. What sources should you consult as you seek answers to your question? What research process will ensure that you find a variety of perspectives and responses to your question?

Sample Research Questions

Unclear:  How should social networking sites address the harm they cause? Clear:  What action should social networking sites like Instagram and Facebook take to protect users’ personal information and privacy? The unclear version of this question doesn’t specify which social networking sites or suggest what kind of harm the sites might be causing. It also assumes that this “harm” is proven and/or accepted. The clearer version specifies sites (Instagram and Facebook), the type of potential harm (privacy issues), and who may be experiencing that harm (users). A strong research question should never leave room for ambiguity or interpretation. Unfocused:   What is the effect on the environment from global warming? Focused:   What is the most significant effect of glacial melting on the lives of penguins in Antarctica?

The unfocused research question is so broad that it couldn’t be adequately answered in a book-length piece, let alone a standard college-level paper. The focused version narrows down to a specific effect of global warming (glacial melting), a specific place (Antarctica), and a specific animal that is affected (penguins). It also requires the writer to take a stance on which effect has the greatest impact on the affected animal. When in doubt, make a research question as narrow and focused as possible.

Too simple:   How are doctors addressing diabetes in the U.S.? Appropriately Complex:    What main environmental, behavioral, and genetic factors predict whether Americans will develop diabetes, and how can these commonalities be used to aid the medical community in the prevention of the disease?

The simple version of this question can be looked up online and answered in a few factual sentences; it leaves no room for analysis. The more complex version is written in two parts; it is thought-provoking and requires both significant investigation and evaluation from the writer. As a general rule of thumb, if a quick Google search can answer a research question, it’s likely not very effective.

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Forming Focused Questions with PICO: PICO Examples

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Practice Your Skills

Cancer care and peer support, cultural awareness and nursing care, labor & delivery, infection control, nurse educator, nurse practitioner, public health, school nursing.

• Other Question Frameworks

Practice writing out PICO components and then forming a focused question about one of the case studies below. Choose one or several that interest you.

You have read that peer support interventions help individuals and families affected by cancer across the care continuum from prevention through survivorship and end-of-life care. You wonder about the characteristics of peer support programs and how peer support programs have been used to reduce disparities and barriers to care.

Open to check your PICO analysis of the scenario for cancer care.

Nurses in oncology units interact frequently with adults with cancer who do not speak English as their primary language. You are curious whether cultural awareness among nurses improves these patients’ care and participation in the decision-making process.

Open to check your PICO analysis of the scenario for nursing care.

You’re a new nurse on a labor and delivery unit. You’ve noticed that most women give birth in the lithotomy position at the encouragement of their doctors. However, you’re sure you heard in nursing school that other positions are less likely to lead to deliveries with forceps or a vacuum.. or did you? You want to find some literature to back up your claim.

Open to check your PICO analysis of the scenario for labor and delivery.

You work in the Big City Hospital ICU. Your mechanically ventilated patients sometimes contract nosocomial pneumonia, which leads to costly complications. You want to know if raising the head of the bed lowers the chance of the patient contracting pneumonia compared to letting the patient lie flat on their back.

Open to check your PICO analysis of the scenario for the ICU..

In the past few years, your hospital has installed antibacterial foam dispensers on all the nursing units. You’ve had nurses asking you if the foam is just as effective as washing their hands with water and soap.

Open to check your PICO analysis of the scenario for infection control.

Shift change on your busy med-surg unit can be frustrating for you and your coworkers. Report at the nursing station takes up to 30 minutes, by the end of which you’re anxious to see your patients. You read something in a recent ANA newsletter about other hospitals switching to a bedside shift report, and you want to find out if staff liked that style of shift change better.

Open to check your PICO analysis of the scenario in med-surg.

Open to check your pico analysis of the scenario in the nicu..

It’s the last semester of your BSN students’ time in school and they’re excited.. and anxious! They’ve been asking you if they should take the NCLEX right after they graduate or wait for a while after graduation so they can relax and study.

Open to check your PICO analysis of the scenario for nurse educators.

It’s winter at your family practice, and you have a lot of patients coming in with runny noses and general malaise. Brenda, a 35 year old working mother in for a checkup states, "I’m so busy between work and home that I definitely don’t have time to get sick! Can those vitamin C or zinc pills prevent colds?"

Open to check your PICO analysis of the scenario for nurse practitioners.

The main concern for most of your patients coming out of anesthesia in your PACU is pain. You want to explore nursing interventions you can use on top of medication administration to decrease pain. One coworker mentions trying to make the PACU feel less clinical by playing soft music to relax patients.

Open to check your PICO analysis of the scenario for PACU.

You work in a pediatrician’s office and give patients their routine vaccinations. The younger children are often fearful of needles, and some of the staff use toys to distract the patients. You want to know if this technique actually has an effect on the children's pain response.

Open to check your PICO analysis of the scenario for pediatrics.

You work on an inpatient psychiatric unit. One of your patients with chronic schizophrenia, Joe, normally mumbles to himself, but will occasionally speak to others when residents play games together. Noticing this, you say to a coworker that maybe social skills group training sessions would bring out Joe’s conversational skills. Your coworker shakes her head and says "I don’t think so. Joe is in and out of this hospital, he’s a lost cause."

Open to check your PICO analysis of the scenario for psychiatry.

You coordinate health education programs and have been holding seminars for teenagers about STI prevention. You’ve been found that they’re hesitant to open up to you during classes to ask you questions. You’re wondering if recruiting peer educators closer to their age will encourage them to actively participate and get more satisfaction out of the classes.

Open to check your PICO analysis of the scenario for public health.

On your pulmonary unit, many of your COPD patients receive injections of heparin to prevent pulmonary emboli, and patients find the bruises associated with heparin injections unsightly. You’ve had nursing students shadowing you lately, so you’ve been particularly concerned with injection technique. You want to find out if the duration of injection has any effect on the extent of bruising.

Open to check your PICO analysis of the scenario for pulmonary.

You’re a school nurse and one aspect of your job is counseling pregnant teens with the aim of enabling them to complete high school. You’ve even been conducting home visits on top of your normal in-school meetings as part of their preparation-for-motherhood counseling. You want sources to backup the effectiveness of these home visits.

Open to check your PICO analysis of the scenario for school nursing.

A diabetic patient from a nursing home has recently been admitted with a stage III pressure ulcers on his heels. The unit nurses have called you in for a wound consult. You have to choose between standard moist wound therapy and using a wound vac.

Open to check your PICO analysis of the scenario for wound care.

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• Published: 26 November 2018

The 150 most important questions in cancer research and clinical oncology series: questions 94–101

Edited by Cancer Communications

Cancer Communications

Cancer Communications volume  38 , Article number:  69 ( 2018 ) Cite this article

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Since the beginning of 2017, Cancer Communications (former title: Chinese Journal of Cancer ) has published a series of important questions regarding cancer research and clinical oncology, to provide an enhanced stimulus for cancer research, and to accelerate collaborations between institutions and investigators. In this edition, the following 8 valuable questions are presented. Question 94. The origin of tumors: time for a new paradigm? Question 95. How can we accelerate the identification of biomarkers for the early detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma? Question 96. Can we improve the treatment outcomes of metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma through precision medicine guided by a combination of the genetic and proteomic information of the tumor? Question 97. What are the parameters that determine a competent immune system that gives a complete response to cancers after immune induction? Question 98. Is high local concentration of metformin essential for its anti-cancer activity? Question 99. How can we monitor the emergence of cancer cells anywhere in the body through plasma testing? Question 100. Can phytochemicals be more specific and efficient at targeting P-glycoproteins to overcome multi-drug resistance in cancer cells? Question 101. Is cell migration a selectable trait in the natural evolution of carcinoma?

Until now, the battle against cancer is still ongoing, but there are also ongoing discoveries being made. Milestones in cancer research and treatments are being achieved every year; at a quicker pace, as compared to decades ago. Likewise, some cancers that were considered incurable are now partly curable, lives that could not be saved are now being saved, and for those with yet little options, they are now having best-supporting care. With an objective to promote worldwide cancer research and even accelerate inter-countries collaborations, since the beginning of 2017, Cancer Communications (former title: Chinese Journal of Cancer ) has launched a program of publishing 150 most important questions in cancer research and clinical oncology [ 1 ]. We are providing a platform for researchers to freely voice-out their novel ideas, and propositions to enhance the communications on how and where our focus should be placed [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. In this edition, 8 valuable and inspiring questions, Question 94–101, from highly distinguished professionals from different parts of the world are presented. If you have any novel proposition(s) and Question(s), please feel free to contact Ms. Ji Ruan via email: [email protected].

Question 94: The origin of tumors: time for a new paradigm?

Background and implications.

“There is no worse blind man than the one who doesn’t want to see. There is no worse deaf man than the one who doesn’t want to hear. And there is no worse madman than the one who doesn’t want to understand.” —Ancient Proverb

In the past half-century, cancer biologists have focused on a dogma in which cancer was viewed as a proliferative disease due to mechanisms that activate genes (oncogenes) to promote cell proliferation or inactivate genes (tumor suppressor genes) to suppress tumor growth. In retrospect, these concepts were established based on functional selections, by using tissue culture (largely mouse NIH 3T3 cells) for the selection of transformed foci at the time when we knew virtually nothing about the human genome [ 14 ]. However, it is very difficult to use these genes individually or in combinations to transform primary human cells. Further, the simplified view of uncontrolled proliferation cannot explain the tumor as being a malignant organ or a teratoma, as observed by pathologists over centuries. Recently, the cancer genomic atlas project has revealed a wide variety of genetic alterations ranging from no mutation to multiple chromosomal deletions or fragmentations, which make the identification of cancer driver mutations very challenging in a background of such a massive genomic rearrangement. Paradoxically, this increase the evidences demonstrating that the oncogenic mutations are commonly found in many normal tissues, further challenging the dogma that genetic alteration is the primary driver of this disease.

Logically, the birth of a tumor should undergo an embryonic-like development at the beginning, similar to that of a human. However, the nature of such somatic-derived early embryo has been elusive. Recently, we provided evidence to show that polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs), which have been previously considered non-dividing, are actually capable of self-renewal, generating viable daughter cells via amitotic budding, splitting and burst, and capable of acquisition of embryonic-like stemness [ 15 , 16 , 17 ]. The mode of PGCC division is remarkably similar to that of blastomere, a first step in human embryogenesis following fertilization. The blastomere nucleus continuously divides 4–5 times without cytoplasmic division to generate 16–32 cells and then to form compaction/morulae before developing into a blastocyst [ 18 ]. Based on these data and similarity to the earliest stage of human embryogenesis, I propose a new theory that tumor initiation can be achieved via a dualistic origin, similar to the first step of human embryogenesis via the formation of blastomere-like cells, i.e. the activation of blastomere or blastomere-like cells which leads to the dedifferentiation of germ cells or somatic cells, respectively, which is then followed by the differentiation to generate their respective stem cells, and the differentiation arrest at a specific developmental hierarchy leading to tumor initiation [ 19 ]. The somatic-derived blastomere-like cancer stem cell follows its own mode of cell growth and division and is named as the giant cell cycle. This cycle includes four distinct but overlapping phases: the initiation, self-renewal, termination, and stability phases. The giant cell cycle can be tracked in vitro and in vivo due to their salient giant cell morphology (Fig.  1 ).

One mononucleated polyploid giant cancer cell (PGCC) in the background of regular size diploid cancer cells. The PGCC can be seen to be at least 100 times larger than that of regular cancer cells

This new theory challenges the traditional paradigm that cancer is a proliferative disease, and proposes that the initiation of cancer requires blastomere-like division that is similar to that of humans before achieving stable proliferation at specific developmental hierarchy in at least half of all human cancers. This question calls for all investigators in the cancer research community to investigate the role of PGCCs in the initiation, progression, resistance, and metastasis of cancer and to look for novel agents to block the different stages of the giant cell cycle.

The histopathology (phenotype) of cancers has been there all the time. It is just the theory of cancer origin proposed by scientists that changes from time to time. After all, trillions of dollars have been invested in fighting this disease by basing on its genetic origin in the past half-century, yet, little insight has been gained [ 14 ]. Here are two quotes from Einstein: “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results”, and “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when created them”.

In short, it is time to change our mindset and to start pursuing PGCCs, which we can observe under the microscope. But with very little understanding about these cells, it is time for a shift in paradigm.

Jinsong Liu.

Affiliation

Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4095, USA.

Email address

[email protected]

Question 95: How can we accelerate the identification of biomarkers for the early detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma?

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal cancers in the world with a dismal 5-year overall survival rate of less than 5%; which has not been significantly improved since the past decades. Although surgical resection is the only option for curative treatment of PDAC, only 15%–20% of patients with PDAC have the chance to undergo curative resection, leaving the rest with only palliative options in hope for increasing their quality of life; since they were already at unresectable and non-curative stages at their first diagnosis.

The lack of specific symptoms in the early-stage of PDAC is responsible for rendering an early diagnosis difficult. Therefore, more sensitive and specific screening methodologies for its early detection is urgently needed to improve its diagnosis, starting early treatments, and ameliorating prognoses. The diagnosis so far relies on imaging modalities such as abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and positron emission tomography (PET). One may propose to screen for pancreatic cancer in high-risk populations, which is highly recommended, however screening intervention for all the people is not a wise choice; when considering the relatively low prevalence of PDAC, and the difficulty for diagnosing it in its early stage [ 20 ].

Therefore, alternative diagnostic tools for early detection of PDAC are highly expected. Among the biomarkers currently used in clinical practice, carbohydrate antigen 19–9 (CA19–9) is among the most useful one for supporting the diagnosis of PDAC, but it is neither sufficiently sensitive nor specific for its early detection. Yachida et al. reported in 2010 that the initiating mutation in the pancreas occurs approximately two decades before the PDAC to start growing in distant organs [ 21 ], which indicates a broad time of the window of opportunity for the early detection of PDAC. With the advancement in next-generation sequencing technology, the number of reported studies regarding novel potential molecular biomarkers in bodily fluids including the blood, feces, urine, saliva, and pancreatic juice for early detection of PDAC has been increasing. Such biomarkers may be susceptible to detect mutations at the genetic or epigenetic level, identifying important non-coding RNA (especially microRNA and long non-coding RNA), providing insights regarding the metabolic profiles, estimating the tumor level in liquid biopsies (circulating free DNA, circulating tumor cells and exosomes), and so on.

Another approach to identifying biomarkers for the early detection of pancreatic cancer is using animal models. In spontaneous animal models of pancreatic cancer, such as Kras-mutated mouse models, it is expected that by high throughput analyses of the genetic/epigenetic/proteomic alterations, some novel biomarkers might be able to be identified. For instance, Sharma et al. reported in 2017 that the detection of phosphatidylserine-positive exosomes enabled the diagnosis of early-stage malignancies in LSL-Kras G12D , Cdkn2a lox/lox : p48 Cre and LSL-Kras G12d/+ , LSL-Trp R172H/+ , and P48 Cre mice [ 22 ].

These analyses in clinical samples or animal models hold the clues for the early detection of PDAC, however, further studies are required to validate their diagnostic performance. What’s most important, will be the lining-up of these identified prospective biomarkers, to validate their sensitivities and specificities. This will determine their potential for widespread clinical applicability, and hopefully, accelerate the early diagnosis of PDAC.

Mikiya Takao 1,2 , Hirotaka Matsuo 2 , Junji Yamamoto 1 , and Nariyoshi Shinomiya 2 .

1 Department of Surgery, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan; 2 Department of Integrative Physiology and Bio-Nano Medicine, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan.

E-mail address

[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]

Question 96: Can we improve the treatment outcomes of metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma through precision medicine guided by a combination of the genetic and proteomic information of the tumor?

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most malignant cancers, and nearly half of the patients had metastatic PDAC when they are initially diagnosed. When they are accompanied by metastatic tumors, unlike most solid cancer, PDAC cannot be cured with primary surgical resection alone [ 23 , 24 ]. Also, since PDAC has poor responses to conventional therapies, improvements in adjunctive treatment approach including chemo- and immuno-therapy are earnestly required. From this standpoint, recent results regarding the differences in the molecular evolution of pancreatic cancer subtypes provide a new insight into its therapeutic development [ 25 ], which may lead to the improvement of the prognosis of not only metastatic PDAC but also of locally advanced or recurrent PDAC.

In fact, new chemotherapeutic regimens such as the combination of gemcitabine with nab-paclitaxel and FOLFIRINOX have been reported to show improved prognosis despite a lack of examples of past successes in the treatment of patients with metastatic PDAC who had undergone R0 resection [ 26 ]. While many mutations including KRAS , CDKN2A , TP53, and SMAD4 are associated with pancreatic carcinogenesis, no effective molecular targeted drug has been introduced in the clinical setting so far. A recent report of a phase I/II study on refametinib, a MEK inhibitor, indicated that KRAS mutation status might affect the overall response rate, disease control rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival of PDAC in combination with gemcitabine [ 27 ].

While immunotherapy is expected to bring a great improvement in cancer treatment, until now, immune checkpoint inhibitors have achieved limited clinical benefit for patients with PDAC. This might be because PDAC creates a uniquely immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, where tumor-associated immunosuppressive cells and accompanying desmoplastic stroma prevent the tumor cells from T cell infiltration. Recently reported studies have indicated that immunotherapy might be effective when combined with focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibitor [ 28 ] or IL-6 inhibitor [ 29 ], but more studies are required to validate their use in clinical practice.

As such, we believe that if the dynamic monitoring of drug sensitivity/resistance in the individual patients is coupled with precision treatment based on individualized genetics/epigenetics/proteomics alterations in the patients’ tumor, this could improve the treatment outcomes of PDAC.

Mikiya Takao 1,2 , Hirotaka Matsuo 2 , Junji Yamamoto 1 , and Nariyoshi Shinomiya 2.

Question 97: What are the parameters that determine a competent immune system that gives a complete response to cancers after immune induction?

Recently, cancer immunotherapy has shown great clinical benefit in multiple types of cancers [ 30 , 31 , 32 ]. It has provided new approaches for cancer treatment. However, it has been observed that only a fraction of patients respond to immunotherapy.

Much effort has been made to identify markers for immunotherapeutic response. Tumor mutation burden (TMB), mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency, PD-L1 expression, and tumor infiltration lymphocyte (TIL) have been found to be associated with an increased response rate in checkpoint blockade therapies. Unfortunately, a precise prediction is still challenging in this field. Moreover, when to stop the treatment of immunotherapy is an urgent question that remains to be elucidated.

In other words, there is no available approach to determine if a patient has generated a good immune response against the cancer after immunotherapy treatments. All of these indicate the complexity and challenges that reside for implementing novel man-induced cancer-effective immune response therapeutics. A variety of immune cells play collaborative roles at different stages to recognize antigens and eventually to generate an effective anti-cancer immune response. Given the high complexity of the immune system, a rational evaluation approach is needed to cover the whole process. Moreover, we need to perfect vaccine immunization and/or in vitro activation of T cells to augment the function of the immune system; particularly the formation of immune memory.

Edison Liu 1 , Penghui Zhou 2 , Jiang Li 2 .

1 The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA; 2 Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P. R. China.

[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]

Question 98: Is high local concentration of metformin essential for its anti-cancer activity?

Metformin was approved as a first line of anti-diabetic drug since decades. Interestingly, the fact that clinical epidemiological studies have shown that metformin can reduce the risk of a variety of cancers stimulates considerable recognition to explore its anticancer activity.

Although the in vitro and in vivo experimental results have demonstrated that metformin can have some potential anti-tumor effects, more than 100 clinical trials did not achieve such desirable results [ 33 ]. We and others believe that the main problem resides in the prescribing doses used. For cancer treatment, a much higher dose may be needed for observing any anti-tumor activities, as compared to the doses prescribed for diabetics [ 34 , 35 , 36 ].

Further, if the traditional local/oral administration approach is favored, the prescribed metformin may not be at the required dose-concentration once it reaches the blood to have the effective anti-cancer activities. We, therefore, propose that intravesical instillation of metformin into the bladder lumen could be a promising way to treat for bladder cancer, at least. We have already obtained encouraging results both in vitro and in vivo experiments, including in an orthotopical bladder cancer model [ 36 , 37 ]. Now, we are waiting to observe its prospective clinical outcome.

Mei Peng 1 , Xiaoping Yang 2 .

1 Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University. Changsha, Hunan 410083, P. R. China; 2 Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P. R. China.

[email protected]; [email protected]

Question 99: How can we monitor the emergence of cancer cells anywhere in the body through plasma testing?

The early detection of cancer is still a relentless worldwide challenge. The sensitivity and specificity of traditional blood tumor markers and imaging technologies are still to be greatly improved. Hence, novel approaches for the early detection of cancer are urgently needed.

The emergence of liquid biopsy technologies opens a new driveway for solving such issues. According to the definition of the National Cancer Institute of the United States, a liquid biopsy is a test done on a sample of blood to look for tumorigenic cancer cells or pieces of tumor cells’ DNA that are circulating in the blood [ 38 ]. This definition implies two main types of the current liquid biopsy: one that detects circulating tumor cells and the other that detects non-cellular material in the blood, including tumor DNA, RNA, and exosomes.

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are referred to as tumor cells that have been shed from the primary tumor location and have found their way to the peripheral blood. CTCs were first described in 1869 by an Australian pathologist, Thomas Ashworth, in a patient with metastatic cancer [ 39 ]. The importance of CTCs in modern cancer research began in the mid-1990s with the demonstration that CTCs exist early in the course of the disease.

It is estimated that there are about 1–10 CTCs per mL in whole blood of patients with metastatic cancer, even fewer in patients with early-stage cancer [ 40 ]. For comparison, 1 mL of blood contains a few million white blood cells and a billion erythrocytes. The identification of CTCs, being in such low frequency, requires some special tumoral markers (e.g., EpCAM and cytokeratins) to capture and isolate them. Unfortunately, the common markers for recognizing the majority of CTCs are not effective enough for clinical application [ 41 ]. Although accumulated evidences have shown that the presence of CTCs is a strong negative prognostic factor in the patients with metastatic breast, lung and colorectal cancers, detecting CTCs might not be an ideal branch to hold on for the hope of early cancer detection [ 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 ].

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is tumor-derived fragmented DNA in the circulatory system, which is mainly derived from the tumor cell death through necrosis and/or apoptosis [ 46 ]. Given its origin, ctDNA inherently carries cancer-specific genetic and epigenetic aberrations, which can be used as a surrogate source of tumor DNA for cancer diagnosis and prognostic prediction. Ideally, as a noninvasive tumor early screening tool, a liquid biopsy test should be able to detect many types of cancers and provide the information of tumor origin for further specific clinical management. In fact, the somatic mutations of ctDNA in different types of tumor are highly variable, even in the different individuals with the same type of tumor [ 47 ]. Additionally, most tumors do not possess driver mutations, with some notable exceptions, which make the somatic mutations of ctDNA not suitable for early detection of the tumor.

Increased methylation of the promoter regions of tumor suppressor genes is an early event in many types of tumor, suggesting that altered ctDNA methylation patterns could be one of the first detectable neoplastic changes associated with tumorigenesis [ 48 ]. ctDNA methylation profiling provides several advantages over somatic mutation analysis for cancer detection including higher clinical sensitivity and dynamic range, multiple detectable methylation target regions, and multiple altered CpG sites within each targeted genomic region. Further, each methylation marker is present in both cancer tissue and ctDNA, whereas only a fraction of mutations present in cancer tissue could be detected in ctDNA.

In 2017, there were two inspiring studies that revealed the values of using ctDNA methylation analysis for cancer early diagnosis [ 49 , 50 ]. After partitioning the human genome into blocks of tightly coupled CpG methylation sites, namely methylation haplotype blocks (MHBs), Guo and colleagues performed tissue-specific methylation analyses at the MHBs level to accurately determine the tissue origin of the cancer using ctDNA from their enrolled patients [ 49 ]. In another study, Xu and colleagues identified a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) enriched methylation marker panel by comparing the HCC tissue and blood leukocytes from normal individuals and showed that methylation profiles of HCC tumor DNA and matched plasma ctDNA were highly correlated. In this study, after quantitative measurement of the methylation level of candidate markers in ctDNA from a large cohort of 1098 HCC patients and 835 normal controls, ten methylation markers were selected to construct a diagnostic prediction model. The proposed model demonstrated a high diagnostic specificity and sensitivity, and was highly correlated with tumor burden, treatment response, and tumor stage [ 50 ].

With the rapid development of highly sensitive detection methods, especially the technologies of massively parallel sequencing or next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based assays and digital PCR (dPCR), we strongly believe that the identification of a broader “pan-cancer” methylation panel applied for ctDNA analyses, probably in combination with detections of somatic mutation and tumor-derived exosomes, would allow more effective screening for common cancers in the near future.

Edison Liu 1 , Hui-Yan Luo 2 .

[email protected]; [email protected]

Question 100: Can phytochemicals be more specific and efficient at targeting P-glycoproteins to overcome multi-drug resistance in cancer cells?

Though several anticancer agents are approved to treat different types of cancers, their full potentials have been limited due to the occurrence of drug resistance. Resistance to anticancer drugs develops by a variety of mechanisms, one of which is increased drug efflux by transporters. The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) family drug efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp or multi-drug resistance protein 1 [MDRP1]) has been extensively studied and is known to play a major role in the development of multi-drug resistance (MDR) to chemotherapy [ 51 ]. In brief, overexpressed P-gp efflux out a wide variety of anticancer agents (e.g.: vinca alkaloids, doxorubicin, paclitaxel, etc.), leading to a lower concentration of these drugs inside cancer cells, thereby resulting in MDR. Over the past three decades, researchers have developed several synthetic P-gp inhibitors to block the efflux of anticancer drugs and have tested them in clinical trials, in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs. But none were found to be suitable enough in overcoming MDR and to be released for marketing, mainly due to the side effects associated with cross-reactivity towards other ABC transporters (BCRP and MRP-1) and the inhibition of CYP450 drug metabolizing enzymes [ 52 , 53 ].

On the other hand, a number of phytochemicals have been reported to have P-gp inhibitory activity. Moreover, detailed structure–activity studies on these phytochemicals have delineated the functional groups essential for P-gp inhibition [ 53 , 54 ]. Currently, one of the phytochemicals, tetrandrine (CBT-1 ® ; NSC-77037), is being used in a Phase I clinical trial ( http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov ; NCT03002805) in combination with doxorubicin for the treatment of metastatic sarcoma. Before developing phytochemicals or their derivatives as P-gp inhibitors, they need to be investigated thoroughly for their cross-reactivity towards other ABC transporters and CYP450 inhibition, in order to avoid toxicities similar to the older generation P-gp inhibitors that have failed in clinical trials.

Therefore, the selectivity for P-gp over other drug transporters and drug metabolizing enzymes should be considered as important criterias for the development of phytochemicals and their derivatives for overcoming MDR.

Mohane Selvaraj Coumar and Safiulla Basha Syed.

Centre for Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Puducherry 605014, India.

[email protected]; [email protected]

Question 101: Is cell migration a selectable trait in the natural evolution of carcinoma?

The propensity of solid tumor malignancy to metastasize remains the main cause of cancer-related death, an extraordinary unmet clinical need, and an unanswered question in basic cancer research. While dissemination has been traditionally viewed as a late process in the progression of malignant tumors, amount of evidence indicates that it can occur early in the natural history of cancer, frequently when the primary lesion is still barely detectable.

A prerequisite for cancer dissemination is the acquisition of migratory/invasive properties. However, whether, and if so, how the migratory phenotype is selected for during the natural evolution of cancer and what advantage, if any, it may provide to the growing malignant cells remains an open issue. The answers to these questions are relevant not only for our understating of cancer biology but also for the strategies we adopt in an attempt of curbing this disease. Frequently, indeed, particularly in pharmaceutical settings, targeting migration has been considered much like trying “to shut the stable door after the horse has bolted” and no serious efforts in pursuing this aim has been done.

We argue, instead, that migration might be an intrinsic cancer trait that much like proliferation or increased survival confers to the growing tumor masses with striking selective advantages. The most compelling evidence in support for this contention stems from studies using mathematical modeling of cancer evolution. Surprisingly, these works highlighted the notion that cell migration is an intrinsic, selectable property of malignant cells, so intimately intertwined with more obvious evolutionarily-driven cancer traits to directly impact not only on the potential of malignant cells to disseminate but also on their growth dynamics, and ultimately provide a selective evolutionary advantage. Whether in real life this holds true remains to be assessed, nevertheless, work of this kind defines a framework where the acquisition of migration can be understood in a term of not just as a way to spread, but also to trigger the emergence of malignant clones with favorable genetic or epigenetic traits.

Alternatively, migratory phenotypes might emerge as a response to unfavorable conditions, including the mechanically challenging environment which tumors, and particularly epithelial-derived carcinoma, invariably experience. Becoming motile, however, may not per se being fixed as phenotypic advantageous traits unless it is accompanied or is causing the emergence of specific traits, including drug resistance, self-renewal, and survival. This might be the case, for example, during the process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is emerging as an overarching mechanism for dissemination. EMT, indeed, may transiently equip individual cancer cells not only with migratory/invasive capacity but also with increased resistance to drug treatment, stemness potential at the expanse of fast proliferation.

Thus, within this framework targeting pro-migratory genes, proteins and processes may become a therapeutically valid alternative or a complementary strategy not only to control carcinoma dissemination but also its progression and development.

Giorgio Scita.

IFOM, The FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology (DIPO), School of Medicine, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122, Italy.

[email protected]

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Cancer Communications. The 150 most important questions in cancer research and clinical oncology series: questions 94–101. Cancer Commun 38 , 69 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40880-018-0341-9

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• Tumor origin
• Polyploid giant cancer cell
• Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
• Liquid biopsy
• Spontaneous animal model
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Precision treatment
• Vaccine immunization
• Circulating tumor cell
• Circulating tumor DNA
• CpG methylation
• Methylation haplotype block
• Phytochemicals
• P-Glycoprotein
• Multi-drug resistance
• P-Glycoprotein inhibitor
• Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
• Pro-migratory gene

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Home » 500+ Medical Research Topic Ideas

500+ Medical Research Topic Ideas

Table of Contents

Medical research plays a crucial role in advancing healthcare and improving human health. It involves the scientific study of various aspects of medicine and health, including the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. Medical research is a dynamic and ever-evolving field, with new discoveries and breakthroughs happening all the time. It encompasses a wide range of disciplines, from basic science to clinical research, and involves collaboration between scientists, doctors, and other healthcare professionals. In this article, we will explore some exciting new and latest medical research topic ideas that are currently trending in the field. These Research Topics cover a variety of areas, including genetics, infectious diseases, mental health, and more.

Medical Research Topic Ideas

Medical Research Topic Ideas are as follows:

• The efficacy of mindfulness meditation in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety
• The effects of vitamin D supplementation on bone health in postmenopausal women
• The impact of social media on body image and eating disorders in adolescents
• The effectiveness of telemedicine in improving access to healthcare in rural communities
• The benefits and risks of long-term use of statins for cholesterol management
• The role of gut microbiota in the development of autoimmune diseases
• The potential of gene therapy for the treatment of genetic disorders
• The relationship between sleep disorders and cardiovascular disease
• The use of artificial intelligence in diagnosing and treating cancer
• The effect of exercise on cognitive function in older adults
• The impact of environmental factors on the development of asthma in children
• The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy for the treatment of PTSD in veterans
• The potential benefits of psychedelic-assisted therapy for the treatment of mental illness
• The relationship between diet and risk of developing type 2 diabetes
• The role of epigenetics in the development of psychiatric disorders
• The impact of COVID-19 on mental health and well-being
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction in improving quality of life in cancer patients
• The impact of childhood trauma on the development of mental illness in adulthood
• The benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women
• The effect of music therapy on reducing symptoms of dementia in older adults
• The relationship between gut microbiota and obesity
• The impact of socioeconomic status on health outcomes
• The effectiveness of acupuncture in treating chronic pain
• The use of stem cells in regenerative medicine
• The impact of air pollution on respiratory health
• The potential of nanotechnology in drug delivery
• The relationship between social support and mental health
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions for addiction treatment
• The role of inflammation in the development of Alzheimer’s disease
• The use of virtual reality in pain management
• The impact of exercise on mental health in adolescents
• The effectiveness of group therapy for the treatment of substance abuse
• The relationship between sleep and weight management
• The benefits and risks of using medical marijuana for chronic pain management
• The role of the immune system in the development of autoimmune diseases
• The effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation therapy for traumatic brain injury patients
• The impact of maternal stress on fetal development
• The relationship between physical activity and cardiovascular health
• The potential of gene editing for the treatment of genetic disorders
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions for reducing symptoms of postpartum depression.
• The impact of social media on mental health
• Investigating the use of virtual reality in pain management
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions for depression
• Exploring the relationship between sleep and anxiety
• Examining the efficacy of telemedicine in delivering mental health care
• Investigating the impact of environmental factors on the development of cancer
• The effect of exercise on cognitive function in elderly individuals
• Examining the potential benefits of psychedelic-assisted therapy for PTSD
• The relationship between diet and cardiovascular disease
• Investigating the impact of air pollution on respiratory health
• Examining the effects of social isolation on mental and physical health
• The use of machine learning in diagnosing medical conditions
• Investigating the effectiveness of acupuncture in pain management
• The impact of childhood trauma on mental and physical health outcomes in adulthood
• Examining the relationship between stress and autoimmune diseases
• The effect of music therapy on mental health outcomes
• Investigating the impact of gender on healthcare outcomes
• Examining the relationship between sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions for chronic pain
• Investigating the potential benefits of medical marijuana for chronic pain management
• Examining the impact of climate change on infectious disease transmission
• The use of robotics in surgery
• Investigating the relationship between alcohol consumption and cancer risk
• The effect of meditation on blood pressure control
• Examining the impact of social determinants of health on healthcare outcomes
• The role of genetics in the development of mental health conditions
• Investigating the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders
• Examining the relationship between inflammation and depression
• The impact of shift work on sleep and circadian rhythms
• Investigating the potential benefits of probiotics in gut health
• Examining the relationship between diet and mental health outcomes
• The effectiveness of art therapy for individuals with dementia
• Investigating the relationship between chronic pain and mental health outcomes
• The impact of artificial intelligence on medical diagnosis and treatment
• Examining the effectiveness of exercise in treating depression
• Investigating the relationship between inflammation and cardiovascular disease
• The effect of aromatherapy on anxiety and stress
• Examining the impact of social support on mental health outcomes
• The effectiveness of hypnotherapy in pain management.
• The role of gut microbiota in immune system modulation
• Effects of intermittent fasting on insulin sensitivity in obese individuals
• Impact of smartphone usage on sleep quality and quantity
• The potential therapeutic effects of CBD on anxiety disorders
• Association between shift work and cardiovascular disease
• Efficacy and safety of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy in treating depression
• The relationship between stress and autoimmune diseases
• Novel therapies for Alzheimer’s disease
• The effects of high-intensity interval training on metabolic syndrome
• The role of epigenetics in the development of cancer
• The effectiveness of virtual reality in pain management
• The effects of social media on body image and eating disorders
• The association between air pollution and respiratory diseases
• Effects of mindfulness meditation on stress and anxiety in healthcare workers
• The potential benefits of ketogenic diet in treating epilepsy
• The relationship between sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease
• The impact of climate change on infectious disease outbreaks
• The effectiveness of exercise in preventing falls in the elderly
• The effects of blue light exposure on circadian rhythm and sleep quality
• The association between alcohol consumption and liver disease
• The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder
• The role of gut-brain axis in mental health disorders
• The association between chronic inflammation and cancer
• The efficacy and safety of probiotics in treating irritable bowel syndrome
• The effects of social isolation on mental health in the elderly
• The impact of exercise on cognitive function in Parkinson’s disease patients
• The association between vitamin D deficiency and autoimmune diseases
• The potential therapeutic effects of music therapy in dementia patients
• The effects of second-hand smoke on cardiovascular health
• The association between maternal smoking and infant health outcomes
• The role of microbiome in the development of allergies
• The association between sleep duration and obesity
• The effects of blue light-blocking glasses on sleep quality and quantity
• The potential therapeutic effects of ketamine in treating depression
• The association between gut dysbiosis and inflammatory bowel disease
• The effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation therapy in traumatic brain injury patients
• The impact of early childhood stress on adult mental health
• The role of inflammation in the development of type 2 diabetes
• The potential benefits of plant-based diets in preventing chronic diseases.
• The effects of exercise on cognitive function in aging adults
• The association between sleep disorders and cardiovascular disease
• The potential therapeutic effects of psilocybin in treating addiction
• The role of gut microbiota in the development of autism spectrum disorder
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in treating depression
• The effects of air pollution on cognitive function
• The association between maternal mental health and child development
• The potential therapeutic effects of cannabis in treating chronic pain
• The role of diet in the prevention and management of diabetes
• The effects of social support on mental health in cancer patients
• The association between shift work and mental health disorders
• The efficacy of antiviral therapies in treating COVID-19
• The effects of exercise on bone health in postmenopausal women
• The association between sleep disorders and obesity
• The potential therapeutic effects of mindfulness meditation in treating anxiety disorders
• The role of gut microbiota in the development of metabolic disorders
• The effectiveness of virtual reality therapy in treating phobias
• The association between social support and immune system function
• The impact of early life stress on adult cardiovascular health
• The potential benefits of intermittent fasting in cancer prevention
• The effects of air pollution on pregnancy outcomes
• The association between maternal obesity and child health outcomes
• The efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating post-traumatic stress disorder
• The effects of sedentary behavior on metabolic health
• The potential therapeutic effects of omega-3 fatty acids in treating depression
• The role of microbiome in the development of obesity
• The association between social isolation and cognitive decline in older adults
• The impact of environmental toxins on child development
• The potential benefits of plant-based diets in treating metabolic disorders
• The effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive function
• The association between maternal stress and fetal development
• The efficacy of pharmacological interventions in treating anxiety disorders
• The effects of air pollution on respiratory health in children
• The association between social support and cardiovascular health
• The potential therapeutic effects of mindfulness meditation in treating chronic pain
• The role of diet in the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease
• The effects of exercise on mental health in children and adolescents
• The association between social support and cancer survival rates
• The impact of environmental factors on epigenetic modifications and disease susceptibility.
• The effects of exercise on immune function
• The association between maternal obesity and infant health outcomes
• The impact of air pollution on cognitive function in children
• The association between sleep deprivation and mental health disorders
• The effectiveness of virtual reality in rehabilitation after stroke
• The role of the microbiome in the development of obesity
• The impact of noise pollution on cardiovascular health
• The association between depression and cardiovascular disease
• The association between periodontal disease and cardiovascular health
• The impact of social support on mental health outcomes in cancer patients
• The potential therapeutic effects of melatonin in treating sleep disorders
• The association between air pollution and cognitive decline in older adults
• The effectiveness of group therapy in treating social anxiety disorder
• The impact of exercise on bone health in postmenopausal women
• The association between alcohol consumption and breast cancer risk
• The effects of blue light exposure on melatonin secretion and sleep quality
• The potential therapeutic effects of stem cells in treating Parkinson’s disease
• The role of inflammation in the development of depression
• The association between gut dysbiosis and depression
• The effectiveness of music therapy in reducing anxiety in cancer patients
• The impact of social media on mental health in adolescents
• The potential therapeutic effects of ketamine in treating post-traumatic stress disorder
• The association between vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular disease
• The effects of chronic stress on immune function
• The potential benefits of Mediterranean diet in preventing cardiovascular disease
• The impact of noise pollution on sleep quality and quantity
• The association between sedentary behavior and depression
• The effects of air pollution on fetal development and pregnancy outcomes
• The potential therapeutic effects of acupuncture in treating anxiety disorders
• The role of microbiome in the development of multiple sclerosis
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction in treating chronic pain
• The impact of artificial sweeteners on metabolic health
• The association between sleep duration and cardiovascular disease
• The effects of social isolation on immune function in older adults
• The potential therapeutic effects of omega-3 fatty acids in treating depression.
• The effects of exercise on cognitive function in older adults
• The association between maternal mental health and infant development
• The potential therapeutic effects of probiotics in treating depression
• The impact of air pollution on lung health in children
• The association between sleep quality and academic performance in adolescents
• The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating insomnia
• The role of gut microbiota in the development of metabolic syndrome
• The potential therapeutic effects of ayahuasca in treating addiction
• The impact of green space on mental health in urban areas
• The association between sedentary behavior and cardiometabolic risk factors
• The effects of blue light on mood and cognitive performance in shift workers
• The potential benefits of vegan diets in preventing chronic diseases
• The impact of social support on mental health in older adults
• The association between air pollution and lung cancer risk
• The effects of exercise on mental health in cancer survivors
• The potential therapeutic effects of ketamine in treating bipolar disorder
• The role of the microbiome in the development of rheumatoid arthritis
• The association between maternal nutrition and fetal development
• The effects of sleep deprivation on immune function
• The potential benefits of mindfulness meditation in managing chronic pain
• The impact of noise pollution on sleep-disordered breathing
• The association between sedentary behavior and breast cancer risk
• The effects of blue light exposure on retinal health
• The potential therapeutic effects of deep brain stimulation in treating depression
• The role of gut microbiota in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• The association between air pollution and neurodegenerative diseases
• The effects of social support on immune function in cancer patients
• The potential therapeutic effects of acupuncture in treating migraines
• The impact of light pollution on sleep quality and quantity
• The association between sedentary behavior and type 2 diabetes risk
• The effects of mindfulness meditation on cognitive function in older adults
• The potential benefits of the DASH diet in preventing hypertension
• The impact of social media on body dissatisfaction and eating disorders in adolescents
• The association between air pollution and kidney disease
• The effects of chronic stress on cardiovascular health
• The potential therapeutic effects of gene therapy in treating inherited diseases
• The role of microbiome in the development of atopic dermatitis
• The association between maternal smoking and childhood obesity
• The effects of blue light exposure on visual function and eye health
• The potential therapeutic effects of electroconvulsive therapy in treating depression.

Healthcare Research Topics for College Students

• The impact of healthcare policies on patient outcomes
• The effectiveness of telemedicine in improving access to healthcare
• The role of cultural competency in healthcare delivery
• The impact of social determinants of health on healthcare outcomes
• The effectiveness of different types of healthcare interventions
• The role of genetics in predicting and preventing chronic diseases
• The impact of the opioid epidemic on healthcare delivery
• The effectiveness of alternative medicine in managing chronic conditions
• The role of technology in improving patient safety
• The impact of healthcare provider burnout on patient care
• The effectiveness of different healthcare models in managing chronic diseases
• The role of patient education in improving healthcare outcomes
• The impact of healthcare disparities on access to care and health outcomes
• The effectiveness of healthcare systems in responding to public health emergencies
• The role of nutrition in disease prevention and management
• The impact of healthcare policy on healthcare costs and spending
• The effectiveness of mental health interventions in improving overall health outcomes
• The role of healthcare systems in addressing health disparities
• The impact of healthcare data analytics on clinical decision making
• The effectiveness of healthcare interventions in reducing healthcare-associated infections
• The role of patient-centered care in improving healthcare outcomes
• The impact of healthcare regulations on patient safety
• The effectiveness of vaccination programs in preventing infectious diseases
• The role of healthcare systems in promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors
• The impact of chronic diseases on healthcare costs and quality of life
• The effectiveness of preventative healthcare in improving health outcomes
• The role of healthcare technology in improving healthcare delivery
• The impact of healthcare funding on healthcare outcomes
• The effectiveness of healthcare interventions in managing chronic pain
• The role of healthcare providers in promoting health equity.

Community Medicine Research Topics for Medical Students

• The impact of community-based interventions on reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases in low-income communities.
• The effectiveness of vaccination campaigns in preventing infectious diseases in marginalized communities.
• The relationship between air pollution and respiratory health in urban communities.
• The prevalence and risk factors of substance abuse among homeless populations.
• The impact of social determinants of health on health outcomes in rural communities.
• The role of community health workers in improving maternal and child health outcomes in low-resource settings.
• The association between food insecurity and obesity in low-income populations.
• The prevalence and risk factors of mental health disorders among adolescents in urban communities.
• The effectiveness of school-based health promotion programs in improving health behaviors among children and adolescents.
• The role of community-based participatory research in addressing health disparities in underserved populations.
• The impact of social support networks on mental health outcomes among elderly populations.
• The relationship between access to healthcare services and health outcomes in rural communities.
• The effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions in reducing the burden of tobacco-related diseases.
• The prevalence and risk factors of sexually transmitted infections among young adults in urban communities.
• The role of community-based organizations in promoting healthy behaviors and preventing chronic diseases.
• The impact of climate change on the incidence and distribution of infectious diseases.
• The prevalence and risk factors of intimate partner violence among women in low-income communities.
• The effectiveness of health education programs in improving health literacy and health outcomes in underserved populations.
• The relationship between social support and adherence to treatment among patients with chronic diseases.
• The prevalence and risk factors of hypertension and diabetes in urban communities.
• The impact of community-based interventions on reducing healthcare costs and improving health outcomes.
• The role of mobile health technologies in improving access to healthcare services in rural communities.
• The prevalence and risk factors of obesity among children and adolescents in low-income communities.
• The effectiveness of community-based interventions in promoting healthy behaviors among pregnant women.
• The impact of housing conditions on health outcomes in marginalized communities.
• The relationship between access to healthy food and health outcomes in urban communities.
• The prevalence and risk factors of depression among elderly populations in rural communities.
• The role of social media in promoting healthy behaviors and preventing diseases among young adults.
• The effectiveness of telemedicine in improving access to healthcare services in underserved populations.
• The prevalence and risk factors of infectious diseases among migrant populations in urban areas.

Surgery Research Topics for Medical Students

• The efficacy and safety of minimally invasive surgery for various conditions
• Comparison of laparoscopic and open surgery for common procedures
• The impact of surgeon experience on surgical outcomes
• Analysis of postoperative complications and their management
• The role of robotics in surgery
• Investigating the use of artificial intelligence in surgery
• The effectiveness of non-pharmacological pain management techniques after surgery
• The effect of preoperative anxiety on postoperative recovery
• Evaluation of different surgical approaches for breast cancer treatment
• The benefits and risks of surgical treatment for obesity
• Investigating the use of stem cells in tissue repair following surgery
• The influence of nutrition on postoperative recovery and wound healing
• Analysis of the psychological impact of surgery on patients
• The effect of different anesthesia methods on postoperative outcomes
• Comparison of outcomes between day surgery and inpatient surgery
• Evaluation of the use of surgical checklists in improving patient safety
• The impact of age on surgical outcomes and recovery
• Investigating the use of 3D printing in surgical planning and implant design
• The benefits and risks of bariatric surgery in patients with diabetes
• The role of surgery in the treatment of chronic pain
• The efficacy of arthroscopic surgery for joint conditions
• The use of lasers in surgery
• Investigating the use of virtual reality in surgical training and education
• The effect of preoperative counseling on patient satisfaction and outcomes
• The impact of comorbidities on surgical outcomes
• Analysis of the economic impact of different surgical approaches
• Investigating the use of telemedicine in surgical consultations and follow-up care
• The effectiveness of surgical treatment for endometriosis
• Comparison of outcomes between single-incision and multiport laparoscopic surgery
• The use of robotics in urologic surgery.

Research Projects for Undergraduate Medical Students

• Investigating the role of genetics in the development of cancer
• Analyzing the effectiveness of different types of pain management strategies in postoperative patients
• Evaluating the impact of diet and exercise on obesity-related health outcomes
• Examining the relationship between sleep quality and mental health in medical students
• Investigating the efficacy of different types of antibiotics in treating common bacterial infections
• Analyzing the impact of electronic medical record systems on patient care
• Evaluating the effectiveness of different types of vaccines in preventing infectious diseases
• Examining the relationship between maternal nutrition and fetal development
• Investigating the use of telemedicine in delivering healthcare services to rural populations
• Analyzing the impact of smoking on lung function and respiratory health
• Evaluating the effectiveness of different types of rehabilitation programs for stroke patients
• Examining the relationship between physical activity and cardiovascular health
• Investigating the use of stem cells in treating various medical conditions
• Analyzing the impact of stress on mental and physical health outcomes
• Evaluating the effectiveness of different types of medical interventions in managing chronic pain
• Examining the relationship between social support and mental health outcomes in patients with chronic illnesses
• Investigating the use of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing anxiety and depression
• Analyzing the impact of environmental factors on health outcomes in urban populations
• Evaluating the effectiveness of different types of cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery
• Examining the relationship between nutrition and mental health in older adults
• Investigating the use of mobile health technologies in promoting healthy behaviors
• Analyzing the impact of air pollution on respiratory health in children
• Evaluating the effectiveness of different types of treatments for substance use disorders
• Examining the relationship between socioeconomic status and health outcomes
• Investigating the use of music therapy in managing pain and anxiety in hospitalized patients
• Analyzing the impact of social media on mental health outcomes in adolescents
• Evaluating the effectiveness of different types of interventions in managing symptoms of depression and anxiety in cancer patients
• Examining the relationship between sleep and cognitive function in older adults
• Investigating the use of animal-assisted therapy in promoting physical and mental health
• Analyzing the impact of climate change on health outcomes in vulnerable populations

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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Evidence-Based Research: Phrasing Research Questions

The researchable question.

The first step in doing evidence-based practice research is forming a researchable question. Questions that are too broad or too narrow can make your research difficult, if not impossible.

Clinical example:

• This topic is so broad that you'd have difficulty wading through all of the results.
• This question is so specific that there probably hasn't been anything published on that specific location regarding that specific population.
• Just right : In the NICU, what is the effect of hand washing on infection control compared with hand sanitizers, over 6 months?

Non-clinical example:

• This topic is so broad that you'd have difficulty wading through all of the results.  Also the wording in the question has to be more specific (use synonyms to include all possible versions).  For instance, heart disease is better known in the literature as cardiovascular disease, so search both ways. 
• This question is so specific that there probably hasn't been anything published on that specific location regarding that specific population. It can be only be determined by accessing the electronic medical records in the hospital and finding the rate.
• This question is just right because the variable name like “cardiovascular mortality” are descriptive and reflective of what is found in the literature.  Additionally, there are some control variables included to make sure that even if each group of race had individuals with different ages or different incomes, this would not explain away the differences in cardiovascular mortality impacted by race.

PICOT and other models

PICOT is a mnemonic that helps you remember the key components of a well-focused question. It stands for:

• P = Patient, Population or Problem
• I = Intervention, Prognostic Factor, or Exposure
• C = Comparison (optional)
• O = Outcome

PICOT examples:

Intervention/therapy

In _______(P), what is the effect of _______(I) on ______(O) compared with _______(C) within ________ (T)? 

In the aged population, what is the effect of exercise programs on accidental falls, as compared with no exercise?  

Are ____ (P) who have _______ (I) at ___ (Increased/decreased) risk for/of_______ (O) compared with ______ (P) with/without ______ (C) over _____ (T)?

Are adult smokers with a history of childhood asthma at increased risk of COPD compared to adult smokers with no history of asthma?  

Diagnosis or diagnostic test

Are (is) _________ (I) more accurate in diagnosing ________ (P) compared with ______ (C) for _______ (O)? 

Is the Hemoglobin A1C test more accurate in diagnosing diabetes as compared with fasting blood sugar levels?  

For ________ (P) does the use of ______ (I) reduce the future risk of ________ (O) compared with _________ (C)? 

For people with type 2 diabetes, does zinc supplementation reduce the future risk of foot ulcers compared with placebo?  

Prognosis/Predictions 

Does __________ (I) influence ________ (O) in patients who have _______ (P) over ______ (T)? 

In adults with osteoarthritis, does low vitamin D levels in the bloodstream predict the rate of future hip fractures?  

Meaning 

How do ________ (P) diagnosed with _______ (I) perceive ______ (O) during _____ (T)? 

How do cancer patients diagnosed with alopecia perceive their self-esteem during and after chemotherapy?

Public Health:

PICO(T) is commonly used to formulate research questions, sometimes referred to as ‘PI/ECO’ (Population/participants, Intervention/Exposure, Comparison, Outcome). The PI/ECO structure can be readily amended for different question types ( NHMRC Guidelines, 2019 ). A simple example might be:   

• Population / participants: Non-institutionalized civilian residents of the United States   
• Intervention (or Exposure): Hypertension (or Low Socioeconomic Status)  
• Comparison: Respondents without hypertension   
• Outcomes: Cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular mortality   
• Types of studies: Cross-sectional, Longitudinal

Alternate Models:

• PECO  – Population | Environment | Comparison | Outcome Very similar to PICO but looking at the effect of exposure to something e.g. smoky atmosphere
• SPICE  - Setting | Population | Intervention | Comparison | Evaluation Another variant of PICO but this time including the setting (where? in what context?)
• ECLIPSE  - Expectation | Client group | Location | Impact | Professionals | Service Recommended for health policy/management searches
• SPIDER  – Sample | Phenomenon of Interest | Design | Evaluation | Research Type Developed to create effective search strategies of qualitative and mixed-methods research - more specific than PICO/PECO

Search terms

Once you've developed your question, it's time to find keywords or search terms that you can use in the Library databases to find articles relevant to your question. Remember that each article does not necessarily need to address ALL the aspects of your question.

To learn more about selecting and combining appropriate search terms, please see our guides:

• Keyword Searching: Keyword Search Strategy
• Guide: Keyword Searching: Boolean
• Previous Page: Evidence-Based Research
• Next Page: Levels of Evidence Pyramid
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Medical Research Paper Topics

This page provides a comprehensive list of medical research paper topics divided into 20 categories, each with 10 unique subjects. The categories span across various subfields, including anatomy and physiology, diseases, epidemiology, health and fitness, health disparities, healthcare, kinesiology, mental health, pharmacology, and veterinary medicine. Additionally, the page offers expert advice on choosing the right topic and crafting an impactful medical research paper. It also introduces iResearchNet’s writing services, which are designed to assist students in creating high-quality, custom medical research papers.

200 Medical Research Paper Topics:

Medical research is a vast and diverse field, offering a plethora of topics for students and researchers to explore. The choice of topic can significantly influence the direction of your research and the impact of your findings. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose a topic that not only interests you but also aligns with your academic and career goals. To assist you in this endeavor, we have compiled a comprehensive list of medical research paper topics, divided into 20 categories, each with 10 unique topics.

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1. Anatomy and Physiology:

• The role of the lymphatic system in maintaining homeostasis.
• The impact of aging on muscle function and structure.
• The physiological effects of stress on the human body.
• The role of the endocrine system in metabolism.
• The impact of exercise on cardiovascular health.
• The role of the nervous system in sensation and perception.
• The physiological effects of sleep deprivation.
• The role of the digestive system in nutrient absorption.
• The impact of genetic factors on human physiology.
• The role of the immune system in disease prevention.

2. Diseases:

• The genetic and environmental factors contributing to the development of cancer.
• The impact of lifestyle factors on the prevalence of heart disease.
• The role of vaccination in the prevention of infectious diseases.
• The challenges in the management and treatment of diabetes.
• The impact of the human microbiome on disease development.
• The role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.
• The challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
• The impact of antibiotic resistance on the treatment of bacterial infections.
• The role of genetic mutations in the development of rare diseases.
• The impact of viral evolution on the spread of infectious diseases.

3. Epidemiology:

• The impact of socioeconomic factors on the prevalence of infectious diseases.
• The role of vaccination in the prevention of disease outbreaks.
• The impact of climate change on the spread of vector-borne diseases.
• The role of epidemiological studies in the development of public health policies.
• The impact of population density on the spread of infectious diseases.
• The role of epidemiology in the identification of risk factors for chronic diseases.
• The impact of global travel on the spread of infectious diseases.
• The role of epidemiological data in the management of disease outbreaks.
• The impact of demographic factors on disease prevalence.
• The role of epidemiology in the study of health disparities.

4. Health and Fitness:

• The impact of physical activity on mental health.
• The role of diet in the prevention of chronic diseases.
• The impact of sedentary lifestyle on health.
• The role of physical fitness in the prevention of heart disease.
• The impact of obesity on health and lifespan.
• The role of exercise in the management of stress.
• The impact of nutrition on cognitive function.
• The role of physical activity in the management of chronic diseases.
• The impact of sleep on health and wellbeing.
• The role of lifestyle interventions in the prevention of diabetes.

5. Health Disparities:

• The impact of socioeconomic status on health outcomes.
• The role of healthcare access in health disparities.
• The impact of racial and ethnic disparities on health outcomes.
• The role of social determinants of health in health disparities.
• The impact of health literacy on health outcomes.
• The role of cultural competence in reducing health disparities.
• The impact of gender disparities on health outcomes.
• The role of health policy in addressing health disparities.
• The impact of environmental factors on health disparities.
• The role of education in reducing health disparities.

6. Healthcare:

• The impact of healthcare reform on patient outcomes.
• The role of telemedicine in improving healthcare access.
• The impact of health information technology on patient care.
• The role of healthcare quality in patient satisfaction.
• The impact of healthcare costs on health outcomes.
• The role of healthcare leadership in improving patient care.
• The impact of health insurance on healthcare access.
• The role of healthcare innovation in improving patient outcomes.
• The impact of healthcare policy on patient care.
• The role of healthcare management in improving healthcare quality.

7. Kinesiology:

• The impact of physical activity on muscle function.
• The role of biomechanics in injury prevention.
• The impact of exercise on cognitive function.
• The role of kinesiology in the prevention of chronic diseases.
• The impact of physical fitness on health outcomes.
• The role of kinesiology in the management of sports injuries.
• The impact of exercise physiology on athletic performance.
• The role of kinesiology in the promotion of physical activity.
• The impact of motor control on athletic performance.
• The role of kinesiology in the study of human movement.

8. Mental Health:

• The impact of stress on mental health.
• The role of psychotherapy in the treatment of mental disorders.
• The impact of mental illness on quality of life.
• The role of mental health promotion in the prevention of mental disorders.
• The impact of stigma on mental health outcomes.
• The role of mental health services in the treatment of mental disorders.
• The impact of mental health policy on mental health services.
• The role of mental health literacy in the prevention of mental disorders.
• The impact of mental health disparities on mental health outcomes.
• The role of mental health research in improving mental health care.

9. Pharmacology:

• The impact of drug interactions on patient safety.
• The role of pharmacokinetics in drug development.
• The impact of pharmacogenomics on personalized medicine.
• The role of pharmacology in the treatment of diseases.
• The impact of drug resistance on the treatment of infectious diseases.
• The role of pharmacology in the management of pain.
• The impact of drug abuse on public health.
• The role of pharmacology in the prevention of drug interactions.
• The impact of drug development on patient care.
• The role of pharmacology in the study of drug action.

10. Veterinary Medicine:

• The impact of zoonotic diseases on public health.
• The role of veterinary medicine in the prevention of animal diseases.
• The impact of veterinary medicine on food safety.
• The role of veterinary medicine in the treatment of animal diseases.
• The impact of veterinary public health on human health.
• The role of veterinary medicine in the prevention of zoonotic diseases.
• The impact of animal health on public health.
• The role of veterinary medicine in the promotion of animal welfare.
• The impact of veterinary medicine on animal behavior.
• The role of veterinary medicine in the study of animal physiology.

11. Neurology:

• The impact of neurodegenerative diseases on public health.
• The role of neurology in the treatment of neurological disorders.
• The impact of neurological research on patient care.
• The role of neurology in the study of the nervous system.
• The impact of neurological disorders on quality of life.
• The role of neurology in the diagnosis of neurological disorders.
• The impact of neurological diseases on mental health.
• The role of neurology in the prevention of neurological diseases.
• The impact of neurological disorders on cognitive function.
• The role of neurology in the study of brain function.

12. Oncology:

• The impact of cancer on public health.
• The role of oncology in the treatment of cancer.
• The impact of oncological research on patient care.
• The role of oncology in the study of cancer.
• The impact of cancer on quality of life.
• The role of oncology in the diagnosis of cancer.
• The impact of cancer on mental health.
• The role of oncology in the prevention of cancer.
• The impact of cancer on physical health.
• The role of oncology in the study of cancer biology.

13. Cardiology:

• The impact of heart disease on public health.
• The role of cardiology in the treatment of heart disease.
• The impact of cardiological research on patient care.
• The role of cardiology in the study of the cardiovascular system.
• The impact of heart disease on quality of life.
• The role of cardiology in the diagnosis of heart disease.
• The impact of heart disease on mental health.
• The role of cardiology in the prevention of heart disease.
• The impact of heart disease on physical health.
• The role of cardiology in the study of heart function.

14. Endocrinology:

• The impact of endocrine disorders on public health.
• The role of endocrinology in the treatment of endocrine disorders.
• The impact of endocrinological research on patient care.
• The role of endocrinology in the study of the endocrine system.
• The impact of endocrine disorders on quality of life.
• The role of endocrinology in the diagnosis of endocrine disorders.
• The impact of endocrine disorders on mental health.
• The role of endocrinology in the prevention of endocrine disorders.
• The impact of endocrine disorders on physical health.
• The role of endocrinology in the study of hormone function.

15. Gastroenterology:

• The impact of gastrointestinal disorders on public health.
• The role of gastroenterology in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.
• The impact of gastroenterological research on patient care.
• The role of gastroenterology in the study of the gastrointestinal system.
• The impact of gastrointestinal disorders on quality of life.
• The role of gastroenterology in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal disorders.
• The impact of gastrointestinal disorders on mental health.
• The role of gastroenterology in the prevention of gastrointestinal disorders.
• The impact of gastrointestinal disorders on physical health.
• The role of gastroenterology in the study of digestive function.

16. Dermatology:

• The impact of skin disorders on public health.
• The role of dermatology in the treatment of skin disorders.
• The impact of dermatological research on patient care.
• The role of dermatology in the study of the skin.
• The impact of skin disorders on quality of life.
• The role of dermatology in the diagnosis of skin disorders.
• The impact of skin disorders on mental health.
• The role of dermatology in the prevention of skin disorders.
• The impact of skin disorders on physical appearance.
• The role of dermatology in the study of skin health.

17. Pulmonology:

• The impact of respiratory disorders on public health.
• The role of pulmonology in the treatment of respiratory disorders.
• The impact of pulmonological research on patient care.
• The role of pulmonology in the study of the respiratory system.
• The impact of respiratory disorders on quality of life.
• The role of pulmonology in the diagnosis of respiratory disorders.
• The impact of respiratory disorders on mental health.
• The role of pulmonology in the prevention of respiratory disorders.
• The impact of respiratory disorders on physical health.
• The role of pulmonology in the study of lung function.

18. Pediatrics:

• The impact of childhood diseases on public health.
• The role of pediatrics in the treatment of childhood diseases.
• The impact of pediatric research on patient care.
• The role of pediatrics in the study of childhood diseases.
• The impact of childhood diseases on quality of life.
• The role of pediatrics in the diagnosis of childhood diseases.
• The impact of childhood diseases on mental health.
• The role of pediatrics in the prevention of childhood diseases.
• The impact of childhood diseases on physical health.
• The role of pediatrics in the study of child health.

19. Geriatrics:

• The impact of aging on public health.
• The role of geriatrics in the treatment of age-related diseases.
• The impact of geriatric research on patient care.
• The role of geriatrics in the study of aging.
• The impact of aging on quality of life.
• The role of geriatrics in the diagnosis of age-related diseases.
• The impact of aging on mental health.
• The role of geriatrics in the prevention of age-related diseases.
• The impact of aging on physical health.
• The role of geriatrics in the study of the aging process.

20. Psychiatry:

• The impact of mental disorders on public health.
• The role of psychiatry in the treatment of mental disorders.
• The impact of psychiatric research on patient care.
• The role of psychiatry in the study of mental disorders.
• The impact of mental disorders on quality of life.
• The role of psychiatry in the diagnosis of mental disorders.
• The impact of mental disorders on social interactions.
• The role of psychiatry in the prevention of mental disorders.
• The impact of mental disorders on physical health.
• The role of psychiatry in the study of mental health.

The field of medical research is vast and diverse, offering a multitude of topics for exploration. The choice of a research topic is a critical step in the research process, and it can significantly influence the direction of your research and the impact of your findings. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose a topic that not only interests you but also aligns with your academic and career goals. This comprehensive list of medical research paper topics provides a starting point for your research journey. Remember, the best research topic is one that is original, manageable, and meaningful.

More Medical Research Paper Topics

• Anatomy and Physiology Research Paper Topics
• Biomedical Research Paper Topics
• Clinical Research Paper Topics
• Disease Research Paper Topics
• Epidemiology Research Paper Topics
• Exercise Physiology Research Paper Topics
• Health Disparities Research Paper Topics
• Healthcare Research Paper Topics
• Kinesiology Research Paper Topics
• Mental Health Research Paper Topics
• Pharmacology Research Paper Topics
• Phlebotomy Research Paper Topics
• Physical Fitness Research Paper Topics
• Radiology Research Paper Topics
• Veterinary Medicine Research Paper Topics

Introduction to Medical Research

Medical research is a broad and multifaceted field that encompasses a wide range of topics and disciplines. It is the backbone of modern healthcare and plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life for people around the world. Medical research is the driving force behind new discoveries, innovative treatments, and the development of policies that shape public health.

At its core, medical research seeks to understand the complexities of the human body, the diseases that afflict it, and the various external factors that influence health. It is a field that is constantly evolving, with new technologies and methodologies continually pushing the boundaries of what we know about health and disease.

One of the key aspects of medical research is its interdisciplinary nature. It draws upon a variety of fields, including biology, chemistry, physics, and even social sciences. This interdisciplinary approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of health and disease, as it considers not only the biological aspects but also the social, environmental, and psychological factors that influence health.

For instance, research in anatomy and physiology delves into the structure and function of the human body, providing the foundation for understanding health and disease. Studies in diseases and epidemiology, on the other hand, focus on the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in defined populations. Health and fitness research explores the impact of lifestyle choices on health, while health disparities research examines the inequalities in health outcomes and healthcare that exist among different population groups.

Research in healthcare and kinesiology often intersects, examining how healthcare services and physical activity can improve health outcomes. Mental health research is a rapidly growing field, addressing a wide range of mental health disorders and the impact they have on overall health. Pharmacology research is vital for the development of new drugs and therapies, while veterinary medicine research not only improves the health of animals but can also provide insights into human health through comparative medicine.

Choosing a topic for a medical research paper can be a daunting task given the breadth and depth of the field. However, it also offers a wealth of opportunities to delve into a topic that is not only interesting but can also contribute to the betterment of health and healthcare.

How to Choose Medical Research Paper Topics

Choosing a topic for your medical research paper is a critical step in your academic journey. The topic you select will guide your research direction, influence your motivation, and determine the depth of your understanding of the subject matter. Therefore, it’s essential to choose wisely and consider various factors before making a decision. Here are ten comprehensive tips to help you select the right medical research paper topic:

• Identify Your Interests: The first step in choosing a research topic is to consider your interests within the field of medicine. Are you fascinated by neurology, passionate about public health, or intrigued by the complexities of surgery? Identifying your interests can help you narrow down potential topics. When you choose a topic you’re passionate about, the research process becomes less of a task and more of an exploration. You’ll find yourself more engaged, and the enthusiasm will reflect in the quality of your research.
• Consider the Scope: The scope of your topic is an important factor to consider. A topic that’s too broad can make your research overwhelming, as you may have to sift through an enormous amount of information and struggle to cover all aspects within the constraints of your paper. On the other hand, a topic that’s too narrow might not provide enough material for a comprehensive study. Strive for a balance where your topic is specific enough to manage but broad enough to explore in depth.
• Check for Resources: Before finalizing a topic, ensure there are sufficient resources available for your research. These resources could include books, scholarly articles, reputable online sources, and expert interviews. Conduct a preliminary literature review to gauge the availability of sources. A lack of resources can lead to a weak paper, while an abundance of resources can provide multiple perspectives and strengthen your research.
• Relevance to Current Times: Choosing a topic that is relevant to current medical issues or ongoing research can make your paper more engaging and significant. It allows you to contribute to the existing body of knowledge and possibly influence future research or policy. Whether it’s a new treatment method, an emerging disease, or a controversial medical practice, current topics can spark interest and debate.
• Consult with Your Instructor: Your instructor or advisor can be a valuable resource when choosing a topic. They can provide guidance, help you refine a broad topic, expand a narrow one, and provide feedback on your initial ideas. They can also point you towards resources or research areas you might not have considered.
• Consider the Target Audience: Always keep your target audience in mind when choosing a research topic. The topic should be interesting and accessible to them. If you’re writing for a class, consider what you’ve already discussed and what themes your instructor has emphasized. If you’re writing for publication, consider the interests and level of expertise of the readers of the journal.
• Practicality: Consider the practical aspects of your research. If your research involves primary data collection, consider the feasibility of the methods you plan to use. Do you have access to the necessary equipment or population? Is your study ethical and approved by an ethics committee? Practical considerations can significantly influence your choice of topic.
• Originality: While it’s important to build upon existing research, strive to bring a unique perspective to your topic. This could involve studying a well-researched topic from a new angle, exploring a less-studied area of medical research, or proposing a new hypothesis. Originality can make your research stand out and contribute to the advancement of your field.
• Alignment with Course Objectives: Your research topic should align with the objectives of your course or curriculum. This ensures that your research paper will not only be interesting but also academically beneficial. It can demonstrate your understanding ofthe course material and your ability to apply it in a real-world context.
• Future Career Relevance: If you have a clear idea of your future career path, consider choosing a topic that could be beneficial in your professional life. This could mean researching a topic related to a field you’d like to specialize in, a current issue in your future profession, or a novel area of study that could give you a competitive edge in your career.

In addition to these tips, it’s also important to consider the timeline of your research. Some topics may require more time to research than others, especially if they involve complex experiments or hard-to-reach populations. Make sure you choose a topic that you can reasonably research and write about within your given timeframe.

Also, consider the potential impact of your research. While it’s not always possible to predict how influential a research paper will be, you can consider whether the topic has the potential to affect policy, influence clinical practice, or lead to new research questions. Choosing a topic with potential impact can be particularly important if you plan to pursue a career in academia or research.

Remember, choosing a research topic is not a decision to be taken lightly. It’s the foundation of your research paper and can significantly influence your enjoyment of the writing process, your grade, and even your future career. Take your time, consider your options, and choose a topic that you are passionate about, meets practical considerations, and has the potential to contribute to the field of medical science.

Finally, be flexible. Research is a dynamic process, and it’s okay to refine or even change your topic as you delve deeper into your research. The most important thing is to stay curious, open-minded, and dedicated to uncovering new knowledge. With the right topic, research can be a rewarding journey of discovery.

How to Write a Medical Research Paper

Writing a medical research paper is a comprehensive task that demands a profound understanding of the subject matter, a systematic approach, and a lucid writing style. This process can be quite daunting, especially for those who are new to it. However, with the right guidance and a well-structured plan, it can be a rewarding experience. Here are ten detailed tips to guide you through the process:

• Understand the Assignment Thoroughly: The first step in writing a medical research paper is to fully comprehend the assignment. What is the specific question you’re being asked to address? What is the scope of the research paper? What are the formatting requirements? Are there any specific sources you need to use? Understanding the assignment in its entirety will help you focus your research and ensure you meet all the requirements. It’s crucial to clarify any doubts with your professor or advisor at this stage to avoid any misunderstandings later on.
• Choose a Suitable Topic: If you have the freedom to choose your own topic, select one that genuinely interests you. Your passion for the subject will come through in your writing, making the process more enjoyable and less of a chore. Make sure the topic is relevant to your field of study and is something you can manage within the given timeframe and word limit. A well-chosen topic can make the difference between a paper that is a joy to research and write and one that is a burdensome chore.
• Conduct Thorough Research: The next step is to conduct comprehensive research. Use reputable sources such as academic journals, textbooks, and government health websites to gather information. Make sure to use the most recent data and research available, as the medical field is constantly evolving and it’s important to stay up-to-date. Keep track of your sources as you go along for easy referencing later. This will also save you a lot of time when you are compiling your bibliography.
• Create an Outline: An outline is a roadmap for your research paper. It should include an introduction, a body with several points or arguments, and a conclusion. Each point should be supported by evidence from your research. An outline will help structure your thoughts and ideas, making your writing process smoother and more organized. It also allows you to see the flow of your arguments and make sure that everything is in a logical order.
• Write a Strong Thesis Statement: Your thesis statement is the backbone of your research paper. It should clearly state the main idea or argument of your paper. It should be concise, specific, and arguable. The thesis statement will guide your writing and keep your argument focused. Spend some time crafting a strong thesis statement. It’s worth the effort as it will give direction to your research and writing.
• Start Writing: Once you have your outline and thesis statement, you can start writing. Begin with a draft. Don’t worry about making it perfect the first time around. Just get your ideas down on paper. You can revise and improve it later. Remember, writing is a process. It’s okay to have multiple drafts. The important thing is to start writing.
• Use Clear, Concise Language: Medical research papers should be written in a clear, concise, and formal style. Avoid jargon and complex sentences. Make sure your ideas are expressed clearly and logically. Remember, your goal is to communicate your research and ideas, not to impress with big words or complex sentences.
• Cite Your Sources: Always cite your sources. This gives credit to the original authors and allows readers to follow up on your research. Be sure to use the citation style required by your professor or the journal you are submitting to. Proper citation is not just about avoiding plagiarism. It also lends credibility to yourpaper and demonstrates the breadth of your research.
• Revise and Edit: Once you’ve finished your draft, take the time to revise and edit. This is where you refine your arguments, clarify your thoughts, and polish your language. Look for any inconsistencies, grammatical errors, or areas that could be clarified or improved. Consider having a peer or mentor review your paper. They can provide valuable feedback and catch errors you might have missed. Remember, good writing is rewriting. Don’t be afraid to make changes, and don’t be discouraged if your first draft isn’t perfect.
• Proofread: Finally, proofread your paper. Check for any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. Make sure all citations and references are correct. Proofreading is a crucial step in the writing process. Even the most well-researched and well-written paper can lose credibility if it’s full of errors. Consider using a proofreading tool or ask someone else to proofread your paper. A fresh pair of eyes can often catch mistakes you might have overlooked.

In addition to these tips, remember to take breaks during your writing process. Writing a medical research paper is a significant undertaking, and it’s important to avoid burnout. Take time to rest and refresh your mind. This will help you maintain your focus and energy levels.

Also, keep in mind that writing a research paper is not just about the end product. It’s also about the process. It’s an opportunity to learn more about a topic you’re interested in, to improve your research and writing skills, and to contribute to your field of study. Approach it with curiosity and enthusiasm, and you’ll find that writing a medical research paper can be a rewarding experience.

Writing a medical research paper is a systematic process that requires careful planning, thorough research, and meticulous writing. By following these tips, you can produce a paper that is informative, insightful, and contributes to your field of study. Remember, every writer faces challenges along the way, so don’t be discouraged if you encounter difficulties. With persistence and dedication, you can write a successful medical research paper.

iResearchNet’s Writing Services

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• Expert Degree-Holding Writers: Our team is composed of writers who hold advanced degrees in their respective fields. This means that when you order a medical research paper from us, it will be written by someone who has a deep understanding of the topic. Our writers are not just experts in their fields; they’re also skilled at translating complex ideas into clear, engaging prose.
• Custom Written Works: Every paper we produce is custom-written to meet your specific needs. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we work closely with you to understand your assignment, your research goals, and your writing style. This allows us to create a paper that is uniquely yours.
• In-Depth Research: Our writers are skilled researchers who know how to dig deep into academic sources to find the most relevant and up-to-date information. They understand the importance of using reliable sources and citing them correctly. When you order a paper from us, you can be confident that it will be backed by solid research.
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A Practical Guide to Writing Quantitative and Qualitative Research Questions and Hypotheses in Scholarly Articles

Edward barroga.

1 Department of General Education, Graduate School of Nursing Science, St. Luke’s International University, Tokyo, Japan.

Glafera Janet Matanguihan

2 Department of Biological Sciences, Messiah University, Mechanicsburg, PA, USA.

The development of research questions and the subsequent hypotheses are prerequisites to defining the main research purpose and specific objectives of a study. Consequently, these objectives determine the study design and research outcome. The development of research questions is a process based on knowledge of current trends, cutting-edge studies, and technological advances in the research field. Excellent research questions are focused and require a comprehensive literature search and in-depth understanding of the problem being investigated. Initially, research questions may be written as descriptive questions which could be developed into inferential questions. These questions must be specific and concise to provide a clear foundation for developing hypotheses. Hypotheses are more formal predictions about the research outcomes. These specify the possible results that may or may not be expected regarding the relationship between groups. Thus, research questions and hypotheses clarify the main purpose and specific objectives of the study, which in turn dictate the design of the study, its direction, and outcome. Studies developed from good research questions and hypotheses will have trustworthy outcomes with wide-ranging social and health implications.

INTRODUCTION

Scientific research is usually initiated by posing evidenced-based research questions which are then explicitly restated as hypotheses. 1 , 2 The hypotheses provide directions to guide the study, solutions, explanations, and expected results. 3 , 4 Both research questions and hypotheses are essentially formulated based on conventional theories and real-world processes, which allow the inception of novel studies and the ethical testing of ideas. 5 , 6

It is crucial to have knowledge of both quantitative and qualitative research 2 as both types of research involve writing research questions and hypotheses. 7 However, these crucial elements of research are sometimes overlooked; if not overlooked, then framed without the forethought and meticulous attention it needs. Planning and careful consideration are needed when developing quantitative or qualitative research, particularly when conceptualizing research questions and hypotheses. 4

There is a continuing need to support researchers in the creation of innovative research questions and hypotheses, as well as for journal articles that carefully review these elements. 1 When research questions and hypotheses are not carefully thought of, unethical studies and poor outcomes usually ensue. Carefully formulated research questions and hypotheses define well-founded objectives, which in turn determine the appropriate design, course, and outcome of the study. This article then aims to discuss in detail the various aspects of crafting research questions and hypotheses, with the goal of guiding researchers as they develop their own. Examples from the authors and peer-reviewed scientific articles in the healthcare field are provided to illustrate key points.

DEFINITIONS AND RELATIONSHIP OF RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND HYPOTHESES

A research question is what a study aims to answer after data analysis and interpretation. The answer is written in length in the discussion section of the paper. Thus, the research question gives a preview of the different parts and variables of the study meant to address the problem posed in the research question. 1 An excellent research question clarifies the research writing while facilitating understanding of the research topic, objective, scope, and limitations of the study. 5

On the other hand, a research hypothesis is an educated statement of an expected outcome. This statement is based on background research and current knowledge. 8 , 9 The research hypothesis makes a specific prediction about a new phenomenon 10 or a formal statement on the expected relationship between an independent variable and a dependent variable. 3 , 11 It provides a tentative answer to the research question to be tested or explored. 4

Hypotheses employ reasoning to predict a theory-based outcome. 10 These can also be developed from theories by focusing on components of theories that have not yet been observed. 10 The validity of hypotheses is often based on the testability of the prediction made in a reproducible experiment. 8

Conversely, hypotheses can also be rephrased as research questions. Several hypotheses based on existing theories and knowledge may be needed to answer a research question. Developing ethical research questions and hypotheses creates a research design that has logical relationships among variables. These relationships serve as a solid foundation for the conduct of the study. 4 , 11 Haphazardly constructed research questions can result in poorly formulated hypotheses and improper study designs, leading to unreliable results. Thus, the formulations of relevant research questions and verifiable hypotheses are crucial when beginning research. 12

CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND HYPOTHESES

Excellent research questions are specific and focused. These integrate collective data and observations to confirm or refute the subsequent hypotheses. Well-constructed hypotheses are based on previous reports and verify the research context. These are realistic, in-depth, sufficiently complex, and reproducible. More importantly, these hypotheses can be addressed and tested. 13

There are several characteristics of well-developed hypotheses. Good hypotheses are 1) empirically testable 7 , 10 , 11 , 13 ; 2) backed by preliminary evidence 9 ; 3) testable by ethical research 7 , 9 ; 4) based on original ideas 9 ; 5) have evidenced-based logical reasoning 10 ; and 6) can be predicted. 11 Good hypotheses can infer ethical and positive implications, indicating the presence of a relationship or effect relevant to the research theme. 7 , 11 These are initially developed from a general theory and branch into specific hypotheses by deductive reasoning. In the absence of a theory to base the hypotheses, inductive reasoning based on specific observations or findings form more general hypotheses. 10

TYPES OF RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND HYPOTHESES

Research questions and hypotheses are developed according to the type of research, which can be broadly classified into quantitative and qualitative research. We provide a summary of the types of research questions and hypotheses under quantitative and qualitative research categories in Table 1 .

Research questions in quantitative research

In quantitative research, research questions inquire about the relationships among variables being investigated and are usually framed at the start of the study. These are precise and typically linked to the subject population, dependent and independent variables, and research design. 1 Research questions may also attempt to describe the behavior of a population in relation to one or more variables, or describe the characteristics of variables to be measured ( descriptive research questions ). 1 , 5 , 14 These questions may also aim to discover differences between groups within the context of an outcome variable ( comparative research questions ), 1 , 5 , 14 or elucidate trends and interactions among variables ( relationship research questions ). 1 , 5 We provide examples of descriptive, comparative, and relationship research questions in quantitative research in Table 2 .

Hypotheses in quantitative research

In quantitative research, hypotheses predict the expected relationships among variables. 15 Relationships among variables that can be predicted include 1) between a single dependent variable and a single independent variable ( simple hypothesis ) or 2) between two or more independent and dependent variables ( complex hypothesis ). 4 , 11 Hypotheses may also specify the expected direction to be followed and imply an intellectual commitment to a particular outcome ( directional hypothesis ) 4 . On the other hand, hypotheses may not predict the exact direction and are used in the absence of a theory, or when findings contradict previous studies ( non-directional hypothesis ). 4 In addition, hypotheses can 1) define interdependency between variables ( associative hypothesis ), 4 2) propose an effect on the dependent variable from manipulation of the independent variable ( causal hypothesis ), 4 3) state a negative relationship between two variables ( null hypothesis ), 4 , 11 , 15 4) replace the working hypothesis if rejected ( alternative hypothesis ), 15 explain the relationship of phenomena to possibly generate a theory ( working hypothesis ), 11 5) involve quantifiable variables that can be tested statistically ( statistical hypothesis ), 11 6) or express a relationship whose interlinks can be verified logically ( logical hypothesis ). 11 We provide examples of simple, complex, directional, non-directional, associative, causal, null, alternative, working, statistical, and logical hypotheses in quantitative research, as well as the definition of quantitative hypothesis-testing research in Table 3 .

Research questions in qualitative research

Unlike research questions in quantitative research, research questions in qualitative research are usually continuously reviewed and reformulated. The central question and associated subquestions are stated more than the hypotheses. 15 The central question broadly explores a complex set of factors surrounding the central phenomenon, aiming to present the varied perspectives of participants. 15

There are varied goals for which qualitative research questions are developed. These questions can function in several ways, such as to 1) identify and describe existing conditions ( contextual research question s); 2) describe a phenomenon ( descriptive research questions ); 3) assess the effectiveness of existing methods, protocols, theories, or procedures ( evaluation research questions ); 4) examine a phenomenon or analyze the reasons or relationships between subjects or phenomena ( explanatory research questions ); or 5) focus on unknown aspects of a particular topic ( exploratory research questions ). 5 In addition, some qualitative research questions provide new ideas for the development of theories and actions ( generative research questions ) or advance specific ideologies of a position ( ideological research questions ). 1 Other qualitative research questions may build on a body of existing literature and become working guidelines ( ethnographic research questions ). Research questions may also be broadly stated without specific reference to the existing literature or a typology of questions ( phenomenological research questions ), may be directed towards generating a theory of some process ( grounded theory questions ), or may address a description of the case and the emerging themes ( qualitative case study questions ). 15 We provide examples of contextual, descriptive, evaluation, explanatory, exploratory, generative, ideological, ethnographic, phenomenological, grounded theory, and qualitative case study research questions in qualitative research in Table 4 , and the definition of qualitative hypothesis-generating research in Table 5 .

Qualitative studies usually pose at least one central research question and several subquestions starting with How or What . These research questions use exploratory verbs such as explore or describe . These also focus on one central phenomenon of interest, and may mention the participants and research site. 15

Hypotheses in qualitative research

Hypotheses in qualitative research are stated in the form of a clear statement concerning the problem to be investigated. Unlike in quantitative research where hypotheses are usually developed to be tested, qualitative research can lead to both hypothesis-testing and hypothesis-generating outcomes. 2 When studies require both quantitative and qualitative research questions, this suggests an integrative process between both research methods wherein a single mixed-methods research question can be developed. 1

FRAMEWORKS FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND HYPOTHESES

Research questions followed by hypotheses should be developed before the start of the study. 1 , 12 , 14 It is crucial to develop feasible research questions on a topic that is interesting to both the researcher and the scientific community. This can be achieved by a meticulous review of previous and current studies to establish a novel topic. Specific areas are subsequently focused on to generate ethical research questions. The relevance of the research questions is evaluated in terms of clarity of the resulting data, specificity of the methodology, objectivity of the outcome, depth of the research, and impact of the study. 1 , 5 These aspects constitute the FINER criteria (i.e., Feasible, Interesting, Novel, Ethical, and Relevant). 1 Clarity and effectiveness are achieved if research questions meet the FINER criteria. In addition to the FINER criteria, Ratan et al. described focus, complexity, novelty, feasibility, and measurability for evaluating the effectiveness of research questions. 14

The PICOT and PEO frameworks are also used when developing research questions. 1 The following elements are addressed in these frameworks, PICOT: P-population/patients/problem, I-intervention or indicator being studied, C-comparison group, O-outcome of interest, and T-timeframe of the study; PEO: P-population being studied, E-exposure to preexisting conditions, and O-outcome of interest. 1 Research questions are also considered good if these meet the “FINERMAPS” framework: Feasible, Interesting, Novel, Ethical, Relevant, Manageable, Appropriate, Potential value/publishable, and Systematic. 14

As we indicated earlier, research questions and hypotheses that are not carefully formulated result in unethical studies or poor outcomes. To illustrate this, we provide some examples of ambiguous research question and hypotheses that result in unclear and weak research objectives in quantitative research ( Table 6 ) 16 and qualitative research ( Table 7 ) 17 , and how to transform these ambiguous research question(s) and hypothesis(es) into clear and good statements.

a These statements were composed for comparison and illustrative purposes only.

b These statements are direct quotes from Higashihara and Horiuchi. 16

a This statement is a direct quote from Shimoda et al. 17

The other statements were composed for comparison and illustrative purposes only.

CONSTRUCTING RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND HYPOTHESES

To construct effective research questions and hypotheses, it is very important to 1) clarify the background and 2) identify the research problem at the outset of the research, within a specific timeframe. 9 Then, 3) review or conduct preliminary research to collect all available knowledge about the possible research questions by studying theories and previous studies. 18 Afterwards, 4) construct research questions to investigate the research problem. Identify variables to be accessed from the research questions 4 and make operational definitions of constructs from the research problem and questions. Thereafter, 5) construct specific deductive or inductive predictions in the form of hypotheses. 4 Finally, 6) state the study aims . This general flow for constructing effective research questions and hypotheses prior to conducting research is shown in Fig. 1 .

Research questions are used more frequently in qualitative research than objectives or hypotheses. 3 These questions seek to discover, understand, explore or describe experiences by asking “What” or “How.” The questions are open-ended to elicit a description rather than to relate variables or compare groups. The questions are continually reviewed, reformulated, and changed during the qualitative study. 3 Research questions are also used more frequently in survey projects than hypotheses in experiments in quantitative research to compare variables and their relationships.

Hypotheses are constructed based on the variables identified and as an if-then statement, following the template, ‘If a specific action is taken, then a certain outcome is expected.’ At this stage, some ideas regarding expectations from the research to be conducted must be drawn. 18 Then, the variables to be manipulated (independent) and influenced (dependent) are defined. 4 Thereafter, the hypothesis is stated and refined, and reproducible data tailored to the hypothesis are identified, collected, and analyzed. 4 The hypotheses must be testable and specific, 18 and should describe the variables and their relationships, the specific group being studied, and the predicted research outcome. 18 Hypotheses construction involves a testable proposition to be deduced from theory, and independent and dependent variables to be separated and measured separately. 3 Therefore, good hypotheses must be based on good research questions constructed at the start of a study or trial. 12

In summary, research questions are constructed after establishing the background of the study. Hypotheses are then developed based on the research questions. Thus, it is crucial to have excellent research questions to generate superior hypotheses. In turn, these would determine the research objectives and the design of the study, and ultimately, the outcome of the research. 12 Algorithms for building research questions and hypotheses are shown in Fig. 2 for quantitative research and in Fig. 3 for qualitative research.

EXAMPLES OF RESEARCH QUESTIONS FROM PUBLISHED ARTICLES

• EXAMPLE 1. Descriptive research question (quantitative research)
• - Presents research variables to be assessed (distinct phenotypes and subphenotypes)
• “BACKGROUND: Since COVID-19 was identified, its clinical and biological heterogeneity has been recognized. Identifying COVID-19 phenotypes might help guide basic, clinical, and translational research efforts.
• RESEARCH QUESTION: Does the clinical spectrum of patients with COVID-19 contain distinct phenotypes and subphenotypes? ” 19
• EXAMPLE 2. Relationship research question (quantitative research)
• - Shows interactions between dependent variable (static postural control) and independent variable (peripheral visual field loss)
• “Background: Integration of visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive sensations contributes to postural control. People with peripheral visual field loss have serious postural instability. However, the directional specificity of postural stability and sensory reweighting caused by gradual peripheral visual field loss remain unclear.
• Research question: What are the effects of peripheral visual field loss on static postural control ?” 20
• EXAMPLE 3. Comparative research question (quantitative research)
• - Clarifies the difference among groups with an outcome variable (patients enrolled in COMPERA with moderate PH or severe PH in COPD) and another group without the outcome variable (patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH))
• “BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in COPD is a poorly investigated clinical condition.
• RESEARCH QUESTION: Which factors determine the outcome of PH in COPD?
• STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We analyzed the characteristics and outcome of patients enrolled in the Comparative, Prospective Registry of Newly Initiated Therapies for Pulmonary Hypertension (COMPERA) with moderate or severe PH in COPD as defined during the 6th PH World Symposium who received medical therapy for PH and compared them with patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) .” 21
• EXAMPLE 4. Exploratory research question (qualitative research)
• - Explores areas that have not been fully investigated (perspectives of families and children who receive care in clinic-based child obesity treatment) to have a deeper understanding of the research problem
• “Problem: Interventions for children with obesity lead to only modest improvements in BMI and long-term outcomes, and data are limited on the perspectives of families of children with obesity in clinic-based treatment. This scoping review seeks to answer the question: What is known about the perspectives of families and children who receive care in clinic-based child obesity treatment? This review aims to explore the scope of perspectives reported by families of children with obesity who have received individualized outpatient clinic-based obesity treatment.” 22
• EXAMPLE 5. Relationship research question (quantitative research)
• - Defines interactions between dependent variable (use of ankle strategies) and independent variable (changes in muscle tone)
• “Background: To maintain an upright standing posture against external disturbances, the human body mainly employs two types of postural control strategies: “ankle strategy” and “hip strategy.” While it has been reported that the magnitude of the disturbance alters the use of postural control strategies, it has not been elucidated how the level of muscle tone, one of the crucial parameters of bodily function, determines the use of each strategy. We have previously confirmed using forward dynamics simulations of human musculoskeletal models that an increased muscle tone promotes the use of ankle strategies. The objective of the present study was to experimentally evaluate a hypothesis: an increased muscle tone promotes the use of ankle strategies. Research question: Do changes in the muscle tone affect the use of ankle strategies ?” 23

EXAMPLES OF HYPOTHESES IN PUBLISHED ARTICLES

• EXAMPLE 1. Working hypothesis (quantitative research)
• - A hypothesis that is initially accepted for further research to produce a feasible theory
• “As fever may have benefit in shortening the duration of viral illness, it is plausible to hypothesize that the antipyretic efficacy of ibuprofen may be hindering the benefits of a fever response when taken during the early stages of COVID-19 illness .” 24
• “In conclusion, it is plausible to hypothesize that the antipyretic efficacy of ibuprofen may be hindering the benefits of a fever response . The difference in perceived safety of these agents in COVID-19 illness could be related to the more potent efficacy to reduce fever with ibuprofen compared to acetaminophen. Compelling data on the benefit of fever warrant further research and review to determine when to treat or withhold ibuprofen for early stage fever for COVID-19 and other related viral illnesses .” 24
• EXAMPLE 2. Exploratory hypothesis (qualitative research)
• - Explores particular areas deeper to clarify subjective experience and develop a formal hypothesis potentially testable in a future quantitative approach
• “We hypothesized that when thinking about a past experience of help-seeking, a self distancing prompt would cause increased help-seeking intentions and more favorable help-seeking outcome expectations .” 25
• “Conclusion
• Although a priori hypotheses were not supported, further research is warranted as results indicate the potential for using self-distancing approaches to increasing help-seeking among some people with depressive symptomatology.” 25
• EXAMPLE 3. Hypothesis-generating research to establish a framework for hypothesis testing (qualitative research)
• “We hypothesize that compassionate care is beneficial for patients (better outcomes), healthcare systems and payers (lower costs), and healthcare providers (lower burnout). ” 26
• Compassionomics is the branch of knowledge and scientific study of the effects of compassionate healthcare. Our main hypotheses are that compassionate healthcare is beneficial for (1) patients, by improving clinical outcomes, (2) healthcare systems and payers, by supporting financial sustainability, and (3) HCPs, by lowering burnout and promoting resilience and well-being. The purpose of this paper is to establish a scientific framework for testing the hypotheses above . If these hypotheses are confirmed through rigorous research, compassionomics will belong in the science of evidence-based medicine, with major implications for all healthcare domains.” 26
• EXAMPLE 4. Statistical hypothesis (quantitative research)
• - An assumption is made about the relationship among several population characteristics ( gender differences in sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of adults with ADHD ). Validity is tested by statistical experiment or analysis ( chi-square test, Students t-test, and logistic regression analysis)
• “Our research investigated gender differences in sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of adults with ADHD in a Japanese clinical sample. Due to unique Japanese cultural ideals and expectations of women's behavior that are in opposition to ADHD symptoms, we hypothesized that women with ADHD experience more difficulties and present more dysfunctions than men . We tested the following hypotheses: first, women with ADHD have more comorbidities than men with ADHD; second, women with ADHD experience more social hardships than men, such as having less full-time employment and being more likely to be divorced.” 27
• “Statistical Analysis
• ( text omitted ) Between-gender comparisons were made using the chi-squared test for categorical variables and Students t-test for continuous variables…( text omitted ). A logistic regression analysis was performed for employment status, marital status, and comorbidity to evaluate the independent effects of gender on these dependent variables.” 27

EXAMPLES OF HYPOTHESIS AS WRITTEN IN PUBLISHED ARTICLES IN RELATION TO OTHER PARTS

• EXAMPLE 1. Background, hypotheses, and aims are provided
• “Pregnant women need skilled care during pregnancy and childbirth, but that skilled care is often delayed in some countries …( text omitted ). The focused antenatal care (FANC) model of WHO recommends that nurses provide information or counseling to all pregnant women …( text omitted ). Job aids are visual support materials that provide the right kind of information using graphics and words in a simple and yet effective manner. When nurses are not highly trained or have many work details to attend to, these job aids can serve as a content reminder for the nurses and can be used for educating their patients (Jennings, Yebadokpo, Affo, & Agbogbe, 2010) ( text omitted ). Importantly, additional evidence is needed to confirm how job aids can further improve the quality of ANC counseling by health workers in maternal care …( text omitted )” 28
• “ This has led us to hypothesize that the quality of ANC counseling would be better if supported by job aids. Consequently, a better quality of ANC counseling is expected to produce higher levels of awareness concerning the danger signs of pregnancy and a more favorable impression of the caring behavior of nurses .” 28
• “This study aimed to examine the differences in the responses of pregnant women to a job aid-supported intervention during ANC visit in terms of 1) their understanding of the danger signs of pregnancy and 2) their impression of the caring behaviors of nurses to pregnant women in rural Tanzania.” 28
• EXAMPLE 2. Background, hypotheses, and aims are provided
• “We conducted a two-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate and compare changes in salivary cortisol and oxytocin levels of first-time pregnant women between experimental and control groups. The women in the experimental group touched and held an infant for 30 min (experimental intervention protocol), whereas those in the control group watched a DVD movie of an infant (control intervention protocol). The primary outcome was salivary cortisol level and the secondary outcome was salivary oxytocin level.” 29
• “ We hypothesize that at 30 min after touching and holding an infant, the salivary cortisol level will significantly decrease and the salivary oxytocin level will increase in the experimental group compared with the control group .” 29
• EXAMPLE 3. Background, aim, and hypothesis are provided
• “In countries where the maternal mortality ratio remains high, antenatal education to increase Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPCR) is considered one of the top priorities [1]. BPCR includes birth plans during the antenatal period, such as the birthplace, birth attendant, transportation, health facility for complications, expenses, and birth materials, as well as family coordination to achieve such birth plans. In Tanzania, although increasing, only about half of all pregnant women attend an antenatal clinic more than four times [4]. Moreover, the information provided during antenatal care (ANC) is insufficient. In the resource-poor settings, antenatal group education is a potential approach because of the limited time for individual counseling at antenatal clinics.” 30
• “This study aimed to evaluate an antenatal group education program among pregnant women and their families with respect to birth-preparedness and maternal and infant outcomes in rural villages of Tanzania.” 30
• “ The study hypothesis was if Tanzanian pregnant women and their families received a family-oriented antenatal group education, they would (1) have a higher level of BPCR, (2) attend antenatal clinic four or more times, (3) give birth in a health facility, (4) have less complications of women at birth, and (5) have less complications and deaths of infants than those who did not receive the education .” 30

Research questions and hypotheses are crucial components to any type of research, whether quantitative or qualitative. These questions should be developed at the very beginning of the study. Excellent research questions lead to superior hypotheses, which, like a compass, set the direction of research, and can often determine the successful conduct of the study. Many research studies have floundered because the development of research questions and subsequent hypotheses was not given the thought and meticulous attention needed. The development of research questions and hypotheses is an iterative process based on extensive knowledge of the literature and insightful grasp of the knowledge gap. Focused, concise, and specific research questions provide a strong foundation for constructing hypotheses which serve as formal predictions about the research outcomes. Research questions and hypotheses are crucial elements of research that should not be overlooked. They should be carefully thought of and constructed when planning research. This avoids unethical studies and poor outcomes by defining well-founded objectives that determine the design, course, and outcome of the study.

Disclosure: The authors have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose.

Author Contributions:

• Conceptualization: Barroga E, Matanguihan GJ.
• Methodology: Barroga E, Matanguihan GJ.
• Writing - original draft: Barroga E, Matanguihan GJ.
• Writing - review & editing: Barroga E, Matanguihan GJ.

Research Topics

The links below will take you to the Research pages for all of the Department of Medicine’s different Section and Centers. You can explore more specific research topics within those pages.

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December 22, 2021

2021 Research Highlights — Promising Medical Findings

Results with potential for enhancing human health.

With NIH support, scientists across the United States and around the world conduct wide-ranging research to discover ways to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability. Groundbreaking NIH-funded research often receives top scientific honors. In 2021, these honors included Nobel Prizes to five NIH-supported scientists . Here’s just a small sample of the NIH-supported research accomplishments in 2021.

Printer-friendly version of full 2021 NIH Research Highlights

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Advancing COVID-19 treatment and prevention

Amid the sustained pandemic, researchers continued to develop new drugs and vaccines for COVID-19. They found oral drugs that could  inhibit virus replication in hamsters and shut down a key enzyme that the virus needs to replicate. Both drugs are currently in clinical trials. Another drug effectively treated both SARS-CoV-2 and RSV, another serious respiratory virus, in animals. Other researchers used an airway-on-a-chip to screen approved drugs for use against COVID-19. These studies identified oral drugs that could be administered outside of clinical settings. Such drugs could become powerful tools for fighting the ongoing pandemic. Also in development are an intranasal vaccine , which could help prevent virus transmission, and vaccines that can protect against a range of coronaviruses .

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Developments in Alzheimer’s disease research

One of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s is an abnormal buildup of amyloid-beta protein. A study in mice suggests that antibody therapies targeting amyloid-beta protein could be more effective after enhancing the brain’s waste drainage system . In another study, irisin, an exercise-induced hormone, was found to improve cognitive performance in mice . New approaches also found two approved drugs (described below) with promise for treating AD. These findings point to potential strategies for treating Alzheimer’s. Meanwhile, researchers found that people who slept six hours or less per night in their 50s and 60s were more likely to develop dementia later in life, suggesting that inadequate sleep duration could increase dementia risk.

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New uses for old drugs

Developing new drugs can be costly, and the odds of success can be slim. So, some researchers have turned to repurposing drugs that are already approved for other conditions. Scientists found that two FDA-approved drugs were associated with lower rates of Alzheimer’s disease. One is used for high blood pressure and swelling. The other is FDA-approved to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension. Meanwhile, the antidepressant fluoxetine was associated with reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration. Clinical trials will be needed to confirm these drugs’ effects.

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Making a wireless, biodegradable pacemaker

Pacemakers are a vital part of medical care for many people with heart rhythm disorders. Temporary pacemakers currently use wires connected to a power source outside the body. Researchers developed a temporary pacemaker that is powered wirelessly. It also breaks down harmlessly in the body after use. Studies showed that the device can generate enough power to pace a human heart without causing damage or inflammation.

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Fungi may impair wound healing in Crohn’s disease

Inflammatory bowel disease develops when immune cells in the gut overreact to a perceived threat to the body. It’s thought that the microbiome plays a role in this process. Researchers found that a fungus called  Debaryomyces hansenii  impaired gut wound healing in mice and was also found in damaged gut tissue in people with Crohn’s disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease. Blocking this microbe might encourage tissue repair in Crohn’s disease.

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Nanoparticle-based flu vaccine

Influenza, or flu, kills an estimated 290,000-650,000 people each year worldwide. The flu virus changes, or mutates, quickly. A single vaccine that conferred protection against a wide variety of strains would provide a major boost to global health. Researchers developed a nanoparticle-based vaccine that protected against a broad range of flu virus strains in animals. The vaccine may prevent flu more effectively than current seasonal vaccines. Researchers are planning a Phase 1 clinical trial to test the vaccine in people.

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A targeted antibiotic for treating Lyme disease

Lyme disease cases are becoming more frequent and widespread. Current treatment entails the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. But these drugs can damage the patient’s gut microbiome and select for resistance in non-target bacteria. Researchers found that a neglected antibiotic called hygromycin A selectively kills the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. The antibiotic was able to treat Lyme disease in mice without disrupting the microbiome and could make an attractive therapeutic candidate.

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Retraining the brain to treat chronic pain

More than 25 million people in the U.S. live with chronic pain. After a treatment called pain reprocessing therapy, two-thirds of people with mild or moderate chronic back pain for which no physical cause could be found were mostly or completely pain-free. The findings suggest that people can learn to reduce the brain activity causing some types of chronic pain that occur in the absence of injury or persist after healing.

2021 Research Highlights — Basic Research Insights >>

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300+ Health Related Research Topics For Medical Students(2023)

In the world of academia and healthcare, finding the right health-related research topics is essential. Whether you are a medical student, a college student, or a seasoned researcher, the choice of your research topic greatly impacts the quality and relevance of your work. This blog, health related research topics, is your guide to selecting the perfect subject for your research.

In this post, we will share 5 invaluable tips to help you pick suitable health-related research topics. Additionally, we will outline the crucial elements that every health-related research paper should incorporate.

Furthermore, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of 300+ health-related research topics for medical students in 2023. These include categories like mental health, public health, nutrition, chronic diseases, healthcare policy, and more. We also offer guidance on selecting the right topic to ensure your research is engaging and meaningful.

So, whether you are delving into mental health, investigating environmental factors, or exploring global health concerns, health-related research topics will assist you in making informed and impactful choices for your research journey, even within the hardest medical specialties .

What Is Health Research?

Table of Contents

Health research is like detective work to understand how our bodies work and how to keep them healthy. It’s like asking questions and finding answers about things like sickness, medicine, and how to live better. Scientists and doctors do health research to learn new ways to treat illnesses, like finding better medicines or discovering new ways to prevent diseases.

Health research is a puzzle, where scientists collect information, do experiments, and study many people to find out what makes us healthy or sick. They want to find clues and put them together to help us stay well and live longer. So, health research is like a quest to learn more about our bodies and find ways to make them work their best, keeping us happy and strong.

5 Useful Tips For Choosing Health Related Research Topics

Here are some useful tips for choosing health related research topics: 

Tip 1: Follow Your Interests

When picking a health research topic, it’s a good idea to choose something you’re curious and excited about. If you’re interested in a subject, you’ll enjoy learning more about it, and you’ll be motivated to do your best. So, think about what aspects of health catch your attention and explore those areas for your research.

Tip 2: Consider Relevance

Your research topic should be meaningful and have real-world importance. Think about how your research can contribute to solving health problems or improving people’s well-being. Topics that are relevant and can make a positive impact on health and healthcare are usually more valuable.

Tip 3: Check Available Resources

Before deciding on a research topic, make sure you have access to the necessary resources, like books, articles, or equipment. It’s important that you can find the information and tools you need to conduct your research effectively.

Tip 4: Keep It Manageable

Select a research topic that you can handle within the available time and resources. It’s better to choose a more focused and manageable topic rather than something too broad or complex. This way, you can delve deep into the subject and produce meaningful results.

Tip 5: Seek Guidance

Don’t hesitate to ask for guidance from teachers, professors, or experts in the field. They can help you refine your research topic, provide valuable insights, and suggest improvements. Seeking advice can make your research journey smoother and more successful.

Important Elements That Must Be Present In A Health Related Research Paper

Here are some important elements that must be present in a health related research paper: 

1. Clear Title and Introduction

A good health research paper needs a clear title that tells people what it’s about. The introduction should explain why the research is important and what the paper will discuss. It’s like the map that shows the way.

2. Methods and Data

You should describe how you did your research and the data you collected. This helps others understand how you found your information. It’s like showing your work in math so that others can check it.

3. Results and Conclusions

After doing your research, you need to show what you discovered. Share the results and what they mean. Conclusions tell people what you found out and why it’s important. It’s like the “So what?” part of your paper.

4. Citations and References

When you use other people’s ideas or words, you need to give them credit. Citations and references show where you got your information. It’s like saying, “I learned this from here.”

5. Clear Language and Organization

Make sure your paper is easy to read and well-organized. Use clear and simple language so that everyone can understand. Organize your paper logically, with a beginning, middle, and end, like a good story. This makes your research paper more effective and useful.

In this section, we will discuss 300+ health related research topics for medical students(2023): 

Health Related Research Topics

• How living choices affect health and how long people live.
• Ways to make it easier for people in underserved areas to get medical care.
• The role of DNA in determining susceptibility to different diseases.
• There are differences in health between race and ethnic groups and between socioeconomic groups.
• Checking how well health education programs encourage people to behave in a healthy way.
• The effects that stress has on the body and mind.
• Looking at the pros and cons of different vaccine plans.
• The link between how well you sleep and your general health.
• The use of technology to make health care better.
• How cultural beliefs and habits affect how people seek health care.

Mental Health Related Research Topics

• Identifying the factors contributing to the rise in mental health disorders among adolescents.
• Examining the effectiveness of different therapeutic approaches for treating depression and anxiety.
• How social media can hurt your mental health and self-esteem.
• We are looking into the link between traumatic events in youth and mental health problems later in life.
•  Stigma and racism in mental health care, and how they make people less healthy.
•  Ways to lower the suicide rate among people who are at high risk.
•  Exercise and other forms of physical action can help your mental health.
•  The link between using drugs and having mental health problems.
•  Mental health support for frontline healthcare workers during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
•  Exploring the potential of digital mental health interventions and apps.

Health Related Research Topics For College Students

• The impact of college stress on physical and mental health.
•  Assessing the effectiveness of college mental health services.
•  The role of peer influence on college students’ health behaviors.
•  Nutrition and dietary habits among college students.
•  Substance use and abuse on college campuses.
•  Investigating the prevalence of sleep disorders among college students.
•  Exploring sexual health awareness and behaviors among college students.
•  Evaluating the relationship between academic performance and overall health.
•  The influence of social media on college students’ health perceptions and behaviors.
•  Ideas for getting people on college grounds to be more active and eat better.

Public Health Related Research Topics

• Evaluating the impact of public health campaigns on smoking cessation .
•  The effectiveness of vaccination mandates in preventing disease outbreaks.
•  Looking into the link between the health of the people in cities and the quality of the air.
•  Strategies for addressing the opioid epidemic through public health initiatives.
•  The role of public health surveillance in early disease detection and response.
•  Assessing the impact of food labeling on consumer choices and nutrition.
•  Looking at how well public health measures work to lower the number of overweight and obese kids.
•  The importance of water quality in maintaining public health.
•  This paper examines various strategies aimed at enhancing mother and child health outcomes in emerging nations.
•  Addressing the mental health crisis through public health interventions.

Mental Disorder Research Topics

• The mental health effects of social isolation, with a particular focus on the COVID-19 pandemic.
•  Exploring the relationship between mental health and creative expression.
•  Cultural differences influence the way in which mental health disorders are perceived and treated.
•  The use of mindfulness and meditation techniques in managing mental health.
•  Investigating the mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.
•  Examining the role of nutrition and dietary habits in mood disorders.
•  The influence of childhood experiences on adult mental health.
•  Innovative approaches to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.
•  Mental health support for veterans and active-duty military personnel.
•  The relation between sleep disorders and mental health.

Nutrition and Diet-Related Research Topics

• The impact of dietary patterns (e.g., Mediterranean, ketogenic) on health outcomes.
•  Investigating the role of gut microbiota in digestion and overall health.
•  The effects of food labeling and nutritional education on dietary choices.
•  The correlation between chronic disease prevention and nutrition.
•  Assessing the nutritional needs of different age groups (children, adults, elderly).
•  Exploring the benefits and drawbacks of various diet fads (e.g., intermittent fasting, veganism).
•  The role of nutrition in managing obesity and weight-related health issues.
•  Studying nutrition and mental wellness.
•   Impact of food insecure areas on population health and diet.
•  Strategies for promoting healthy eating in schools and workplaces.

Chronic Disease Research Topics

• The contribution of inflammation to the progression and development of chronic diseases.
•  Evaluating the effectiveness of lifestyle modifications in managing chronic conditions.
•  The impact of chronic stress on various health conditions.
•  Investigating disparities in the management and treatment of chronic diseases among different populations.
•  Exploring the genetics of chronic diseases and potential gene therapies.
•  The impact that environmental factors, including pollution, have on the prevalence of chronic diseases.
•  Assessing the long-term health consequences of childhood obesity.
•  Strategies for improving the quality of life for individuals living with chronic diseases.
•  The importance of maintaining a healthy level of physical activity and exercise for both the prevention and treatment of chronic illnesses.
•  Investigating innovative treatments and therapies for chronic diseases, such as gene editing and personalized medicine.

Healthcare Policy and Access Research Topics

• Assessing how the Affordable Care Act affects healthcare access and outcomes.
•  Telehealth’s impact on rural healthcare access.
•  Investigating the cost-effectiveness of various healthcare payment models (e.g., single-payer, private insurance).
•  Assessing healthcare disparities among different racial and socioeconomic groups.
•  The influence of political ideologies on healthcare policy and access.
•  Healthcare professional shortage solutions, including nurses and doctors.
•  The impact of malpractice reform on healthcare quality and access.
•  Examining the role of pharmaceutical pricing and regulation in healthcare access.
•  The use of technology in streamlining healthcare administration and improving access.
•  Exploring the intersection of healthcare policy, ethics, and patient rights.

Environmental Health Research Topics

• The impact of climate change on public health, including increased heat-related illnesses and vector-borne diseases.
•  Studying air pollution’s effects on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
•  Assessing the health consequences of exposure to environmental toxins and pollutants.
•  Exploring the role of green spaces and urban planning in promoting public health.
•  The impact of water quality and sanitation on community health.
•  Strategies for minimizing the health risks linked with natural catastrophes and extreme weather events.
•  Investigating the health implications of food and water security in vulnerable populations.
•  The influence of environmental justice on health disparities.
•  Evaluating the benefits of renewable energy sources in reducing air pollution and promoting health.
•  The role of public policy in addressing environmental health concerns.

Infectious Disease Research Topics

• Tracking the evolution and spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19.
•  Investigating the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns in preventing outbreaks.
•  Antimicrobial resistance and strategies to combat it.
•  Assessing the role of vector-borne diseases in global health, such as malaria and Zika virus.
•  The impact of travel and globalization on the spread of infectious diseases.
•  Strategies for early detection and containment of emerging infectious diseases.
•  The role of hygiene and sanitation in reducing infectious disease transmission.
•  Investigating the cultural factors that influence infectious disease prevention and treatment.
•  The use of technology in disease surveillance and response.
• Examining the ethical and legal considerations in managing infectious disease outbreaks.

Women’s Health Research Topics

• Exploring the gender-specific health issues faced by women, such as reproductive health and menopause.
• Investigating the impact of hormonal contraception on women’s health.
• Assessing the barriers to accessing quality maternal healthcare in low-income countries.
• The role of gender-based violence in women’s mental and physical health.
• Strategies for promoting women’s sexual health and reproductive rights.
• Exploring the relationship between breast cancer and genetics.
• The influence of body image and societal pressures on women’s mental health.
• Investigating healthcare disparities among different groups of women, including racial and ethnic disparities.
• Strategies for improving access to women’s healthcare services, including family planning and prenatal care.
• The use of telemedicine and technology to address women’s health needs, especially in remote areas.

Children’s Health Research Topics

• The impact of early childhood nutrition on long-term health and development.
• Environmental toxin exposure and child health.
• Assessing the role of parenting styles in children’s mental and emotional well-being.
• Strategies for preventing and managing childhood obesity.
• The influence of media and technology on children’s physical and mental health.
• Exploring the challenges faced by children with chronic illnesses and disabilities.
• The relevance of early child mental wellness and developmental condition intervention.
• Investigating the role of schools in promoting children’s health and well-being.
• Strategies for addressing child healthcare disparities, including access to vaccines and preventive care.
• Adverse childhood experiences and adult health.

Aging and Gerontology Research Topics

• Investigating the factors contributing to healthy aging and longevity.
• Assessing the impact of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease on elderly individuals and their families.
• Strategies for improving elder care services and addressing the aging population’s healthcare needs.
• Exploring the social isolation and mental health challenges faced by the elderly.
• The importance of nutrition and exercise in old age.
• Investigating the impact of age-related chronic diseases, such as arthritis and osteoporosis.
• Assessing the financial and ethical aspects of end-of-life care for the elderly.
• Strategies for promoting intergenerational relationships and support networks.
• The influence of cultural differences on aging and health outcomes.
• Exploring technology and innovation in elder care, including assistive devices and telemedicine.

Health Technology and Innovation Research Topics

• The impact of telemedicine and virtual health platforms on patient care and outcomes.
• Investigating the use of wearable health technology in monitoring and managing chronic conditions.
• Assessing the ethical and privacy considerations of health data collection through technology.
• Investigating medical diagnoses and treatment with AI and ML.
• The role of robotics in healthcare, including surgical procedures and elder care.
• Investigating the use of 3D printing in healthcare, such as prosthetics and medical devices.
• The influence of mobile health apps on patient engagement and self-care.
• Strategies for implementing electronic health records (EHRs) and interoperability.
• The impact of precision medicine and genomics on personalized healthcare.
• Exploring the future of healthcare delivery through telehealth, remote monitoring, and AI-driven diagnostics.

Global Health Research Topics

• Investigating the challenges of global health equity and healthcare access in low- and middle-income countries.
• Assessing the effectiveness of international health organizations in addressing global health crises.
• Resource-limited mother and child health strategies.
• Exploring the impact of infectious diseases in global health, including tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.
• The role of clean water and sanitation in improving global health outcomes.
• Investigating the social determinants of health in different global regions.
• Assessing the impact of humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts on public health.
• Strategies for combating malnutrition and food insecurity in developing countries.
• The influence of climate change on global health, including the spread of vector-borne diseases.
• Exploring innovative approaches to global health, such as community health workers and telemedicine initiatives.
• Exploring the artificial intelligence and machine learning in medical treatment.

Health Disparities and Equity Research Topics

• The impact of socioeconomic status on healthcare access and health outcomes.
• Strategies to decrease racial and ethnic disparities in maternal and child health.
• LGBTQ+ healthcare disparities and interventions for equitable care.
• Health disparities among rural and urban populations in developed and developing countries.
• Cultural competence in healthcare and its role in reducing disparities.
• The intersection of gender, race, and socioeconomic status in health disparities.
• Addressing health disparities in the elderly population.
• The role of discrimination in perpetuating health inequities.
• Strategies to improve healthcare access for individuals with disabilities.
• The impact of COVID-19 on health disparities and lessons learned for future pandemics.

Cancer Research Topics

• Advancements in precision medicine for personalized cancer treatment.
• Immunotherapy breakthroughs in cancer treatment.
• Environmental factors and cancer risk: A comprehensive review.
• The role of genomics in understanding cancer susceptibility.
• Cancer treatment and survivorship, as well as quality of life following cancer therapy.
• The economics of cancer treatment and its impact on patients.
• Cancer prevention and early detection strategies in underserved communities.
• Palliative care and end-of-life decisions in cancer patients.
• Emerging trends in cancer epidemiology and global burden.
• Ethical considerations in cancer clinical trials and research.

Pharmaceutical Research Topics

• Repurposing existing medications in order to address uncommon illnesses.
• The impact of nanotechnology in drug delivery and targeting.
• Pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine: Current status and future prospects.
• Challenges and opportunities in developing vaccines for emerging infectious diseases.
• Quality control and safety in the pharmaceutical manufacturing process.
• Drug pricing and access: A global perspective.
• Green chemistry approaches in sustainable pharmaceutical development.
• The part that artificial intelligence plays in the search for new drugs and their development.
• Biopharmaceuticals and the future of protein-based therapies.
• Regulatory challenges in ensuring drug safety and efficacy.

Epidemiology Research Topics

• Emerging infectious diseases and global preparedness.
• The COVID-19 pandemic will have long-term effect on the health of the general population.
• Social determinants of health and their impact on disease prevalence.
• Environmental epidemiology and the study of health effects of pollution.
• Big data and its role in modern epidemiological research.
• Spatial epidemiology and the study of disease clusters.
• Epidemiological aspects of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and obesity.
• Genetic epidemiology and the study of hereditary diseases.
• Epidemiological methods for studying mental health disorders.
• Epidemiology of zoonotic diseases and their prevention.

Alternative and Complementary Medicine Research Topics

• Efficacy and safety of herbal remedies in complementary medicine.
• Mind-body interventions and their role in managing chronic pain.
• Acupuncture and its potential in the treatment of various conditions.
• Integrating traditional and complementary medicine into mainstream healthcare.
• Yoga and meditation for stress reduction and mental health.
• Biofield therapies and their impact on well-being.
• Ayurvedic medicine and its modern applications in health and wellness.
• Chiropractic care and its use in musculoskeletal health.
• Ethical considerations in the practice and regulation of alternative medicine.
• Integrating traditional Chinese medicine into Western healthcare systems.

Occupational Health and Safety Research Topics

• Occupational hazards in healthcare settings and strategies for prevention.
• The impact of remote work on occupational health and well-being.
• Ergonomics and its role in preventing workplace injuries.
• Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals and long-term health effects.
• Mental health in the office: Stress, burnout, and interventions.
• Occupational safety in the construction industry: Recent developments.
• Role of technology in enhancing workplace safety.
• Occupational health disparities among different industries and occupations.
• The economics of workplace safety and the cost-benefit analysis.
• Business impacts of OSHA regulations.

Addiction and Substance Abuse Research Topics

• The opioid epidemic: Current status and future strategies.
• Dual diagnosis: Co-occurring mental health disorders and substance abuse.
• Harm reduction approaches in addiction treatment.
• The role of family and social support in addiction recovery.
• Behavioral addictions: Understanding and treating non-substance-related addictions.
• Novel pharmacotherapies for addiction treatment.
• The impact of COVID-19 on substance abuse and addiction.
• Substance abuse prevention programs in schools and communities.
• Stigmatization of addiction and its impact on treatment-seeking behavior.
• Substance abuse in the elderly population: Unique challenges and solutions.

Biomedical Research Topics

• Recent advancements in gene editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9).
• Regenerative medicine and tissue engineering for organ replacement.
• Bioinformatics and its role in analyzing large-scale biological data.
• Stem cell research and its important applications in regenerative medicine.
• Biomarker discovery for early disease detection and monitoring.
• Precision medicine and its potential to transform healthcare.
• The microbiome and its impacts on human health and disease.
• Aging-related research and interventions for healthy aging.
• Neurodegenerative diseases and potential therapeutic approaches.
• Biomedical ethics in the age of cutting-edge research.

Maternal and Child Health Research Topics

• The influence of the mother’s nutrition on the development and health of the fetus.
• Maternal mental health and its positive effects on child development.
• Preterm birth prevention and interventions for at-risk pregnancies.
• Neonatal screening and early diagnosis of congenital diseases.
• Breastfeeding promotion and support for new mothers.
• Pediatric immunization programs and vaccine hesitancy.
• Child obesity prevention and intervention strategies.
• Maternal and child health in low-resource and conflict-affected areas.
• Maternal mortality reduction and improving access to obstetric care.
• Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their long-term health consequences.

Mental Health Stigma Research Topics

• Understanding the origins and perpetuation of mental health stigma.
• Media and pop culture’s impact on mental disease views.
• Reducing stigma in the workplace and promoting mental health support.
• Stigma associated with specific mental health conditions (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder).
• Intersectionality and how it influences mental health stigma.
• Anti-stigma campaigns and their effectiveness in changing public attitudes.
• Stigma in online communities and the role of social media in shaping opinions.
• Cultural and cross-cultural perspectives on mental health stigma.
• The impact of self-stigma on individuals seeking mental health treatment.
• Legislative and policy efforts to combat mental health stigma.

Health Education and Promotion Research Topics

• Health literacy and its impact on informed decision-making.
• Promoting healthy behaviors in schools and educational settings.
• Social marketing campaigns for health behavior change.
• Community-based health promotion programs in underserved areas.
• The role of technology and social media in health education.
• Tailoring health messages to diverse populations and cultural sensitivity.
• The use of behavioral economics in health promotion strategies.
• Investigating the effectiveness of school-based sex education programs.
• Health education for the elderly population: Challenges and solutions.
• Promoting mental health awareness and resilience through education.

Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety Research Topics

• Patient-centered care and its impact on healthcare quality.
• Reducing medical errors and negative events in healthcare settings.
• Continuous quality improvement in healthcare organizations.
• The role of healthcare accreditation in ensuring quality and safety.
• Patient engagement and shared decision-making in healthcare.
• Electronic health records and patient safety.
• The ethics of telling patients and families about medical blunders.
• Medication safety and preventing adverse drug events.
• Cultural competence in healthcare and its effect on patient safety.
• Disaster preparedness and response in healthcare settings.

Health Informatics and Data Analytics Research Topics

• Big data analytics in healthcare for predictive modeling.
• Artificial intelligence in medical image analysis and diagnostics.
• Health information exchange and interoperability challenges.
• Electronic health record (EHR) usability and user satisfaction.
• Patient data privacy and security in health informatics.
• Telemedicine and its impact on healthcare delivery and data management.
• Real-time monitoring and data analytics for disease outbreaks.
• Health informatics applications in personalized medicine.
• Natural language processing for clinical notes and text analysis.
• The role of data analyticsin enhancing healthcare quality and outcomes.

Neurological Disorders Research Topics

• Neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s).
• Stroke prevention and rehabilitation strategies.
• Advances in brain imaging techniques for diagnosing neurological disorders.
• Pediatric neurological disorders: Diagnosis and intervention.
• Neurogenetics and the role of genetics in neurological conditions.
• Traumatic brain injury: Long-term effects and rehabilitation.
• Neurorehabilitation and quality of life improvement in patients with neurological disorders.
• Neurological consequences of long COVID and post-viral syndromes.
• The gut-brain connection and its implications for neurological health.
• Ethical considerations in neurological research and treatment.

Bioethics in Health Research Topics

• Informed consent and its challenges in clinical trials and research.
• Ethical considerations in human genome editing and gene therapy.
• Allocation of healthcare resources and the principles of distributive justice.
• The ethics of organ transplantation and organ trafficking.
• End-of-life decision-making, including physician-assisted suicide.
• Ethical issues in the use of Artficial intelligence in healthcare decision-making.
• Research involving vulnerable populations: Balancing benefits and risks.
• Ethical considerations in global health research and disparities.
• Ethical implications of emerging biotechnologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9.
• Autonomy and decision-making capacity in healthcare ethics.

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• Biology Research Topics
• Neuroscience Research Topics

Points To Be Remembered While Selecting Health Related Research Topics

When selecting a health-related research topic, there are several important considerations to keep in mind to ensure your research is meaningful and effective. Here are 7 key points to remember:

• Interest and Passion: Choose a topic that is according to your interests you, as your enthusiasm will fuel your research.
• Relevance: Ensure your topic addresses a real health issue or concern that can make a positive impact.
• Resources Availability: Confirm that you have access to the necessary materials and information for your research.
• Manageability: Pick a topic that is not too broad, ensuring it’s something you can investigate thoroughly.
• Guidance: Seek advice from experts or mentors to refine your topic and receive valuable insights.
• Ethical Considerations : Always consider the ethical implications of your research and ensure it complies with ethical guidelines.
• Feasibility: Ensure that the research can be completed within the available time and resources.

In the ever-evolving landscape of health research, selecting the right topic is the foundation for meaningful contributions. This blog has provided a roadmap for choosing health-related research topics, emphasizing the importance of personal interest, relevance, available resources, manageability, and expert guidance. Additionally, it has offered 300+ research topics across various domains, including mental health, public health, nutrition, chronic diseases, healthcare policy, and more. 

In addition, with these insights, researchers, students, and healthcare professionals can embark on journeys that not only align with their passions but also address critical healthcare challenges. By making informed choices, we can collectively advance the frontiers of health and well-being.

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