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Research Topics & Ideas: Healthcare

100+ Healthcare Research Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your Project

Healthcare-related research topics and ideas

Finding 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

Research topic idea mega list

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

Research topic evaluator

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

Free Webinar: How To Find A Dissertation Research Topic

Tops & 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

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.

Need more help?

If you’re still feeling a bit unsure about how to find a research topic for your healthcare dissertation or thesis, check out Topic Kickstarter service below.

Research Topic Kickstarter - Need Help Finding A Research Topic?

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Business/management/MBA research topics

14 Comments

Mabel Allison

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

Theophilus Ugochuku

Hello Mabel,

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

sneha ramu

Can you provide some research topics and ideas on Immunology?

Julia

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

Help on problem statement on teen pregnancy

Derek Jansen

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

vera akinyi akinyi vera

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

Didjatou tao

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

Gurtej singh Dhillon

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

Chikalamba Muzyamba

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

Evans Amihere

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

Patrick

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

Biyama Chama Reuben

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

dominic muema

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

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

Health Related Research Topics

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.

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.

Read More 

  • 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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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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Examples of Research Questions

Phd in nursing science program, examples of broad clinical research questions include:.

  • Does the administration of pain medication at time of surgical incision reduce the need for pain medication twenty-four hours after surgery?
  • What maternal factors are associated with obesity in toddlers?
  • What elements of a peer support intervention prevent suicide in high school females?
  • What is the most accurate and comprehensive way to determine men’s experience of physical assault?
  • Is yoga as effective as traditional physical therapy in reducing lymphedema in patients who have had head and neck cancer treatment?
  • In the third stage of labor, what is the effect of cord cutting within the first three minutes on placenta separation?
  • Do teenagers with Type 1 diabetes who receive phone tweet reminders maintain lower blood sugars than those who do not?
  • Do the elderly diagnosed with dementia experience pain?
  •  How can siblings’ risk of depression be predicted after the death of a child?
  •  How can cachexia be prevented in cancer patients receiving aggressive protocols involving radiation and chemotherapy?

Examples of some general health services research questions are:

  • Does the organization of renal transplant nurse coordinators’ responsibilities influence live donor rates?
  • What activities of nurse managers are associated with nurse turnover?  30 day readmission rates?
  • What effect does the Nurse Faculty Loan program have on the nurse researcher workforce?  What effect would a 20% decrease in funds have?
  • How do psychiatric hospital unit designs influence the incidence of patients’ aggression?
  • What are Native American patient preferences regarding the timing, location and costs for weight management counseling and how will meeting these preferences influence participation?
  •  What predicts registered nurse retention in the US Army?
  • How, if at all, are the timing and location of suicide prevention appointments linked to veterans‘ suicide rates?
  • What predicts the sustainability of quality improvement programs in operating rooms?
  • Do integrated computerized nursing records across points of care improve patient outcomes?
  • How many nurse practitioners will the US need in 2020?

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  • Writing Strong Research Questions | Criteria & Examples

Writing Strong Research Questions | Criteria & Examples

Published on October 26, 2022 by Shona McCombes . Revised on November 21, 2023.

A research question pinpoints exactly what you want to find out in your work. A good research question is essential to guide your research paper , dissertation , or thesis .

All research questions should be:

  • Focused on a single problem or issue
  • Researchable using primary and/or secondary sources
  • Feasible to answer within the timeframe and practical constraints
  • Specific enough to answer thoroughly
  • Complex enough to develop the answer over the space of a paper or thesis
  • Relevant to your field of study and/or society more broadly

Writing Strong Research Questions

Table of contents

How to write a research question, what makes a strong research question, using sub-questions to strengthen your main research question, research questions quiz, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about research questions.

You can follow these steps to develop a strong research question:

  • Choose your topic
  • Do some preliminary reading about the current state of the field
  • Narrow your focus to a specific niche
  • Identify the research problem that you will address

The way you frame your question depends on what your research aims to achieve. The table below shows some examples of how you might formulate questions for different purposes.

Using your research problem to develop your research question

Note that while most research questions can be answered with various types of research , the way you frame your question should help determine your choices.

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Research questions anchor your whole project, so it’s important to spend some time refining them. The criteria below can help you evaluate the strength of your research question.

Focused and researchable

Feasible and specific, complex and arguable, relevant and original.

Chances are that your main research question likely can’t be answered all at once. That’s why sub-questions are important: they allow you to answer your main question in a step-by-step manner.

Good sub-questions should be:

  • Less complex than the main question
  • Focused only on 1 type of research
  • Presented in a logical order

Here are a few examples of descriptive and framing questions:

  • Descriptive: According to current government arguments, how should a European bank tax be implemented?
  • Descriptive: Which countries have a bank tax/levy on financial transactions?
  • Framing: How should a bank tax/levy on financial transactions look at a European level?

Keep in mind that sub-questions are by no means mandatory. They should only be asked if you need the findings to answer your main question. If your main question is simple enough to stand on its own, it’s okay to skip the sub-question part. As a rule of thumb, the more complex your subject, the more sub-questions you’ll need.

Try to limit yourself to 4 or 5 sub-questions, maximum. If you feel you need more than this, it may be indication that your main research question is not sufficiently specific. In this case, it’s is better to revisit your problem statement and try to tighten your main question up.

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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

The way you present your research problem in your introduction varies depending on the nature of your research paper . A research paper that presents a sustained argument will usually encapsulate this argument in a thesis statement .

A research paper designed to present the results of empirical research tends to present a research question that it seeks to answer. It may also include a hypothesis —a prediction that will be confirmed or disproved by your research.

As you cannot possibly read every source related to your topic, it’s important to evaluate sources to assess their relevance. Use preliminary evaluation to determine whether a source is worth examining in more depth.

This involves:

  • Reading abstracts , prefaces, introductions , and conclusions
  • Looking at the table of contents to determine the scope of the work
  • Consulting the index for key terms or the names of important scholars

A research hypothesis is your proposed answer to your research question. The research hypothesis usually includes an explanation (“ x affects y because …”).

A statistical hypothesis, on the other hand, is a mathematical statement about a population parameter. Statistical hypotheses always come in pairs: the null and alternative hypotheses . In a well-designed study , the statistical hypotheses correspond logically to the research hypothesis.

Writing Strong Research Questions

Formulating a main research question can be a difficult task. Overall, your question should contribute to solving the problem that you have defined in your problem statement .

However, it should also fulfill criteria in three main areas:

  • Researchability
  • Feasibility and specificity
  • Relevance and originality

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Writing for Healthcare Professionals: Creating a Research Question

  • Finding Sources
  • Creating a Research Question
  • Search Terms
  • Search Strategies
  • Recording Your Research
  • Journal Articles
  • Books & Other Sources
  • Online Help
  • Publisher URL

Choosing a Topic

Sometimes the most difficult part of the research process is choosing a topic.  Here are some tips for selecting a research question that you will enjoy learning about and will ultimately lead to a good grade.

  • Read through your assignment.   Professors design an assignment outline for a reason.  Make sure your topic can and will adhere to their requirements and guidelines.
  • Choose a topic you are interested in.   If you don't like what you're researching, chances are you won't learn a whole lot or enjoy the process.  And really, what's the point of that?  
  • Browse resources that relate to your course work.  Look through a newspaper, magazine, or database for current events or hot topics.  Browsing can spark a lot of great ideas and can help you refine your topic.
  • Ask for help!   There is nothing wrong with asking your professor or a librarian to help you brainstorm ideas.

Where to Start

The links below are great places to start in developing a research question.  Browsing current events and hot topics can spark your interest and inspire a topic.

  • Alvernia's "Opposing Viewpoints" Collection
  • Alvernia's Reference Collection
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Athletic Training Websites
  • Google Trends
  • Health & Medicine
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How to Formulate an Answerable Clinical Question

P opulation/patients

I ntervention/indicator

C omparator/control

  • P I C O: Formulate an Answerable Question
  • Formulating Answerable Clinical Questions

Developing your Research Question

Try asking yourself these questions to help develop a research question:

Topic:  Obesity

Who?  teenagers

What?  consumption of high fat foods

Where?  school cafeterias

Question :  How does the consumption of high fat foods in school cafeterias contribute to teenager obesity?

Topic: Smoke Exposure

Who?   children exposed to smoke

What?   developmental abilities

Question :  How does smoke exposure alter the developmental abilities of children?

Below is worksheet which will help illustrate how a research question develops from a broad topic to a focused question.  This could be a helpful resource for you during the process of creating your research question.

  • Creating a Research Question Helps you to write a narrow, focused research question.

Subject Terms to Consider

Below is a list of subjects that often  relate to nursing issues .  Considering these subject terms can help you  develop a topic  or  focus your search .

  • Nursing research
  • Evidence-based nursing

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  • Defining the Question
  • Evidence-Informed Decision Making

Introduction

Identifying key concepts and search terms, frameworks for question formulation.

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Whether you are practicing evidence-informed decision making or conducting research (e.g. a systematic review), the first step of the process is to clearly define the question or problem in a searchable and answerable format. This step of the process helps you answer the questions:  

  • “Who is my target group?
  • What is the issue we are dealing with?
  • What specifically are we trying to change?”

Source: NCCMT .

Using a framework to develop your question can help to identify the main concepts of your review topic (see further down the page). Whether you use a framework or not, the goal is to identify the main concepts of your question and the synonyms / similar terms that might be used to describe each of those concepts:

research questions on healthcare

Combining search terms with AND or OR:

  • Use AND to combine different  main concepts of your search: childhood AND obesity. Narrows results
  • Use OR to include similar terms / synonyms (and sometimes antonyms) for a concept: childhood OR adolescence. Fertility OR infertility. Broadens results

research questions on healthcare

Considerations for searching:

It is not always necessary to include all of your main concepts in the search. In some PICO questions, the outcome (O) is implied and does not need to be included. In other cases, any and all outcomes might of interest and so the search strategy can leave this out to keep it open.

Example for the research question: In seniors with dementia, does a falls prevention program, compared to no falls prevention program, result in decreased falls?

  • In the following PICO question, the comparator (C) can be left out of the search strategy as there is no great way to search for "not" having the intervention (in contrast to when there is a placebo or an alternate intervention as a comparison)
  • Also, the intervention (I) somewhat implies the outcome (O), so the outcome (decreased falls) can be left out of the search strategy
  • The main concepts that should be included in this particular search are: seniors (P1), dementia (P2), and falls prevention (I). Keep in mind though that there are different ways of describing these three concepts and so synonyms / similar terms are important to include in the search as well

Applying a framework when developing a question can help to identify the key concepts and determine inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Example: PICO Question

Example: spice question.

Example from: Booth, A., Noyes, J., Flemming, K., Moore, G., Tunçalp, Ö., & Shakibazadeh, E. (2019).  Formulating questions to explore complex interventions within qualitative evidence synthesis . BMJ Global Health, 4(Suppl 1), e001107.

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  • Tags: public health

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INTRODUCTION

Stage 1: selecting and exploring a science field, stage 2: writing structured research questions, stage 3: assessing and selecting research questions, how to build and assess the quality of healthcare-related research questions.

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Sergio Ramón Gutiérrez Ubeda; How to Build and Assess the Quality of Healthcare-Related Research Questions. Global Journal on Quality and Safety in Healthcare 1 May 2022; 5 (2): 39–43. doi: https://doi.org/10.36401/JQSH-21-17

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The objective of this article is to describe a simplified process for building and assessing the quality of healthcare-related research questions. This process consisted of three stages. The first stage aimed to select and explore a field of science. This field would be the area for which to identify outputs, such as units of analysis, variables, and objectives. The second stage aimed to write structured research questions, taking into account the outputs of the first stage. In general, the structure of research questions starts with interrogative adverbs (e.g., what and when ), auxiliary verbs (e.g., is there and are there ), or other auxiliaries (e.g., do , does , and did ); followed by nouns nominalized from verbs of research objectives, such as association , correlation , influence , causation , prediction , application ; research variables (e.g., risk factors, efficiency, effectiveness, and safety); and units of analysis (e.g., patients with hypertension and general hospitals). The third stage aimed to assess the quality and feasibility of the research questions against a set of criteria such as relevance, originality, generalizability, measurability, communicability, availability of resources, and ethical issues. By following the proposed simplified process, novice researchers may learn how to write structured research questions of sound scientific value.

A critical factor for the success of research projects is selecting research questions of good quality. [ 1 , 2 ] Research questions are meant to address knowledge gaps and generate hypotheses (e.g., unknown and controversial knowledge). Research projects answer such questions through the application of the scientific method.

Novice researchers who are inexperienced and untrained in the steps and procedures of the scientific method may not know how to develop a research question of high value in an efficient manner. [ 1 , 3 ] . Even if novice researchers try to self-educate themselves on the processes of identifying research questions, they might fail to learn well because of the large body of literature published on the subject. The task of building research questions is time-consuming and challenging.

The objective of this article is to provide a simplified process aimed to build and assess the quality of healthcare-related research questions. The process is explained in three stages, step by step, for novice researchers who will design and conduct research projects on their own and publish their results in peer-reviewed journals. An overview of the process is illustrated in Figure 1 .

Overview of process to build and assess the quality of healthcare-related research questions.

Overview of process to build and assess the quality of healthcare-related research questions.

Step 1: Selecting a science field

The task of step 1 is to select one field of science to study. A science field, simply defined, is a subject area targeted for research purposes by scientific communities. Classifications of science fields are potential sources for identifying such fields. For example, the Qatar National Research Foundation [ 4 ] classifies science into broad fields such as natural sciences, engineering and technology, medical and health sciences, agricultural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. They further classify such broad fields into fields of intermediate size. For example, they classify the medical and health sciences field into health sciences, basic medicine, clinical medicine, medical biotechnology, and other medical sciences. Finally, they classify intermediate size fields into smaller fields. For example, they classify the health science field into hospital administration, health policy, nursing, nutrition, dietetics, public health, environmental health, tropical medicine, epidemiology, occupational health, social biomedical health, and so forth.

Whether you select the science field provided by someone else or from your own knowledge, look for evidence (e.g., articles published in peer-reviewed journals) supporting its scientific legitimacy. Often, this evidence is easy to find because scientists and editors from research centers and scientific journals publish definitions and descriptions of their fields of interest on web pages, in journal articles, [ 5 ] and on research agendas. [ 2 ] If such evidence is difficult to find, then try an internet keyword query, such as the following. First, identify the keywords or phrases that you believe are names of science fields. Then, if necessary, combine your keywords or phrases with one or more of the following terms: science , research , research agenda , research center , research at World Health Organization , international forum , and journal . Second, add quotation marks around keywords or phrases and enter them into an internet search engine. Finally, review a few (e.g., 10) of the first hits of the search engine results pages, especially those that match the query phrase, looking for evidence indicating the legitimacy of the science field. For example, I identified the keywords healthcare quality and combined it with the word journal into healthcare quality journal . Then I added quotation marks in the Google search engine. The search produced 13,800 pages. I found a peer-reviewed journal on healthcare quality among the first 10 pages. With this evidence, I felt confident about the legitimacy of the science field named healthcare quality . If there are various science fields of interest, prioritize one that you believe has social relevance, feasibility (e.g., technical, material, financial), and a low risk of ethical issues for research purposes.

Step 2: Identifying units of analysis (UAs)

The two tasks of step 2 are, first, to identify, from the perspective of the science field selected at step 1, potential UAs of interest for scientific inquiry, and second, to select one or a few of them. The UA is a definable and measurable entity, either natural or social, for which projects seek to answer research questions. There are two main purposes for developing a list of UAs. The first purpose is to promote a novice researcher's awareness that within a science field there are several types of UAs. In medicine, for example, this awareness would help the researcher to consider not only patients but also other types of UAs for research projects. The second purpose is to raise awareness of the possibility of building research questions for studies that target not only one but two or more UAs, as in multilevel analysis studies. Four tips on how to develop the list of UAs are given below.

The first tip is to identify UAs based on published lists or classification systems of UAs. For example, one published list of UAs includes control projects; single patients; single clinicians; clinics; populations of patients in nursing homes, hospital wards, microsystems, or entire hospitals. [ 6 ] Babbie [ 7 ] classifies UAs into five categories: individuals, groups, organizations, social interactions, and social artifacts. Lofland [ 8 ] classifies UAs for social science fields in cultural practices, episodes, encounters, roles, social and personal relationships, groups and cliques, organizations, settlements and habitats, and subcultures and lifestyles. Table 1 lists UAs related to the field healthcare quality.

Example units of analysis for the field of healthcare quality

Example units of analysis for the field of healthcare quality

The second tip is to use specific phrases to distinguish between UAs. For example, the phrase individual humans includes all humans, but the phrase human with diabetes type I above 40 years old is specific enough to include only humans who meet those criteria. Other examples of criteria to distinguish between groups of humans would include a specific condition or disease such as hypertension, diabetes, dengue; behaviors such as physical activity, diet, sexual practices; functions and capabilities such as attention, memory, and judgment; and sociodemographic characteristics such as age, ethnicity, religion, and marital status.

The third tip is to list several UAs that are homogeneous, especially when there is interest in analyzing consolidated data, as in quantitative studies. A hint to help understand the homogeneous population UA would be to examine the standard “production” process of each unit. On one hand, UAs such as goods (e.g., vaccines) mass produced with standardized industrial processes are quite homogenous. On the other hand, UAs such as social constructs (e.g., neighborhoods) are usually not homogenous because they grow spontaneously by social processes, often with few limitations and flexible constraints. Neighborhoods, for example, might vary in size, social composition, economic status, and so on, even neighborhoods that have grown in the same city.

The fourth tip is to include UAs that represent single, small, and large natural or social entities to build research questions for qualitative and quantitative studies. For example, the World Health Organization is a single entity, the number of continents in the world would be a small number, whereas the number of cities in the world would be a large number. In quantitative studies, the inferential power of statistical analysis of a small sample of UAs may be compromised.

The second part of step 2 is selecting one or a few UAs to focus on developing in step 3, which is to list variables related to each UA. Prioritize UAs of social relevance, feasibility (e.g., technical and financial), and low risk of ethical issues for research purposes.

Step 3: Identifying research variables and phenomena

The task of step 3 is to create a list of variables and phenomena related to each UA selected in step 2. Variables are measurable features of UAs whose values would vary depending on changing situations. Phenomena describe the meaning, interpretation, or explanation related to variables of the UA. [ 9 , 10 ]

At this step, researchers should be aware of the broad array of variables and phenomena related to each UA. A research project might be conducted with one, two, or more variables, depending on what research questions the project seeks to answer. With a longer list of variables, there are more possibilities to build univariate, bivariate, and multivariate research-related questions. Table 2 illustrates an example of UAs and variables related to the field of healthcare quality. Below are three tips on how to develop a list of variables and phenomena.

Example units of analysis and variables for the field of healthcare quality

Example units of analysis and variables for the field of healthcare quality

The first tip is to search variables and phenomena, one by one, through an extensive literature search for relevant scientific publications. During your search, keep in mind that publications of quantitative approaches often use the term variable , but publications of qualitative approaches might use other terms (e.g., phenomena ). [ 9 , 10 ] This difference might be because “qualitative research aims to understand the how and why of certain behaviors, decisions, and individual experiences” [ 9 ] and such understanding is not measured numerically.

The second tip is to identify a useful framework to classify different variables. For example, Lofland's [ 8 ] typology of questions might help to classify variables and phenomena by type, frequency, magnitude, structure, process, cause, consequence, and agency. Another classification, promoted from the field of quality management systems, [ 11 ] includes six categories of variables: physical (e.g., physical activity, safety of drugs, effectiveness of surgical procedures); sensory (e.g., vision, smell, hearing); behavioral (e.g., courtesy, honesty, veracity); temporal (e.g., punctuality, reliability, availability); ergonomic (e.g., physiological characteristics or related to human safety); and functional (e.g., speed of emergency care).

The third tip is to consider each variable, either simple or complex, as one unit. Simple variables can be measured with just one indicator (i.e., age, sex). Complex variables are usually divided into several dimensions (e.g., patient safety culture may be divided into teamwork and communication), each of which might be measured with multiple indicators. If a researcher adds complex variables and their dimensions as separate units in the same list, the total number of variables becomes inflated, which may overcomplicate the analysis.

Step 4: Identifying possible research objectives

The task of step 4 is to develop a list of possible objectives of interest for the research project. A research objective is the expected outcome that a research project seeks to achieve. Research objectives clarify whether a project seeks to describe one or more variables and phenomena or to study how two or more variables relate to each other (e.g., exposure, intervention, mediating, and outcome variables).

Objectives and research questions are closely related. Thus, developing a list of objectives would help develop a list of research questions. Objectives are often classified into generic categories, such as exploratory, descriptive, correlational, explicative, predictive, and applicative. Exploratory objectives aim to discover, understand, and characterize phenomena and their interactions with other phenomena. Descriptive objectives aim to count frequencies of variables without making comparisons. Correlational objectives aim to assess how one or more variables behave while interacting with each other. Explicative objectives aim to study cause and effect relationships among variables. Predictive objectives aim to forecast the behavior of one variable through understanding the behavior of other variables. Applicative objectives aim to study the effectiveness of interventions on changing other variables' status and behaviors. Table 3 illustrates an example of a UAs with variables, objectives, and research questions related to healthcare quality.

Examples of research questions related to hospitals (UA) and healthcare quality (science field)

Examples of research questions related to hospitals (UA) and healthcare quality (science field)

The task of the second stage is to build a list of possible research questions for the project. A research question is “a logical statement that progresses from what is known or believed to be true to that which is unknown and requires validation.” [ 12 ] A research question clarifies the specific knowledge that a research project expects to discover through the study of one or a few variables or phenomena related to one or a few UAs.

In general, the structure of research questions would include interrogative adverbs (e.g., what, why, who, when, and where), auxiliary verbs (e.g., is there and are there), or other auxiliaries (e.g., do, does, and did); nouns nominalized from verbs of research objectives, such as association, correlation, causation, prediction, and application; research variables (e.g., incidence, prevalence, risk factors, causes, effects, and interventions); and UAs (e.g., patients with hypertension, mothers, pregnant women with diabetes, and general hospitals). Research questions related to prognosis and relationships between interventions and outcomes would be structured in formats such as those outlined in Table 4 . [ 1 , 3 , 9 , 10 ]

Examples of framework used to write research questions

Examples of framework used to write research questions

To write structured research questions, use the outputs of the first stage (e.g., UA list, variables, and objectives) and general or specific formats for structuring research questions. Table 3 includes examples of research questions.

Step 1: Assessing the quality and feasibility of a research question

The task of this step is to assess the quality of the research question against a set of criteria, such as those shown in Figure 2 . A more detailed discussion on such criteria is provided elsewhere. [ 2 , 3 , 13 , 14 ] Other criteria to assess the quality of research questions include answerability, effectiveness, innovativeness, implementation, burden reduction, and equity., [ 2 ] Researchers may also use criteria based on the acronyms, FINER (feasible, interesting, novel, ethical, and relevant) [ 1 , 3 ] and I-SMART (important, specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely). [ 14 ] Rank the quality and feasibility of the criteria using a scale of 1–10 points (i.e., 10 being highest quality and 1 being lowest). Remember to ensure that each criterion is scored using the same scale. Finally, calculate the total score for the research question.

Examples of criteria used to assess the quality of research questions.

Examples of criteria used to assess the quality of research questions.

Step 2: Selecting the research question

Select the research questions that score highest in the quality assessment from the previous step. Avoid selecting high-risk ethical questions, regardless of other criteria that had high scores. Finally, if answering a research question is not feasible (e.g., too expensive or complex) with the available resources, then that question might be kept on standby until the circumstances for feasibility improve.

Building a research question of high quality just by guessing is unlikely, especially for novice researchers who do not have any training in the scientific method.

The proposed simplified process aimed to help novice researchers write structured, high quality research questions. The key concepts and framework of the scientific method presented illustrate the myriad of questions that researchers can develop in any field of science. The importance of using a well-known set of criteria to assess the quality of research questions was highlighted. This simplified process teaches novice researchers how to build research questions of sound scientific value in a systematic way.

Source of Support: None. Conflict of interest: None.

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How to Build and Assess the Quality of Healthcare-Related Research Questions

Affiliation.

  • 1 Center of Investigation and Study of Health, National Autonomous University of Nicaragua, Managua, Nicaragua.
  • PMID: 37260836
  • PMCID: PMC10229003
  • DOI: 10.36401/JQSH-21-17

The objective of this article is to describe a simplified process for building and assessing the quality of healthcare-related research questions. This process consisted of three stages. The first stage aimed to select and explore a field of science. This field would be the area for which to identify outputs, such as units of analysis, variables, and objectives. The second stage aimed to write structured research questions, taking into account the outputs of the first stage. In general, the structure of research questions starts with interrogative adverbs (e.g., what and when ), auxiliary verbs (e.g., is there and are there ), or other auxiliaries (e.g., do , does , and did ); followed by nouns nominalized from verbs of research objectives, such as association , correlation , influence , causation , prediction , application ; research variables (e.g., risk factors, efficiency, effectiveness, and safety); and units of analysis (e.g., patients with hypertension and general hospitals). The third stage aimed to assess the quality and feasibility of the research questions against a set of criteria such as relevance, originality, generalizability, measurability, communicability, availability of resources, and ethical issues. By following the proposed simplified process, novice researchers may learn how to write structured research questions of sound scientific value.

Keywords: healthcare; quality of research questions; writing research questions.

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For 75 years, NIMH has transformed the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research—bringing hope to millions of people. This Director’s Message, guest written by NIMH’s Division of Services and Intervention Research , is part of an anniversary series celebrating this momentous milestone.

More than one in five adults in the United States live with a mental illness, and this number is expected to rise in the coming decades. Since its establishment, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has known that people need more than exciting scientific discoveries—they need access to effective treatments and the best quality of care available. After all, finding new treatments and cures means little to the millions of people impacted by mental illnesses if there is no way to translate these breakthroughs into policy and practice.

In the Division of Services and Intervention Research (DSIR) , we provide the critical link between basic and clinical science and explore the best practices to implement those evidence-based treatments. We’re dedicated to growing and investing in this field of science, and although much work is still to be done, we’ve had some notable successes impacting real-world public health practices and policies.

Improving outcomes for people with early psychosis

A depiction of the Coordinated Specialty Care Model.

One example of research that has bridged the divide between science and policy is the Recovery After an Initial Schizophrenia Episode , or RAISE, studies. Research has shown that young people with schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders have much better outcomes when they receive effective treatment within months of their first symptoms. The RAISE studies, which NIMH supported, focused on methods to detect and treat early psychosis in a timelier fashion. These studies found that a type of care called coordinated specialty care (CSC)—a recovery-oriented, team-based approach to treating early psychosis—was more effective than the typical care used at the time.

A map showing the number of Coordinated Specialty Care programs in each U.S. state.

NIMH engaged extensively with members of the early schizophrenia care community to ensure RAISE findings would be relevant and actionable for rapid translation into practice. These efforts created the momentum for the broad expansion of CSC treatment programs nationwide. In 2023, the creation of associated billing codes further supported this model of mental health care, allowing for increased adoption by care providers.

From CSC programs in two states in 2008, the United States now has more than 360 such programs, allowing more people to receive this evidence-based care.

Removing barriers to schizophrenia treatment

Clozapine, the only drug approved for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, is underutilized in the United States, particularly among African American communities. Many reasons have been linked to this disparity, including provider bias, lack of trust in the mental health care system for African American clients, and an overprescribing of first-generation antipsychotic medication for African Americans with schizophrenia. Additionally, clozapine has been associated with an increased risk of the onset or exacerbation of neutropenia, a condition that affects white blood cells and impairs the body’s ability to fight infection. Benign ethnic neutropenia is a chronic form of neutropenia that's present from birth and commonly seen in people of African descent.

In 2015, NIMH supported a large, multinational study  that investigated the use of clozapine in individuals of African descent who have benign neutropenia  . Individuals with treatment-resistant schizophrenia who had benign neutropenia had previously been declared ineligible to receive clozapine treatment due to the Food and Drug Administration’s prescribing guidelines related to this medication. The finding of this NIMH-supported study opened up clozapine treatment to a whole new group of individuals with schizophrenia, allowing them to benefit from this important medication.

The ECHO model. Courtesy of Project ECHO.

Building upon these findings, NIMH is currently funding research that evaluates the effectiveness of an educational program for clinicians about clozapine  . Hundreds of prescribers and clinicians throughout the state of Maryland are participating in an innovative educational tele-mentoring program that connects them with centralized experts. The prescribing activity of clinicians participating in the educational program will be compared with those who have not participated to see if the program is effective at increasing the use of clozapine among those who would benefit from it.

Given the real-world context of this study, the findings can potentially inform clinical practice and make a needed treatment more accessible to many African Americans.

Preventing mental illnesses in youth

Recognizing that many mental health conditions have their origins early in life, NIMH has supported several seminal studies showing the effectiveness of interventions designed to prevent conduct disorder and other behavioral conditions in youth. These include evaluations of a classroom-wide behavioral intervention called the Good Behavior Game   , a school-home wraparound intervention called Fast Track  , and a brief family-based intervention for toddlers called Family Check-up  .

Today, NIMH continues to support the analysis of data from participants in these studies who have been followed into adulthood   . Initial results from these longitudinal analyses show sustained effects of the interventions on conduct disorder and unanticipated positive impacts on other mental health outcomes, such as reductions in adolescent and adult depression, anxiety, and suicide risk, thus demonstrating the broad and enduring effects of early prevention efforts.

Early intervention represents an important pathway to making quality care accessible to everyone, particularly when embedded within a broader approach that addresses social determinants of health . NIMH is currently supporting research that tests strategies to improve access to prevention services, including primary care-based depression prevention for adolescents  and mental illness prevention for at-risk Latinx youth  .

Suicide prevention in emergency departments

ED-SAFE study phases. Courtesy of Boudreaux, E. D. & ED-SAFE investigators.

An estimated 20% of people who die by suicide visit the emergency department in the 60 days before their death, making these settings an important target for suicide prevention efforts. Given the importance of emergency departments as a place to identify and provide support for people at risk for suicide, NIMH has supported research establishing the effectiveness of suicide prevention services in these settings.

An example of this research is the multisite Emergency Department Safety Assessment and Follow-up Evaluation (ED-SAFE) study. ED-SAFE demonstrated  that providing universal screening for suicide risk and a brief safety planning intervention in emergency departments, combined with limited follow-up contacts once people had been discharged, decreased subsequent suicide attempts by 30% compared to usual care.

A follow-up study also supported by NIMH, called ED-SAFE 2  , tested the integration of universal screening for suicide risk and safety planning into the clinical workflow of eight emergency departments. Study results  indicated that integration of this clinical workflow resulted in sustained reductions in suicide deaths and subsequent acute health care visits.

These landmark studies convey the power of providing relatively brief, well-timed interventions during emergency encounters to reduce the risk of later suicide. NIMH continues to fund research to expand the reach of emergency department-based interventions, including the use of digital health technologies and strategies to overcome workforce shortages and other barriers to implementing suicide screening and intervention (for instance, digital technology to increase the reach of ED-SAFE  ; a multi-component, tailored strategy for suicide risk reduction  ). NIMH works closely with public and private partners to take recent data, like those collected during the ED-SAFE studies, and help translate them into real-world practice   .

Moving forward

The studies and projects shared here are only a few examples of exciting areas of investment that have resulted in real-world changes in care. Although we’ve made progress, we recognize the need to continue supporting research with near-term potential and cultivating a vibrant workforce to lead the next generation of services and intervention research.

Further, NIMH is committed to working with researchers, communities, payors, advocacy groups, state policymakers, federal agencies, and others to help support intervention and services science that will significantly impact mental health policy and care practices—ultimately helping people access better mental health care.

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Improving FDA Health Communications with Older Women Regarding FDA-Regulated Products

CERSI Collaborators: University of Maryland Baltimore: Daniel Mullins, Ph.D., Susan dosReis, Ph.D., Ester Villalonga Olives, Ph.D., Moaz Abdelwadoud, MD, DrPH, MPH, Michelle Medeiros, MS, MA, CCRP, Karen Morales, BS, Rodney Elliott

FDA Collaborators: Jing (Julia) Ju, PharmD, Ph.D., Michelle Campbell, Ph.D., Heather Ovelmen, MA, Marc Kusinitz, MS, Ph.D., Kathleen Yu, MPH, Taiye Oladipo, MPH, Ayma Rouhani, MPH, Felisha Wu, MPH, Linda Verrill, Ph.D. <

CERSI Subcontractors: Westat: Jennifer Huang, PhD., Liz Jansky, M.A.

CERSI In-Kind Collaborators: OptumLabs - William Crown, PhD; University of San Francisco - Sanket Dhruva, MD

Non-Federal Entity Collaborators: Johnson and Johnson- Karla Childers, MSJ, Paul Coplan, ScD, MBA, Stephen Johnston, MSc

Project Start Date: March 9, 2018

Project End Date: June 30, 2022

Regulatory Science Challenge

The unmet health needs and potential caregiving responsibilities among women underscore the importance of having ready access to health information to support the health-related decisions women potentially make for themselves and for persons in their care. Accessing reliable health information, however, can be a major challenge. Despite the importance of understanding the health information needs of older women, limited research to date addresses their health information-seeking motives, perceptions, challenges, and preferences regarding FDA-regulated products. Understanding these health information-seeking elements is key to FDA’s mission to improve communication strategies and health-related materials to help the public make better-informed health decisions.

Project Description and Goals

The goal of this study was to explore health information-seeking intentions and behaviors of older women, as well as barriers they face in their attempts to access this information via a range of FDA modes of communication. The study’s objectives were to:

  • Identify older women’s perceptions about FDA’s health communications
  • Assess older women’s health information-seeking behaviors and intentions
  • Examine whether older women’s perceptions, intentions, and behaviors about FDA’s health communications vary by type of FDA-regulated product (drugs and vaccines) and by age.

In Phase 1 of the project, the research team recruited older women from the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan area and grouped them by generation to see how types of communication are preferred by older women of various ages The investigators aimed to recruit and interview participants with diverse socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. The generations included:

  • Generation A: born 1965 to 1980
  • Generation B: born 1946 to 1964
  • Generation C: born 1928 to 1945

In Phase 1, Thirteen (13) exploratory, in-person, 3-15 person focus groups were conducted in Maryland at times that were convenient to participants. The research team grouped older women by age to see how health information-seeking differed. Focus group participants responded to research questions regarding perceptions, motivations, attitudes, and behavior concerning health seeking and decision making, as well as preferences for health communication materials, particularly for drugs, vaccines, medical devices, and food. Questions also addressed the role some of these older women play as caregivers to help the investigators better understand whether the health information needs vary between older women who seek health information for self-care, and those who seek health information to care for others.

In Phase 2 of the project, study recruitment was expanded to include women in urban and rural areas across four U.S. regions (West, South, Midwest, and Northeast). The research team carried out two in-person focus groups and transitioned to interviews and virtual focus groups (eight) among women aged 38 years and older, due to COVID-19. Generation age range groupings from Phase 1 were used again in Phase 2.

The moderator guides for both Phases included questions on perceptions, motivations, attitudes, and behavior concerning health-seeking and decision making, as well as preferences for health communication materials for drugs, vaccines, medical devices, and food. Questions also addressed the role some women play as caregivers to help investigators better understand whether health information needs vary between women who seek health information for self-care compared with those who seek health information to care for others. Data from both Phases were analyzed with NVivo, a qualitative data software package.

Research Outcomes/Results

Participants across all generation groups stated that their healthcare providers were their main source for health information. However, although many participants generally trusted their primary care providers, they were concerned that providers have limited time, limited knowledge, or do not communicate with specialists. Therefore, participants often sought additional health information from specialists, the internet, peers, or family members. Regarding drugs, all three generations believed their pharmacist to be a more valuable resource than their primary care physician.

Participants across generation groups actively sought information for drugs, vaccines (particularly those directed to older adults such as the flu and shingles vaccines), and food, but less so for medical devices. Participants across generation groups used similar health information seeking behaviors for drug and medical devices, including seeking advice from providers and the internet. As several Generation A participants were caregivers to young children, they spoke about seeking information pertaining to the HPV vaccine and food allergies in addition to drugs.

Generations A and B were more proficient in using the internet to search for health information than Generation C. The use of social media was mentioned across all three generations as a supporting source of information, but Generation A was more likely to use this medium. Generation C primarily preferred newsletters, both paper copy and online, as a source of health information, and participants expressed interest in receiving an FDA newsletter, if it came to them quarterly or less frequently. Generations A and B relied on speaking with friends and peers to gather health information and were interested in hearing personal testimonies. All generations mentioned that they preferred face-to-face interactions such as with healthcare providers, and the use of telephone over other sources involving computers or similar devices.

Participants suggested that the FDA consider the difference among rural and urban populations, because rural populations may have unique needs due to limited access to transportation or to the internet. It was suggested that Federal agencies partner with local organizations that are centrally located and trusted by rural communities. Face-to-face interactions with providers and community health workers were also thought to be important to people in rural communities and for those with limited or no internet access.

Participants also discussed trust and distrust of government agencies, the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare providers. Several participants mentioned that they view the FDA and their own healthcare providers as reliable and seek information from these sources, while others questioned the financial motivations of the FDA, pharmaceutical industry, and healthcare providers. Participants from rural areas described feeling that public health websites do not typically address their population’s specific health issues and that federal public health initiatives do not consider their communities as a priority. This perception has affected their trust and use of these government websites.

Most participants preferred communication sources that present health information in a concise and clear way and that can accommodate different levels of literacy and different learning styles. Participants preferred communication sources that guide readers to other sources containing more detailed information that can be accessed at any time.

Research Impacts

The research project, as measured by FDA’s CERSI Outcomes of Interest has made several important impacts. It has helped advance the field of regulatory science, shared valuable scientific knowledge, may potentially inspire various stakeholders to take action (including potential future research), and provided insights for regulatory decision-making. The project particularly focused on improving health communications and aligns with regulatory science priorities regarding health communications.

Additionally, the research explored women’s preferred health communication methods and materials related to FDA-regulated medical products. The findings may enhance external communication strategies and potentially provide valuable insights for regulatory decision-making.

The findings of this study may improve the FDA’s ability to communicate effectively to target populations on health, thus contributing to the advancement of regulatory science. The research outcomes, presented in posters, and abstracts disseminated at the APHA , CERSI, and ISOQOL conferences may also contribute to broader scientific knowledge in the field and make the results reported publicly available.

Not only does this research advance regulatory science and share scientific knowledge, but it also has the potential to deepen stakeholders' understanding and interest in developing targeted health communication materials for women in the U.S. This study's results could lead to further qualitative and quantitative research in the future, building upon these findings.

Presentations and Publications

  • Abdelwadoud, M., Huang, J., Villalonga-Olives, E., dosReis, S., Jansky, L., Mullins, C., Campbell, M., Kusinitz, M., Ovelmen, H., & Ju, J. (2022a). Older Women Health-Information Sources and Preferred Health-Communication Materials Regarding the FDA-Regulated Products. CERSI Program Showcase .
  • Abdelwadoud, M., Huang, J., Villalonga-Olives, E., DosReis, S., Jansky, L., Mullins, C., Campbell, M., Kusinitz, M., Ovelmen, H., & Ju, J. (2022b). Toward Improving FDA Health Communications: Older Women General Health-Information Seeking Intentions and Behaviors. Movers and Shapers: The Future of Drug and Device Developmen t.
  • Huang, J., Villalonga-Olives, E Abdelwadoud, M., dosReis, S., Jansky, L., Mullins, C., Campbell, M., Buch, B., & Ju, J. (2022). Women’s Health Information-Seeking Experiences and Preferences Regarding Medications and Vaccines: A Qualitative Study. 150 Years of Creating the Healthiest Nation: Leading the Path Toward Equity.  
  • Olives, E. V., Huang, J. Abdelwadoud, M. dosReis, S., Jansky, L., Mullins, C. D., Campbell, M., Kusinitz, M., Ovelmen, H., Buch, B. D., & Ju, J. (2022). Modifying face-to-face focus group protocols for the online environment after the irruption of the COVID-19 pandemic: A comparison of methodologies with a population of aging women. Quality of Life Research, 31, S150–S150 . 

Acknowledgment

This research project was supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award [Grant number: U01FD005946] totaling $432,086 with 100 percent funded by the Office of Women’s Health/FDA/HSS. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by the Office of Women’s Health/FDA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

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How gut health affects your mood, and vice versa

PhD Candidate, Clinical Psychology The Ohio State University

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Friends eating corn on the cob and grapes on the beach

Imagine you're about to give a speech or sign documents bidding on a house you really want. Either could cause you angst.

Your nervous energy might go right to your stomach. You might feel nauseated, full or maybe more hungry than usual. That feeling in your stomach is not your imagination — your gut health is linked to your mood.

What lives inside your gut

By gut, I’m referring to the large intestine, one of the last organs your digested food goes through after you eat. Inside your large intestine, a storehouse of bacteria, viruses, fungi and other micro-organisms help process food you eat and have a lot of influence throughout your body. Most research ties the health of that bacteria in your gut to your mood.

The bacteria in your gut are constantly communicating with your brain, and vice versa. So having a healthy and diverse population of bacteria in your gut can help your mood.

Here’s why:

Neurotransmitters: Your gut bacteria and your brain produce and respond to the same neurotransmitters, chemical messengers that carry signals from one nerve cell to the next. A healthy gut is better able to produce and react to these chemical messengers, including serotonin and gaba, both of which can improve your mood.

Gut bacteria affect your immune system: Eating a lot of processed foods or sugar or experiencing a lot of stress can cause the cellular lining of your large intestine to lose its integrity. When that happens, parts of gut bacteria and other toxins can go into your bloodstream. A leaky gut can cause your immune system to react. If your immune system stays triggered, chronic inflammation  can, over time, lead to diseases including depression, type 2 diabetes, heart disease  and rheumatoid arthritis.

The vagus nerve is a critical nerve connecting your brain to your gut. It runs from your brain to your large intestines and controls your mood, digestion, how your immune system responds and your heart rate variability, the changes in time between each heartbeat. By releasing neurotransmitters, gut bacteria can send signals to the brain through the vagus nerve and can even influence your relaxation response.

How stress and diet affect the gut

Stress can affect what you eat. We think we control what we crave, but our gut bacteria can influence that. Certain bacteria survive on certain nutrients. That’s why when you’re anxious, you may crave sugar or comfort food — pizza, macaroni and cheese or cookies, all high in carbohydrates and saturated fat. It can be a vicious cycle in which the bacteria in your gut that sabotage your health trigger cravings for sugar and comfort food, the very food that leads those bacteria to thrive.

What you eat influences how healthy your gut is. The standard American diet is high in processed food , food that’s been changed from its natural state, often by adding salt, sugar and other substances to it. Highly processed food can trigger your immune system to send out cells to fight what’s considered an intruder. Constant triggering of your immune system isn’t healthy.

How do I reset or improve my gut health?

A healthy gut has a large and diverse population of different bacteria and other microorganisms. Over many decades in the United States, the typical microbiome has become far less populated and less varied. That’s because, on average, people are eating more sugar and processed foods than they did many decades ago.

When your gut doesn’t have a variety of bacteria and other microbes in it, there’s a greater chance for the bacteria, viruses and other organisms that cause disease to survive in your body and cause sickness.

The best food for your gut is fiber, a variety of fruits and vegetables  and minimal amounts of processed foods, salt and sugar. Omega 3 fatty acids, which are found in walnuts, salmon, flax seeds and other foods are important as well. They can act as a buffer to stress by reducing chronic inflammation in your body.

The health benefits of probiotics, and the best sources for them

Can you cure depression by having a healthy gut?

That’s hard to say. There are many different types and causes of depression . Some research has shown that some people with depression also have chronic inflammation. By reducing that inflammation through a healthy diet and stress management, you may be able to reduce your risk of depression or ease your depression.

What is certain is that research showing the connection between the gut and your mood can open a lot of possibilities for treating mood disorders as well as diseases. One day, “psychobiotics” or supplements containing bacteria beneficial to your health may be used to help improve your mood. Gut bacteria outnumber human cells, so harnessing them for our benefit is a new and exciting frontier in psychology.

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The Philippine economy in 2024: Stronger for longer?

The Philippines ended 2023 on a high note, being the fastest growing economy across Southeast Asia with a growth rate of 5.6 percent—just shy of the government's target of 6.0 to 7.0 percent. 1 “National accounts,” Philippine Statistics Authority, January 31, 2024; "Philippine economic updates,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, November 16, 2023. Should projections hold, the Philippines is expected to, once again, show significant growth in 2024, demonstrating its resilience despite various global economic pressures (Exhibit 1). 2 “Economic forecast 2024,” International Monetary Fund, November 1, 2023; McKinsey analysis.

The growth in the Philippine economy in 2023 was driven by a resumption in commercial activities, public infrastructure spending, and growth in digital financial services. Most sectors grew, with transportation and storage (13 percent), construction (9 percent), and financial services (9 percent), performing the best (Exhibit 2). 3 “National accounts,” Philippine Statistics Authority, January 31, 2024. While the country's trade deficit narrowed in 2023, it remains elevated at $52 billion due to slowing global demand and geopolitical uncertainties. 4 “Highlights of the Philippine export and import statistics,” Philippine Statistics Authority, January 28, 2024. Looking ahead to 2024, the current economic forecast for the Philippines projects a GDP growth of between 5 and 6 percent.

Inflation rates are expected to temper between 3.2 and 3.6 percent in 2024 after ending 2023 at 6.0 percent, above the 2.0 to 4.0 percent target range set by the government. 5 “Nomura downgrades Philippine 2024 growth forecast,” Nomura, September 11, 2023; “IMF raises Philippine growth rate forecast,” International Monetary Fund, July 16, 2023.

For the purposes of this article, most of the statistics used for our analysis have come from a common thread of sources. These include the Central Bank of the Philippines (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas); the Department of Energy Philippines; the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP); and the Philippines Statistics Authority.

The state of the Philippine economy across seven major sectors and themes

In the article, we explore the 2024 outlook for seven key sectors and themes, what may affect each of them in the coming year, and what could potentially unlock continued growth.

Financial services

The recovery of the financial services sector appears on track as year-on-year growth rates stabilize. 6 Philippines Statistics Authority, November 2023; McKinsey in partnership with Oxford Economics, November 2023. In 2024, this sector will likely continue to grow, though at a slower pace of about 5 percent.

Financial inclusion and digitalization are contributing to growth in this sector in 2024, even if new challenges emerge. Various factors are expected to impact this sector:

  • Inclusive finance: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas continues to invest in financial inclusion initiatives. For example, basic deposit accounts (BDAs) reached $22 million in 2023 and banking penetration improved, with the proportion of adults with formal bank accounts increasing from 29 percent in 2019 to 56 percent in 2021. 7 “Financial inclusion dashboard: First quarter 2023,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, February 6, 2024.
  • Digital adoption: Digital channels are expected to continue to grow, with data showing that 60 percent of adults who have a mobile phone and internet access have done a digital financial transaction. 8 “Financial inclusion dashboard: First quarter 2023,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, February 6, 2024. Businesses in this sector, however, will need to remain vigilant in navigating cybersecurity and fraud risks.
  • Unsecured lending growth: Growth in unsecured lending is expected to continue, but at a slower pace than the past two to three years. For example, unsecured retail lending for the banking system alone grew by 27 percent annually from 2020 to 2022. 9 “Loan accounts: As of first quarter 2023,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, February 6, 2024; "Global banking pools,” McKinsey, November 2023. Businesses in this field are, however, expected to recalibrate their risk profiling models as segments with high nonperforming loans emerge.
  • High interest rates: Key interest rates are expected to decline in the second half of 2024, creating more accommodating borrowing conditions that could boost wholesale and corporate loans.

Supportive frameworks have a pivotal role to play in unlocking growth in this sector to meet the ever-increasing demand from the financially underserved. For example, financial literacy programs and easier-to-access accounts—such as BDAs—are some measures that can help widen market access to financial services. Continued efforts are being made to build an open finance framework that could serve the needs of the unbanked population, as well as a unified credit scoring mechanism to increase the ability of historically under-financed segments, such as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to access formal credit. 10 “BSP launches credit scoring model,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, April 26, 2023.

Energy and Power

The outlook for the energy sector seems positive, with the potential to grow by 7 percent in 2024 as the country focuses on renewable energy generation. 11 McKinsey analysis based on input from industry experts. Currently, stakeholders are focused on increasing energy security, particularly on importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) to meet power plants’ requirements as production in one of the country’s main sources of natural gas, the Malampaya gas field, declines. 12 Myrna M. Velasco, “Malampaya gas field prod’n declines steeply in 2021,” Manila Bulletin , July 9, 2022. High global inflation and the fact that the Philippines is a net fuel importer are impacting electricity prices and the build-out of planned renewable energy projects. Recent regulatory moves to remove foreign ownership limits on exploration, development, and utilization of renewable energy resources could possibly accelerate growth in the country’s energy and power sector. 13 “RA 11659,” Department of Energy Philippines, June 8, 2023.

Gas, renewables, and transmission are potential growth drivers for the sector. Upgrading power grids so that they become more flexible and better able to cope with the intermittent electricity supply that comes with renewables will be critical as the sector pivots toward renewable energy. A recent coal moratorium may position natural gas as a transition fuel—this could stimulate exploration and production investments for new, indigenous natural gas fields, gas pipeline infrastructure, and LNG import terminal projects. 14 Philippine energy plan 2020–2040, Department of Energy Philippines, June 10, 2022; Power development plan 2020–2040 , Department of Energy Philippines, 2021. The increasing momentum of green energy auctions could facilitate the development of renewables at scale, as the country targets 35 percent share of renewables by 2030. 15 Power development plan 2020–2040 , 2022.

Growth in the healthcare industry may slow to 2.8 percent in 2024, while pharmaceuticals manufacturing is expected to rebound with 5.2 percent growth in 2024. 16 McKinsey analysis in partnership with Oxford Economics.

Healthcare demand could grow, although the quality of care may be strained as the health worker shortage is projected to increase over the next five years. 17 McKinsey analysis. The supply-and-demand gap in nursing alone is forecast to reach a shortage of approximately 90,000 nurses by 2028. 18 McKinsey analysis. Another compounding factor straining healthcare is the higher than anticipated benefit utilization and rising healthcare costs, which, while helping to meet people's healthcare budgets, may continue to drive down profitability for health insurers.

Meanwhile, pharmaceutical companies are feeling varying effects of people becoming increasingly health conscious. Consumers are using more over the counter (OTC) medication and placing more beneficial value on organic health products, such as vitamins and supplements made from natural ingredients, which could impact demand for prescription drugs. 19 “Consumer health in the Philippines 2023,” Euromonitor, October 2023.

Businesses operating in this field may end up benefiting from universal healthcare policies. If initiatives are implemented that integrate healthcare systems, rationalize copayments, attract and retain talent, and incentivize investments, they could potentially help to strengthen healthcare provision and quality.

Businesses may also need to navigate an increasingly complex landscape of diverse health needs, digitization, and price controls. Digital and data transformations are being seen to facilitate improvements in healthcare delivery and access, with leading digital health apps getting more than one million downloads. 20 Google Play Store, September 27, 2023. Digitization may create an opportunity to develop healthcare ecosystems that unify touchpoints along the patient journey and provide offline-to-online care, as well as potentially realizing cost efficiencies.

Consumer and retail

Growth in the retail and wholesale trade and consumer goods sectors is projected to remain stable in 2024, at 4 percent and 5 percent, respectively.

Inflation, however, continues to put consumers under pressure. While inflation rates may fall—predicted to reach 4 percent in 2024—commodity prices may still remain elevated in the near term, a top concern for Filipinos. 21 “IMF raises Philippine growth forecast,” July 26, 2023; “Nomura downgrades Philippines 2024 growth forecast,” September 11, 2023. In response to challenging economic conditions, 92 percent of consumers have changed their shopping behaviors, and approximately 50 percent indicate that they are switching brands or retail providers in seek of promotions and better prices. 22 “Philippines consumer pulse survey, 2023,” McKinsey, November 2023.

Online shopping has become entrenched in Filipino consumers, as they find that they get access to a wider range of products, can compare prices more easily, and can shop with more convenience. For example, a McKinsey Philippines consumer sentiment survey in 2023 found that 80 percent of respondents, on average, use online and omnichannel to purchase footwear, toys, baby supplies, apparel, and accessories. To capture the opportunity that this shift in Filipino consumer preferences brings and to unlock growth in this sector, retail organizations could turn to omnichannel strategies to seamlessly integrate online and offline channels. Businesses may need to explore investments that increase resilience across the supply chain, alongside researching and developing new products that serve emerging consumer preferences, such as that for natural ingredients and sustainable sources.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing is a key contributor to the Philippine economy, contributing approximately 19 percent of GDP in 2022, employing about 7 percent of the country’s labor force, and growing in line with GDP at approximately 6 percent between 2023 and 2024. 23 McKinsey analysis based on input from industry experts.

Some changes could be seen in 2024 that might affect the sector moving forward. The focus toward building resilient supply chains and increasing self-sufficiency is growing. The Philippines also is likely to benefit from increasing regional trade, as well as the emerging trend of nearshoring or onshoring as countries seek to make their supply chains more resilient. With semiconductors driving approximately 45 percent of Philippine exports, the transfer of knowledge and technology, as well as the development of STEM capabilities, could help attract investments into the sector and increase the relevance of the country as a manufacturing hub. 24 McKinsey analysis based on input from industry experts.

To secure growth, public and private sector support could bolster investments in R&D and upskill the labor force. In addition, strategies to attract investment may be integral to the further development of supply chain infrastructure and manufacturing bases. Government programs to enable digital transformation and R&D, along with a strategic approach to upskilling the labor force, could help boost industry innovation in line with Industry 4.0 demand. 25 Industry 4.0 is also referred to as the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Priority products to which manufacturing industries could pivot include more complex, higher value chain electronic components in the semiconductor segment; generic OTC drugs and nature-based pharmaceuticals in the pharmaceutical sector; and, for green industries, products such as EVs, batteries, solar panels, and biomass production.

Information technology business process outsourcing

The information technology business process outsourcing (IT-BPO) sector is on track to reach its long-term targets, with $38 billion in forecast revenues in 2024. 26 Khriscielle Yalao, “WHF flexibility key to achieving growth targets—IBPAP,” Manila Bulletin , January 23, 2024. Emerging innovations in service delivery and work models are being observed, which could drive further growth in the sector.

The industry continues to outperform headcount and revenue targets, shaping its position as a country leader for employment and services. 27 McKinsey analysis based in input from industry experts. Demand from global companies for offshoring is expected to increase, due to cost containment strategies and preference for Philippine IT-BPO providers. New work setups continue to emerge, ranging from remote-first to office-first, which could translate to potential net benefits. These include a 10 to 30 percent increase in employee retention; a three- to four-hour reduction in commute times; an increase in enabled talent of 350,000; and a potential reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 1.4 to 1.5 million tons of CO 2 per year. 28 McKinsey analysis based in input from industry experts. It is becoming increasingly more important that the IT-BPO sector adapts to new technologies as businesses begin to harness automation and generative AI (gen AI) to unlock productivity.

Talent and technology are clear areas where growth in this sector can be unlocked. The growing complexity of offshoring requirements necessitates building a proper talent hub to help bridge employee gaps and better match local talent to employers’ needs. Businesses in the industry could explore developing facilities and digital infrastructure to enable industry expansion outside the metros, especially in future “digital cities” nationwide. Introducing new service areas could capture latent demand from existing clients with evolving needs as well as unserved clients. BPO centers could explore the potential of offering higher-value services by cultivating technology-focused capabilities, such as using gen AI to unlock revenue, deliver sales excellence, and reduce general administrative costs.

Sustainability

The Philippines is considered to be the fourth most vulnerable country to climate change in the world as, due to its geographic location, the country has a higher risk of exposure to natural disasters, such as rising sea levels. 29 “The Philippines has been ranked the fourth most vulnerable country to climate change,” Global Climate Risk Index, January 2021. Approximately $3.2 billion, on average, in economic loss could occur annually because of natural disasters over the next five decades, translating to up to 7 to 8 percent of the country’s nominal GDP. 30 “The Philippines has been ranked the fourth most vulnerable country to climate change,” Global Climate Risk Index, January 2021.

The Philippines could capitalize on five green growth opportunities to operate in global value chains and catalyze growth for the nation:

  • Renewable energy: The country could aim to generate 50 percent of its energy from renewables by 2040, building on its high renewable energy potential and the declining cost of producing renewable energy.
  • Solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing: More than a twofold increase in annual output from 2023 to 2030 could be achieved, enabled by lower production costs.
  • Battery production: The Philippines could aim for a $1.5 billion domestic market by 2030, capitalizing on its vast nickel reserves (the second largest globally). 31 “MineSpans,” McKinsey, November 2023.
  • Electric mobility: Electric vehicles could account for 15 percent of the country’s vehicle sales by 2030 (from less than 1 percent currently), driven by incentives, local distribution, and charging infrastructure. 32 McKinsey analysis based on input from industry experts.
  • Nature-based solutions: The country’s largely untapped total abatement potential could reach up to 200 to 300 metric tons of CO 2 , enabled by its biodiversity and strong demand.

The Philippine economy: Three scenarios for growth

Having grown faster than other economies in Southeast Asia in 2023 to end the year with 5.6 percent growth, the Philippines can expect a similarly healthy growth outlook for 2024. Based on our analysis, there are three potential scenarios for the country’s growth. 33 McKinsey analysis in partnership with Oxford Economics.

Slower growth: The first scenario projects GDP growth of 4.8 percent if there are challenging conditions—such as declining trade and accelerated inflation—which could keep key policy rates high at about 6.5 percent and dampen private consumption, leading to slower long-term growth.

Soft landing: The second scenario projects GDP growth of 5.2 percent if inflation moderates and global conditions turn out to be largely favorable due to a stable investment environment and regional trade demand.

Accelerated growth: In the third scenario, GDP growth is projected to reach 6.1 percent if inflation slows and public policies accommodate aspects such as loosening key policy rates and offering incentive programs to boost productivity.

Focusing on factors that could unlock growth in its seven critical sectors and themes, while adapting to the macro-economic scenario that plays out, would allow the Philippines to materialize its growth potential in 2024 and take steps towards achieving longer-term, sustainable economic growth.

Jon Canto is a partner in McKinsey’s Manila office, where Frauke Renz is an associate partner, and Vicah Villanueva is a consultant.

The authors wish to thank Charlene Chua, Charlie del Rosario, Ryan delos Reyes, Debadrita Dhara, Evelyn C. Fong, Krzysztof Kwiatkowski, Frances Lee, Aaron Ong, and Liane Tan for their contributions to this article.

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Research questions, hypotheses and objectives

Patricia farrugia.

* Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, the

Bradley A. Petrisor

† Division of Orthopaedic Surgery and the

Forough Farrokhyar

‡ Departments of Surgery and

§ Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont

Mohit Bhandari

There is an increasing familiarity with the principles of evidence-based medicine in the surgical community. As surgeons become more aware of the hierarchy of evidence, grades of recommendations and the principles of critical appraisal, they develop an increasing familiarity with research design. Surgeons and clinicians are looking more and more to the literature and clinical trials to guide their practice; as such, it is becoming a responsibility of the clinical research community to attempt to answer questions that are not only well thought out but also clinically relevant. The development of the research question, including a supportive hypothesis and objectives, is a necessary key step in producing clinically relevant results to be used in evidence-based practice. A well-defined and specific research question is more likely to help guide us in making decisions about study design and population and subsequently what data will be collected and analyzed. 1

Objectives of this article

In this article, we discuss important considerations in the development of a research question and hypothesis and in defining objectives for research. By the end of this article, the reader will be able to appreciate the significance of constructing a good research question and developing hypotheses and research objectives for the successful design of a research study. The following article is divided into 3 sections: research question, research hypothesis and research objectives.

Research question

Interest in a particular topic usually begins the research process, but it is the familiarity with the subject that helps define an appropriate research question for a study. 1 Questions then arise out of a perceived knowledge deficit within a subject area or field of study. 2 Indeed, Haynes suggests that it is important to know “where the boundary between current knowledge and ignorance lies.” 1 The challenge in developing an appropriate research question is in determining which clinical uncertainties could or should be studied and also rationalizing the need for their investigation.

Increasing one’s knowledge about the subject of interest can be accomplished in many ways. Appropriate methods include systematically searching the literature, in-depth interviews and focus groups with patients (and proxies) and interviews with experts in the field. In addition, awareness of current trends and technological advances can assist with the development of research questions. 2 It is imperative to understand what has been studied about a topic to date in order to further the knowledge that has been previously gathered on a topic. Indeed, some granting institutions (e.g., Canadian Institute for Health Research) encourage applicants to conduct a systematic review of the available evidence if a recent review does not already exist and preferably a pilot or feasibility study before applying for a grant for a full trial.

In-depth knowledge about a subject may generate a number of questions. It then becomes necessary to ask whether these questions can be answered through one study or if more than one study needed. 1 Additional research questions can be developed, but several basic principles should be taken into consideration. 1 All questions, primary and secondary, should be developed at the beginning and planning stages of a study. Any additional questions should never compromise the primary question because it is the primary research question that forms the basis of the hypothesis and study objectives. It must be kept in mind that within the scope of one study, the presence of a number of research questions will affect and potentially increase the complexity of both the study design and subsequent statistical analyses, not to mention the actual feasibility of answering every question. 1 A sensible strategy is to establish a single primary research question around which to focus the study plan. 3 In a study, the primary research question should be clearly stated at the end of the introduction of the grant proposal, and it usually specifies the population to be studied, the intervention to be implemented and other circumstantial factors. 4

Hulley and colleagues 2 have suggested the use of the FINER criteria in the development of a good research question ( Box 1 ). The FINER criteria highlight useful points that may increase the chances of developing a successful research project. A good research question should specify the population of interest, be of interest to the scientific community and potentially to the public, have clinical relevance and further current knowledge in the field (and of course be compliant with the standards of ethical boards and national research standards).

FINER criteria for a good research question

Adapted with permission from Wolters Kluwer Health. 2

Whereas the FINER criteria outline the important aspects of the question in general, a useful format to use in the development of a specific research question is the PICO format — consider the population (P) of interest, the intervention (I) being studied, the comparison (C) group (or to what is the intervention being compared) and the outcome of interest (O). 3 , 5 , 6 Often timing (T) is added to PICO ( Box 2 ) — that is, “Over what time frame will the study take place?” 1 The PICOT approach helps generate a question that aids in constructing the framework of the study and subsequently in protocol development by alluding to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and identifying the groups of patients to be included. Knowing the specific population of interest, intervention (and comparator) and outcome of interest may also help the researcher identify an appropriate outcome measurement tool. 7 The more defined the population of interest, and thus the more stringent the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the greater the effect on the interpretation and subsequent applicability and generalizability of the research findings. 1 , 2 A restricted study population (and exclusion criteria) may limit bias and increase the internal validity of the study; however, this approach will limit external validity of the study and, thus, the generalizability of the findings to the practical clinical setting. Conversely, a broadly defined study population and inclusion criteria may be representative of practical clinical practice but may increase bias and reduce the internal validity of the study.

PICOT criteria 1

A poorly devised research question may affect the choice of study design, potentially lead to futile situations and, thus, hamper the chance of determining anything of clinical significance, which will then affect the potential for publication. Without devoting appropriate resources to developing the research question, the quality of the study and subsequent results may be compromised. During the initial stages of any research study, it is therefore imperative to formulate a research question that is both clinically relevant and answerable.

Research hypothesis

The primary research question should be driven by the hypothesis rather than the data. 1 , 2 That is, the research question and hypothesis should be developed before the start of the study. This sounds intuitive; however, if we take, for example, a database of information, it is potentially possible to perform multiple statistical comparisons of groups within the database to find a statistically significant association. This could then lead one to work backward from the data and develop the “question.” This is counterintuitive to the process because the question is asked specifically to then find the answer, thus collecting data along the way (i.e., in a prospective manner). Multiple statistical testing of associations from data previously collected could potentially lead to spuriously positive findings of association through chance alone. 2 Therefore, a good hypothesis must be based on a good research question at the start of a trial and, indeed, drive data collection for the study.

The research or clinical hypothesis is developed from the research question and then the main elements of the study — sampling strategy, intervention (if applicable), comparison and outcome variables — are summarized in a form that establishes the basis for testing, statistical and ultimately clinical significance. 3 For example, in a research study comparing computer-assisted acetabular component insertion versus freehand acetabular component placement in patients in need of total hip arthroplasty, the experimental group would be computer-assisted insertion and the control/conventional group would be free-hand placement. The investigative team would first state a research hypothesis. This could be expressed as a single outcome (e.g., computer-assisted acetabular component placement leads to improved functional outcome) or potentially as a complex/composite outcome; that is, more than one outcome (e.g., computer-assisted acetabular component placement leads to both improved radiographic cup placement and improved functional outcome).

However, when formally testing statistical significance, the hypothesis should be stated as a “null” hypothesis. 2 The purpose of hypothesis testing is to make an inference about the population of interest on the basis of a random sample taken from that population. The null hypothesis for the preceding research hypothesis then would be that there is no difference in mean functional outcome between the computer-assisted insertion and free-hand placement techniques. After forming the null hypothesis, the researchers would form an alternate hypothesis stating the nature of the difference, if it should appear. The alternate hypothesis would be that there is a difference in mean functional outcome between these techniques. At the end of the study, the null hypothesis is then tested statistically. If the findings of the study are not statistically significant (i.e., there is no difference in functional outcome between the groups in a statistical sense), we cannot reject the null hypothesis, whereas if the findings were significant, we can reject the null hypothesis and accept the alternate hypothesis (i.e., there is a difference in mean functional outcome between the study groups), errors in testing notwithstanding. In other words, hypothesis testing confirms or refutes the statement that the observed findings did not occur by chance alone but rather occurred because there was a true difference in outcomes between these surgical procedures. The concept of statistical hypothesis testing is complex, and the details are beyond the scope of this article.

Another important concept inherent in hypothesis testing is whether the hypotheses will be 1-sided or 2-sided. A 2-sided hypothesis states that there is a difference between the experimental group and the control group, but it does not specify in advance the expected direction of the difference. For example, we asked whether there is there an improvement in outcomes with computer-assisted surgery or whether the outcomes worse with computer-assisted surgery. We presented a 2-sided test in the above example because we did not specify the direction of the difference. A 1-sided hypothesis states a specific direction (e.g., there is an improvement in outcomes with computer-assisted surgery). A 2-sided hypothesis should be used unless there is a good justification for using a 1-sided hypothesis. As Bland and Atlman 8 stated, “One-sided hypothesis testing should never be used as a device to make a conventionally nonsignificant difference significant.”

The research hypothesis should be stated at the beginning of the study to guide the objectives for research. Whereas the investigators may state the hypothesis as being 1-sided (there is an improvement with treatment), the study and investigators must adhere to the concept of clinical equipoise. According to this principle, a clinical (or surgical) trial is ethical only if the expert community is uncertain about the relative therapeutic merits of the experimental and control groups being evaluated. 9 It means there must exist an honest and professional disagreement among expert clinicians about the preferred treatment. 9

Designing a research hypothesis is supported by a good research question and will influence the type of research design for the study. Acting on the principles of appropriate hypothesis development, the study can then confidently proceed to the development of the research objective.

Research objective

The primary objective should be coupled with the hypothesis of the study. Study objectives define the specific aims of the study and should be clearly stated in the introduction of the research protocol. 7 From our previous example and using the investigative hypothesis that there is a difference in functional outcomes between computer-assisted acetabular component placement and free-hand placement, the primary objective can be stated as follows: this study will compare the functional outcomes of computer-assisted acetabular component insertion versus free-hand placement in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. Note that the study objective is an active statement about how the study is going to answer the specific research question. Objectives can (and often do) state exactly which outcome measures are going to be used within their statements. They are important because they not only help guide the development of the protocol and design of study but also play a role in sample size calculations and determining the power of the study. 7 These concepts will be discussed in other articles in this series.

From the surgeon’s point of view, it is important for the study objectives to be focused on outcomes that are important to patients and clinically relevant. For example, the most methodologically sound randomized controlled trial comparing 2 techniques of distal radial fixation would have little or no clinical impact if the primary objective was to determine the effect of treatment A as compared to treatment B on intraoperative fluoroscopy time. However, if the objective was to determine the effect of treatment A as compared to treatment B on patient functional outcome at 1 year, this would have a much more significant impact on clinical decision-making. Second, more meaningful surgeon–patient discussions could ensue, incorporating patient values and preferences with the results from this study. 6 , 7 It is the precise objective and what the investigator is trying to measure that is of clinical relevance in the practical setting.

The following is an example from the literature about the relation between the research question, hypothesis and study objectives:

Study: Warden SJ, Metcalf BR, Kiss ZS, et al. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound for chronic patellar tendinopathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Rheumatology 2008;47:467–71.

Research question: How does low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) compare with a placebo device in managing the symptoms of skeletally mature patients with patellar tendinopathy?

Research hypothesis: Pain levels are reduced in patients who receive daily active-LIPUS (treatment) for 12 weeks compared with individuals who receive inactive-LIPUS (placebo).

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy of LIPUS in the management of patellar tendinopathy symptoms.

The development of the research question is the most important aspect of a research project. A research project can fail if the objectives and hypothesis are poorly focused and underdeveloped. Useful tips for surgical researchers are provided in Box 3 . Designing and developing an appropriate and relevant research question, hypothesis and objectives can be a difficult task. The critical appraisal of the research question used in a study is vital to the application of the findings to clinical practice. Focusing resources, time and dedication to these 3 very important tasks will help to guide a successful research project, influence interpretation of the results and affect future publication efforts.

Tips for developing research questions, hypotheses and objectives for research studies

  • Perform a systematic literature review (if one has not been done) to increase knowledge and familiarity with the topic and to assist with research development.
  • Learn about current trends and technological advances on the topic.
  • Seek careful input from experts, mentors, colleagues and collaborators to refine your research question as this will aid in developing the research question and guide the research study.
  • Use the FINER criteria in the development of the research question.
  • Ensure that the research question follows PICOT format.
  • Develop a research hypothesis from the research question.
  • Develop clear and well-defined primary and secondary (if needed) objectives.
  • Ensure that the research question and objectives are answerable, feasible and clinically relevant.

FINER = feasible, interesting, novel, ethical, relevant; PICOT = population (patients), intervention (for intervention studies only), comparison group, outcome of interest, time.

Competing interests: No funding was received in preparation of this paper. Dr. Bhandari was funded, in part, by a Canada Research Chair, McMaster University.

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