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Preparation of the Investigator for a Proposal

The research proposal, insights into the reviewer's perspective, conclusions, writing successful research proposals for medical science  .

(Schwinn) Professor of Anesthesiology and Surgery; Associate Professor of Pharmacology/Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center; Senior Fellow, Duke Pepper Aging Center.

(DeLong) Associate Professor, Division of Biometry and Medical Informatics, Duke University Medical Center.

(Shafer) Staff Anesthesiologist, Palo Alto VA Health Care System; Associate Professor of Anesthesia, Stanford University.

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Debra A. Schwinn , Elizabeth R. DeLong , Steven L. Shafer; Writing Successful Research Proposals for Medical Science   . Anesthesiology 1998; 88:1660–1666 doi: https://doi.org/10.1097/00000542-199806000-00031

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HIGH-QUALITY research proposals are required to obtain funds for the basic and clinical sciences. In this era of diminishing revenues, the ability to compete successfully for peer-reviewed research money is essential to create and maintain scientific programs. Ideally, the essentials of “grantsmanship” are learned through observation and participation in grant preparation, but the training environment experienced by most physicians typically focuses on clinical skills. Most physicians are never exposed to a research environment and therefore do not learn how to write grants. The result is that many clinical studies, even when designed by skilled clinicians and those that address important clinical questions, often do not compete successfully with proposals written by basic scientists. This creates a perception that clinical studies are not favorably viewed by research review committees. The opposite is probably closer to the truth; research review committees are very keen to fund excellent clinical research. Although greater numbers of researchers with Ph.D. degrees have applied for National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants compared with researchers with M.D. degrees over the last 10 yr, funding rates (percent applications funded) have remained approximately the same for these investigators ( Figure 1 ; 1995 success rates: all degrees, 6,759 [26.8%]; M.D. - Ph.D., 370 [23.1%]; M.D., 1,518 [28.1%]; Ph.D., 4,746 [26.8%]; other degree, 125 [23.1%]).[section]

Figure 1. Overall success rates for NIH funding of scientific applications, 1986 - 1995. No difference in funding rate is observed between applicants holding M.D. versus Ph.D. degrees. As the success rate for first-time applications was 11.3% in 1993, it is apparent that resubmission of a revised application significantly increases the overall chance of having research proposal ultimately funded.[section]

Capable medical researchers ultimately write research proposals for funding by the NIH. Standards of excellence for NIH grants are high (only the top [almost equal to] 20% of grants are funded). Research questions posed must be hypothesis driven; the investigator must be qualified to perform the study; and preliminary evidence should be presented demonstrating that the research is feasible and will answer the questions posed. The goal of this article is to review important elements of successful research proposals, with emphasis on funding sources available to the anesthesiology community. Two important anesthesia-specific organizations exist to support anesthesia research - The Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research (FAER, an organization under the auspices of the American Society of Anesthesiologists) and the International Anesthesiology Research Society (IARS).

Successful applications for research support from FAER and IARS have many of the characteristics of grants funded by the NIH and other peer-reviewed funding sources. These characteristics include (1) a highly qualified investigator(s);(2) for junior investigators, a mentor with a successful track record in scientific investigation, peer-reviewed funding, and mentorship of fellows and faculty;(3) a supportive academic environment; and (4) a scientifically sound proposal. Each of these characteristics is discussed in the subsequent sections.

Training of the Investigator

One of the most important components of a successful research proposal is a well-trained investigator. Training in clinical anesthesia is not training in research methodology or scientific thinking; it does not prepare an individual for a career in investigation. Although obvious for basic science research, clinical research also requires commitment of a minimum of 1 yr of dedicated training with a good mentor, and more typically 2 - 3 yr in the field of the proposed research. The applicant also needs to demonstrate commitment to a career in investigation. Several years of scientific training is the first demonstration of such commitment. Research proposals must document institutional support for nonclinical time, and the investigator must provide evidence that this time has been used wisely and will continue to be dedicated to the proposed research.

The research proposal must document a track record of productivity by the investigator. This expectation increases as the training and career of the investigator progresses. Fellowship awards do not have an expectation of prior research training, so publications from prior research are not expected. At the fellowship level, outstanding letters of recommendation, undergraduate and medical school performance, and related accomplishments are most important. Because previous training is not required of the fellowship applicant, prior success of the mentor (publications and track record with previous trainees) weighs heavily in the fellowship review. For junior faculty, peer-reviewed publications are expected from the fellowship period. Young Investigator Annoucements (from FAER) and several new IARS awards require several years as a successful junior faculty member, so expectations of demonstrated research success are further increased. The investigator must demonstrate (1) rigorous training, (2) commitment to research, (3) an appropriate career path, and (4) a track record of productive work. None of these are trivial issues, and none can be easily accomplished without making a commitment to research early in the academic career.

The quality of the mentor is another important aspect of awards granted to fellows and junior faculty. Identification of a mentor is explicitly required for FAER and certain junior level NIH grant applications. First and foremost, the mentor must be a successful investigator. Criteria for this include a track record of publication in the area of the proposed research, continued peer-reviewed funding, and a history of successfully training young investigators. Although mentorship is not considered heavily in more senior grant applications, input from a more experienced investigator often remains beneficial throughout one's career (as we can personally attest to). In addition to the mentor, high-quality coinvestigators, collaborators, and consultants also play important roles in strengthening a research proposal.

Environment

Good research is best accomplished in a supportive, cooperative environment. Because of the changing climate of clinical medicine, researchers (both clinical and basic science) face increasing pressure to minimize research time. It is not possible to become a successful investigator in one's spare time. Documentation of adequate nonclinical time for research (not for committee meetings or other unrelated tasks) is essential. Receiving funding at a junior level often enables the department to match funds or to guarantee nonclinical time to the budding investigator. In general, the more non-clinical time available to an investigator, the more competitive the application.

Other important elements of the environment include people, space, and institutional resources. People include mentors, consultants who can help with specific methodologies, statistical support, helpful colleagues, experienced technicians, a clinical research team, and a dedicated chairperson. There must be adequate space for performing the proposed studies, office space for research personnel, and storage space for equipment and supplies. Institutional resources include related departmental and interdepartmental seminar series, a critical mass of investigators in a related area, instrument development and repair shops, and necessary laboratory space and common facilities.

Criteria for a sound research proposal are the same whether the proposal is submitted to NIH, FAER, IARS, or other funding sources. In crafting a proposal, it is essential to consider the perspective of the reviewer; therefore, items of interest to the reviewer are listed after general definition of the grant proposal.

Review committees receive dozens of grants. NIH study sections may review as many as 150 proposals during one session. Typically, only two or three reviewers are assigned to read each grant in detail, but everyone is expected to read each abstract. Hence, the abstract is often one of the most important parts of the research proposal. The abstract should address the significance of the question and the overall topic, state the hypothesis, and point out key preliminary data. Additionally, the abstract should provide a synopsis of methodologies planned. In the end, the reviewer must be convinced that the applicant is uniquely (or ideally) suited to undertake this important study by the end of this concise paragraph.

Body of the Grant

Specific Aims. The specific aims section is critically important in a scientific proposal. It is here that the investigator crystallizes the overall goal of the research and states specific hypotheses.

Beginning with the specific aims, the proposal must be well written and logically organized. A poorly organized grant application is difficult to review, even if the science is otherwise excellent. Typically, the specific aims begin with a short introduction (one paragraph), followed by a formally stated hypothesis. The hypothesis must be answerable by the research methods proposed. Generally, two or three specific aims are outlined with subheadings where appropriate. Organization of the specific aims is often temporal, starting with a proposed mechanism or the first set of studies in a clinical project. In general, the specific aims section should be no longer than one page.

Background and Significance. The background section provides an opportunity to bring reviewers up to date on current research in the area of the proposal. This section should summarize succinctly studies from the literature and related work published by the investigator. The most crucial aspect of the background is to build a case for significance of the proposed research regarding the ultimate clinical application or mechanistic understanding. Ideally, the background section should demonstrate that the current proposal is a logical extension of previous studies in the field and will provide new information and novel insights. In general, the background section should be about one fourth of the length of the grant proposal.

Preliminary Data. Preliminary data provide the opportunity for the investigator to demonstrate his or her ability to perform the proposed research. The goal in presenting preliminary data is to convince the reviewer that the investigator is capable of performing the proposed studies and that the mechanisms proposed are plausible. Good preliminary data support novel (or even unlikely) hypotheses. Each experimental method proposed should be accompanied by preliminary data demonstrating facility and expertise with related preparations. For example, if the investigator proposes using a specific electrophysiologic technique to study an ion channel, evidence demonstrating that this technique has been used by the investigator with other ion channels and a Figure showingresults from pilot experiments on the channel of interest would suffice. In clinical studies, demonstration of a working investigative team and the ability to enroll a given number of patients per week is helpful. Figures or tables help to convey the message in a succinct manner. They also conserve space in the proposal and create a more impressive effect. Although it is best if the applicant has generated his or her own preliminary data, for training awards, preliminary data from the mentor's laboratory is entirely appropriate. An effective way to organize preliminary data is to present it in the same order as the specific aims (e.g., C.1 preliminary data corresponds to A.1 specific aims, C.2 preliminary data corresponds to A.2 specific aims, etc.). Presentation of preliminary data usually takes about one fourth to one third of the length of the grant application.

Methods. The methods are the guts of the research proposal. Unfortunately, many investigators run out of steam by the time they reach the methods, leaving reviewers unconvinced by the proposed methodology. Ideally, the model being investigated should be broken down into simple, logical components, each accompanied by a description of specific experiments/interventions to be performed. The investigator should assume that at least one reviewer is an expert in each method presented. Therefore, enough detail should be provided to convince an expert that the experiment or technique is being performed properly. Methods presented as a list of recipes, requiring the reviewer to guess which method applies to each study, are recipes for disaster. Individual experimental techniques should be state of the art. In addition, approaching a problem from several angles is often helpful. “Lingo” of the field should be avoided; it is very annoying to reviewers to have to look up unexplained abbreviations or to have models alluded to rather than described. For training grants, methods should involve techniques currently being performed in the laboratory of the mentor. An effective way to organize the methods section is to follow the same order as the preliminary data and specific aims sections (e.g., D.1 methods corresponds to C.1 preliminary data and A.1 specific aims, etc.).

The methods sections should include a description of the design, conduct, and analysis of each study being proposed. Common errors in design include lack of specification of primary outcome, lack of randomization or blinding in clinical trials, inadequate justification of sample size, failure to adjust the total study number for expected dropouts/failed experiments or patient refusal, and use of single drug doses or concentrations rather than development of dose - response or concentration - response relations. Common errors in conducting research include lack of confirmation of drug concentrations, inadequate reproducibility of final results, lack of standardization of procedures, inadequate follow-up, incomplete data recording, and overall lack of organization.

Inadequate or inappropriate statistical methods can be a major weakness of a grant proposal. Many investigators feel confident with all aspects of their methods except the statistical section. Because statistical issues underlie the design and analysis strategy for every study, the input of a biostatistician is essential in planning the research and writing the grant application. Statistical considerations include specification of the primary end points that drive power calculations. Common statistical errors in research proposals include lack of sample size/power calculations, treating continuous variables as dichotomous, repeated t tests when a more comprehensive modeling approach should be taken, application of statistical tests that assume normality without verifying assumptions, failure to consider covariate effects, and failure to distinguish between interindividual and intraindividual variability. The investigator should be familiar with the concept of statistical power and be prepared to estimate some of the quantities needed to formulate an alternative hypothesis appropriately. The statistical analysis should be clearly outlined with specific methodology directed toward the hypotheses of the study. A statistical reviewer is unlikely to be convinced by a statement that “appropriate statistical methodology will be used” or by a barrage of nonspecific statistical jargon. At least one full paragraph (and sometimes an entire page) of the research proposal should be devoted to statistical analysis. Often several smaller statistics sections are appropriately included after each method is presented.

Even the best methods have potential problems and weaknesses. It is critical that the methods section discuss potential problems that may be encountered during the study and state how the investigator proposes to deal with these problems creatively. Reviewers tend to be impressed when the investigator presents potential problems that never occurred to them, because it suggests that the investigator is an expert in this area of research. A time line and organizational plan (who will be responsible for what) should also be included in the methods section so the reviewers can determine whether the investigator is being realistic in his or her approach. The methods section is typically one third to one half of the length of the entire grant proposal.

Introduction to Revised Application. Because so few grant applications are funded on their first submission (11.5% in 1993), the new investigator should not be unduly alarmed if his or her application is not funded. When a grant application has been unsuccessful, an investigator should revise the application and reapply, even if the original score was “noncompetitive”(meaning the grant was in the lower 50% of applications). Often the reviewers suggest key changes that will improve the application significantly. When submitting a revised application, an introduction (placed before the specific aims section) is used to discuss how criticisms of the original grant have been addressed in the revised proposal. Because the reviewer's comments are intended to be helpful, it is important to address each concern carefully in the revised proposal (changed text should be highlighted in the revised application by italic, bold, or identifying lines in the margin), with changes outlined in the introduction section. Angry responses to reviewers do not facilitate funding of the revised application. Remember that reviewers usually have a copy of the prior review, and they expect corrections or, when appropriate, an explanation of why you have chosen not to incorporate some suggestions from a prior review. Time taken to revise an application is well spent; as Figure 1 demonstrates, investigators who persist in revising and resubmitting their applications have an increased chance ([almost equal to] 20% with no previous NIH support, [almost equal to] 35% if previously funded) of ultimately being funded.[section]

In writing a research grant, it is helpful to consider the reviewer's perspective. Key features considered by reviewers include significance, approach, and feasibility. It is wise for the investigator to reread his or her application before submission with these features in mind. The NIH recently has published two documents on-line that discuss review criteria; examination of these documents before submission of a research proposal may prove helpful. These include the Report of the Committee on Rating Grant Applications[double vertical bar] and Review Criteria for Rating Unsolicited Research Grants.#

Significance

First and foremost, is the investigator asking an important question? There are two general ways research studies can be significant. The first is to demonstrate clinical significance. The litmus test for clinical significance is whether the proposed research will improve patient care. The second is elucidation of fundamental mechanisms underlying disease or biologic processes. The ideal research question succeeds in being significant in both areas.

The reviewer assesses whether the research plan can support or refute the stated hypothesis. In addition, the reviewer assesses whether the methodologies used provide adequate or, better yet, elegant approaches to the problem. Recently, the NIH has mandated an increasing emphasis on innovation in research. [1] **

Review committees generally are composed of individuals with expertise in many scientific areas. Additionally, study sections often retain outside reviewers with expertise in the proposed research area. The investigator should assume that his or her methods will be critiqued by at least one expert. Therefore, the investigator should not propose a method that would strike the world's expert in the field as being simplistic, inappropriate, or nonsensical, because the world's expert just might be one of the reviewers. Conversely, some reviewers do not have expertise in the proposed area of research. To ensure that the nonexpert is convinced of the validity and importance of proposed methodologies, the overall proposal should be written with a logical flow of ideas that build from basic to sophisticated concepts. Beginning each portion of the methods section with a short introduction for the nonexpert, followed by a more detailed description of the proposed methods, is an effective strategy to address the needs of both expert and nonexpert reviewers.

Feasibility

The investigator must convince reviewers that the chosen approach is feasible. Preliminary data provide the best demonstration of feasibility. Feasibility is often demonstrated by a track record of publications or peer-reviewed grant support for the applicant or mentor using the proposed experimental approach. Feasibility also can be demonstrated by appropriate statistical analysis of the proposal. For example, a power analysis and corresponding data on the number of patients with the required characteristics at the investigator's institution helps convince reviewers that a clinical study is feasible.

Anesthesiology Funding Sources

Funding for research performed by anesthesiologists is available from many sources. Because the discipline of anesthesiology overlaps many other fields, anesthesiologists have the opportunity to apply for research funds from agencies as diverse as the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association (national and local), American Thoracic Society, American Society for Regional Anesthesiology, critical care societies, Department of Veterans Affairs, National Science Foundation, Shriners, Society for Cardiovascular Anesthesiology, Society for Obstetrics and Perinatology, National Aeronautics and Space Aviation, NIH, and many other private foundations. Grants from FAER and IARS are available specifically to the anesthesiology community.

It is important that anesthesiologists continue to apply for NIH grants. For fiscal year 1996, the NIH awarded 149 research grants (including career development grants, R29, R01, and program project grants) to departments of anesthesiology, totaling $21 million in direct costs ([almost equal to]$31 million in total costs). Because of the diversity of research projects in anesthesiology, these grants were awarded by 14 different institutes, centers, and divisions within the NIH. In analyzing data for three recent review sessions (June 1996, October 1996, and February 1997) from the surgery, anesthesiology, and trauma study section, 26% of anesthesiology applications scored in the top 20th percentile, and 31% scored in the top 25th percentile; clearly no bias exists against anesthesiology in this predominantly surgical study section, at least in this limited sample (Alison Cole, anesthesiology representative for the National Institute of General Medicine Science at the NIH, personal communication, December, 1997). Table 1  

Table 1. Number of Recipients of NIH Research Project Annoucements  

A brief list of funding opportunities available to anesthesiologists early in their career is shown in Table 2 . Several sites are available on the World Wide Web ( Table 3 ) to facilitate access to grant/training resources for anesthesiologists. We have created an additional website ( http://pkpd.icon.palo-alto.med.va.gov/grants/grants.htm ), which provides access to more comprehensive lists of funding agencies and direct links to funding sources. This website also contains example grants designed to illustrate the grant writing principles discussed in this article.

Table 2. Potential Funding Sources  

Table 3. Grant/Training Resources on the WWW  

Successful grant applications require a well-trained investigator who carefully outlines a hypothesis-driven research proposal. Unique to FAER and IARS research committees is that the reviewers are mostly investigators and practicing anesthesiologists. These reviewers fully appreciate the importance of clinical research and enthusiastically support high-quality clinical studies. Although descriptive clinical studies are interesting to practicing clinicians, from a scientific perspective, clinical research must be driven by testable hypotheses. Without a testable hypothesis, clinical research cannot pass the test of adequate significance required for funding.

It is our hope that by demystifying the grant writing and review process that more anesthesiologists will be encouraged to submit proposals for research funding. As part of this effort, we strongly encourage residents and fellows interested in research careers to obtain adequate research training and to apply for appropriate fellowship/junior faculty awards early in their careers.

[section] NIH Extramural Data and Trends, Fiscal Years 1986 - 1995. Bethesda, Office of Reports and Analysis (component of the Office of Extramural Research), National Institutes of Health. (Published on-line and periodically updated. http://www.nih.gov/grants/award/award.htm ).

[double vertical bar] Report of the Committee on Rating Grant Applications. Revised 5/17/96. Bethesda, National Institutes of Health. (Published on-line. http://www.nih.gov/grants/peer/rga.pdf ).

# Review Criteria for Rating Unsolicited Research Grants. NIH Guide, Vol. 26, No. 22, 6/27/97. Bethesda, National Institutes of Health. (Published on-line. http://www.nih.gov/grants/guide/1997/97.06.27/notice-review-criter9.html ).

** Brown KS: A winning strategy for grant application: Focus on impact. The Scientist 1997; April 8:13–4

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How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

Published on October 12, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on September 5, 2024.

A research proposal describes what you will investigate, why it’s important, and how you will conduct your research.

The format of a research proposal varies between fields, but most proposals will contain at least these elements:

Introduction

Literature review.

• Research design

Reference list

While the sections may vary, the overall objective is always the same. A research proposal serves as a blueprint and guide for your research plan, helping you get organized and feel confident in the path forward you choose to take.

Table of contents

Research proposal purpose, research proposal examples, research design and methods, contribution to knowledge, research schedule, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about research proposals.

Academics often have to write research proposals to get funding for their projects. As a student, you might have to write a research proposal as part of a grad school application , or prior to starting your thesis or dissertation .

In addition to helping you figure out what your research can look like, a proposal can also serve to demonstrate why your project is worth pursuing to a funder, educational institution, or supervisor.

Research proposal length

The length of a research proposal can vary quite a bit. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations or research funding are usually much longer and more detailed. Your supervisor can help you determine the best length for your work.

One trick to get started is to think of your proposal’s structure as a shorter version of your thesis or dissertation , only without the results , conclusion and discussion sections.

Download our research proposal template

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We’ve included a few for you below.

• Example research proposal #1: “A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management”
• Example research proposal #2: “Medical Students as Mediators of Change in Tobacco Use”

Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:

• The proposed title of your project
• Your supervisor’s name
• Your institution and department

The first part of your proposal is the initial pitch for your project. Make sure it succinctly explains what you want to do and why.

Your introduction should:

• Introduce your topic
• Give necessary background and context
• Outline your  problem statement  and research questions

To guide your introduction , include information about:

• Who could have an interest in the topic (e.g., scientists, policymakers)
• How much is already known about the topic
• What is missing from this current knowledge
• What new insights your research will contribute
• Why you believe this research is worth doing

As you get started, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the most important research on your topic. A strong literature review  shows your reader that your project has a solid foundation in existing knowledge or theory. It also shows that you’re not simply repeating what other people have already done or said, but rather using existing research as a jumping-off point for your own.

In this section, share exactly how your project will contribute to ongoing conversations in the field by:

• Comparing and contrasting the main theories, methods, and debates
• Examining the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
• Explaining how will you build on, challenge, or synthesize prior scholarship

Following the literature review, restate your main  objectives . This brings the focus back to your own project. Next, your research design or methodology section will describe your overall approach, and the practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.

To finish your proposal on a strong note, explore the potential implications of your research for your field. Emphasize again what you aim to contribute and why it matters.

For example, your results might have implications for:

• Improving best practices
• Informing policymaking decisions
• Strengthening a theory or model
• Challenging popular or scientific beliefs
• Creating a basis for future research

Last but not least, your research proposal must include correct citations for every source you have used, compiled in a reference list . To create citations quickly and easily, you can use our free APA citation generator .

Some institutions or funders require a detailed timeline of the project, asking you to forecast what you will do at each stage and how long it may take. While not always required, be sure to check the requirements of your project.

Here’s an example schedule to help you get started. You can also download a template at the button below.

Download our research schedule template

If you are applying for research funding, chances are you will have to include a detailed budget. This shows your estimates of how much each part of your project will cost.

Make sure to check what type of costs the funding body will agree to cover. For each item, include:

• Cost : exactly how much money do you need?
• Justification : why is this cost necessary to complete the research?
• Source : how did you calculate the amount?

To determine your budget, think about:

• Travel costs : do you need to go somewhere to collect your data? How will you get there, and how much time will you need? What will you do there (e.g., interviews, archival research)?
• Materials : do you need access to any tools or technologies?
• Help : do you need to hire any research assistants for the project? What will they do, and how much will you pay them?

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

Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement .

Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.

I will compare …

A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.

Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

Critical thinking refers to the ability to evaluate information and to be aware of biases or assumptions, including your own.

Like information literacy , it involves evaluating arguments, identifying and solving problems in an objective and systematic way, and clearly communicating your ideas.

The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.

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How to Write a Winning Medical Research Proposal

If you're a medical professional who wants to conduct research, the first step is to know how to write a compelling research proposal. A well-written proposal is crucial to securing funding and ensuring the success of your research project. This article will guide you on the key components of a medical research proposal, how to choose the right research topic, how to craft a compelling research question, and how to write a comprehensive literature review.

Understanding the Basics of a Medical Research Proposal

Medical research is a field that is constantly evolving, with new discoveries and breakthroughs being made every day. However, conducting medical research requires a significant amount of resources, including time, money, and expertise. That's where a well-written medical research proposal comes in.

A medical research proposal is a comprehensive document that outlines the details of a research project, including the research questions, objectives, methods, expected outcomes, and budget. It is designed to convince funders or ethics committees that the proposed research project is worth investing in and will provide valuable insights in the field of medicine.

What is a Medical Research Proposal?

A medical research proposal is a type of proposal that focuses specifically on medical or healthcare-related research. It aims to address a specific medical issue, improve patient outcomes, or advance medical knowledge. To write a successful medical research proposal, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of medical ethics, protocols, and procedures.

Medical research proposals may cover a wide range of topics, including clinical trials, epidemiological studies, health services research, and basic science research. Regardless of the specific topic, the goal of a medical research proposal is to provide a detailed plan for the research project and demonstrate the potential impact of the research on the field of medicine.

Importance of a Well-Written Proposal

Writing a well-crafted medical research proposal is essential to securing funding and ensuring the success of the research project. A poorly written proposal can result in lack of funding, wasted resources, and failed research. In addition, a well-written proposal demonstrates the researcher's skills, expertise, and commitment to the field of medicine.

When writing a medical research proposal, it is important to keep in mind the target audience. The proposal should be written in a clear and concise manner, using language that is easily understandable to both medical and non-medical professionals. The proposal should also be well-organized, with a logical flow of ideas and a clear structure.

Key Components of a Medical Research Proposal

A successful medical research proposal should include the following key components:

• Introduction: Provides background information on the medical issue being addressed and a rationale for the study. This section should explain why the research is important and how it will contribute to the field of medicine.
• Research Questions and Objectives: Clearly states the research questions and objectives, and how they relate to the medical issue being addressed. This section should explain what the researcher hopes to achieve through the research project.
• Methods: Describes the methodology, including study design, data collection, and analysis methods. This section should explain how the research will be conducted and what tools and techniques will be used.
• Expected Outcomes: Details the expected outcomes and how they align with the research questions and objectives. This section should explain what the researcher hopes to achieve through the research project and how the results will contribute to the field of medicine.
• Budget: Outlines the budget and resources required to conduct the research project. This section should provide a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with the research project, including personnel, equipment, and supplies.
• Timeline: Provides a timeline of the research project, including milestones and key deliverables. This section should explain how long the research project will take and what the researcher hopes to achieve at each stage of the project.
• Ethics: Describes the ethical considerations of the study and how potential risks will be minimized for participants. This section should explain how the researcher plans to protect the rights and welfare of study participants and ensure that the research is conducted in an ethical and responsible manner.

By including these key components in a medical research proposal, researchers can ensure that their proposal is well-written, comprehensive, and persuasive. A successful proposal can help secure funding, advance medical knowledge, and improve patient outcomes.

Choosing the Right Research Topic

The first step to writing a successful medical research proposal is choosing the right research topic. The topic should be relevant, feasible, and meaningful to your field. Here are some tips on how to choose the right research topic:

Identifying Your Area of Interest

Research can be conducting on a vast range of topics within the medical field. So, identify and explore the areas that interest you the most, and where you feel you can contribute the most.

Assessing the Feasibility of Your Research Idea

Assessing the feasibility of your research is critical to ensure that your research idea can be implemented without significant roadblocks. You may need to consider the following:

• Available resources
• Costs involved
• The complexity of data collection and analysis

Ensuring Relevance to Current Medical Issues

Your research should be relevant to the current healthcare environment and address a pressing medical concern. This will enhance the chances of funding approval and ensure that your research has a meaningful impact on the medical field.

Crafting a Compelling Research Question

A good research question is the basis of any research project. It should be focused, well-defined, and answerable. If your research question is weak, the entire project might fail to meet its objectives. Here are some factors to consider when crafting a compelling research question:

Characteristics of a Good Research Question

A good research question should be:

• Clear and concise

Tips for Formulating Your Research Question

To craft a compelling research question, follow these four essential steps:

• Identify your research goal and objectives
• Conduct a thorough review of the literature
• Identify gaps and unanswered questions in the literature
• Develop a research question that addresses the identified gap or unresolved problem

Examples of Effective Research Questions

Here are some examples of effective research questions:

• What is the impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on patients with depression?
• What are the best practices for reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections in ICU patients?
• What is the prevalence of obesity among adolescents in urban communities?

Writing a Comprehensive Literature Review

A literature review is an essential section of a medical research proposal. It provides an overview of existing research on the topic, identifies gaps in the literature, and sets the foundation for the research questions and objectives. Here are some key factors to consider when writing a comprehensive literature review:

Importance of a Literature Review

A literature review plays a critical role in any research proposal. It helps you:

• Identify the scope of the research problem
• Understand the research already conducted in the field
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of previous studies
• Develop research questions and objectives

Conducting a Systematic Literature Search

A systematic literature search is a process of conducting a thorough and detailed search of relevant databases, such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. This will ensure that your review is comprehensive and unbiased.

Analyzing and Synthesizing the Existing Research

Once you've gathered all the relevant literature, it's time to analyze and synthesize the data to identify gaps in the literature and develop research questions and objectives. This process should be systematic and based on your research goal and objectives.

ChatGPT Prompt for Writing a Medical Research Proposal

Chatgpt prompt.

Please create a detailed and comprehensive proposal for a medical research study that outlines the objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes of the project. The proposal should be well-researched, clearly written, and follow all relevant ethical guidelines and regulations. The proposed study should address a significant medical issue and have the potential to make a meaningful contribution to the field of medicine.

[ADD ADDITIONAL CONTEXT. CAN USE BULLET POINTS.]

A well-written medical research proposal is essential to securing funding and ensuring the success of your research project. It requires careful consideration of the key components, including the research questions and objectives, methodology, budget, timeline, and ethical considerations. Following the steps outlined in this article will help you craft a winning medical research proposal and achieve your research goals.

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Writing a Scientific Research Project Proposal

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Table of Contents

The importance of a well-written research proposal cannot be underestimated. Your research really is only as good as your proposal. A poorly written, or poorly conceived research proposal will doom even an otherwise worthy project. On the other hand, a well-written, high-quality proposal will increase your chances for success.

In this article, we’ll outline the basics of writing an effective scientific research proposal, including the differences between research proposals, grants and cover letters. We’ll also touch on common mistakes made when submitting research proposals, as well as a simple example or template that you can follow.

What is a scientific research proposal?

The main purpose of a scientific research proposal is to convince your audience that your project is worthwhile, and that you have the expertise and wherewithal to complete it. The elements of an effective research proposal mirror those of the research process itself, which we’ll outline below. Essentially, the research proposal should include enough information for the reader to determine if your proposed study is worth pursuing.

It is not an uncommon misunderstanding to think that a research proposal and a cover letter are the same things. However, they are different. The main difference between a research proposal vs cover letter content is distinct. Whereas the research proposal summarizes the proposal for future research, the cover letter connects you to the research, and how you are the right person to complete the proposed research.

There is also sometimes confusion around a research proposal vs grant application. Whereas a research proposal is a statement of intent, related to answering a research question, a grant application is a specific request for funding to complete the research proposed. Of course, there are elements of overlap between the two documents; it’s the purpose of the document that defines one or the other.

Scientific Research Proposal Format

Although there is no one way to write a scientific research proposal, there are specific guidelines. A lot depends on which journal you’re submitting your research proposal to, so you may need to follow their scientific research proposal template.

In general, however, there are fairly universal sections to every scientific research proposal. These include:

• Title: Make sure the title of your proposal is descriptive and concise. Make it catch and informative at the same time, avoiding dry phrases like, “An investigation…” Your title should pique the interest of the reader.
• Abstract: This is a brief (300-500 words) summary that includes the research question, your rationale for the study, and any applicable hypothesis. You should also include a brief description of your methodology, including procedures, samples, instruments, etc.
• Introduction: The opening paragraph of your research proposal is, perhaps, the most important. Here you want to introduce the research problem in a creative way, and demonstrate your understanding of the need for the research. You want the reader to think that your proposed research is current, important and relevant.
• Background: Include a brief history of the topic and link it to a contemporary context to show its relevance for today. Identify key researchers and institutions also looking at the problem
• Literature Review: This is the section that may take the longest amount of time to assemble. Here you want to synthesize prior research, and place your proposed research into the larger picture of what’s been studied in the past. You want to show your reader that your work is original, and adds to the current knowledge.
• Research Design and Methodology: This section should be very clearly and logically written and organized. You are letting your reader know that you know what you are going to do, and how. The reader should feel confident that you have the skills and knowledge needed to get the project done.
• Preliminary Implications: Here you’ll be outlining how you anticipate your research will extend current knowledge in your field. You might also want to discuss how your findings will impact future research needs.
• Conclusion: This section reinforces the significance and importance of your proposed research, and summarizes the entire proposal.
• References/Citations: Of course, you need to include a full and accurate list of any and all sources you used to write your research proposal.

Common Mistakes in Writing a Scientific Research Project Proposal

Remember, the best research proposal can be rejected if it’s not well written or is ill-conceived. The most common mistakes made include:

• Not providing the proper context for your research question or the problem
• Failing to reference landmark/key studies
• Losing focus of the research question or problem
• Not accurately presenting contributions by other researchers and institutions
• Incompletely developing a persuasive argument for the research that is being proposed
• Misplaced attention on minor points and/or not enough detail on major issues
• Sloppy, low-quality writing without effective logic and flow
• Incorrect or lapses in references and citations, and/or references not in proper format
• The proposal is too long – or too short

Scientific Research Proposal Example

There are countless examples that you can find for successful research proposals. In addition, you can also find examples of unsuccessful research proposals. Search for successful research proposals in your field, and even for your target journal, to get a good idea on what specifically your audience may be looking for.

While there’s no one example that will show you everything you need to know, looking at a few will give you a good idea of what you need to include in your own research proposal. Talk, also, to colleagues in your field, especially if you are a student or a new researcher. We can often learn from the mistakes of others. The more prepared and knowledgeable you are prior to writing your research proposal, the more likely you are to succeed.

One of the top reasons scientific research proposals are rejected is due to poor logic and flow. Check out our Language Editing Services to ensure a great proposal , that’s clear and concise, and properly referenced. Check our video for more information, and get started today.

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Home » How To Write A Research Proposal – Step-by-Step [Template]

How To Write A Research Proposal – Step-by-Step [Template]

Table of Contents

How To Write a Research Proposal

Writing a Research proposal involves several steps to ensure a well-structured and comprehensive document. Here is an explanation of each step:

1. Title and Abstract

• Choose a concise and descriptive title that reflects the essence of your research.
• Write an abstract summarizing your research question, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. It should provide a brief overview of your proposal.

2. Introduction:

• Provide an introduction to your research topic, highlighting its significance and relevance.
• Clearly state the research problem or question you aim to address.
• Discuss the background and context of the study, including previous research in the field.

3. Research Objectives

• Outline the specific objectives or aims of your research. These objectives should be clear, achievable, and aligned with the research problem.

4. Literature Review:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of relevant literature and studies related to your research topic.
• Summarize key findings, identify gaps, and highlight how your research will contribute to the existing knowledge.

5. Methodology:

• Describe the research design and methodology you plan to employ to address your research objectives.
• Explain the data collection methods, instruments, and analysis techniques you will use.
• Justify why the chosen methods are appropriate and suitable for your research.

6. Timeline:

• Create a timeline or schedule that outlines the major milestones and activities of your research project.
• Break down the research process into smaller tasks and estimate the time required for each task.

7. Resources:

• Identify the resources needed for your research, such as access to specific databases, equipment, or funding.
• Explain how you will acquire or utilize these resources to carry out your research effectively.

8. Ethical Considerations:

• Discuss any ethical issues that may arise during your research and explain how you plan to address them.
• If your research involves human subjects, explain how you will ensure their informed consent and privacy.

9. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

• Clearly state the expected outcomes or results of your research.
• Highlight the potential impact and significance of your research in advancing knowledge or addressing practical issues.

10. References:

• Provide a list of all the references cited in your proposal, following a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).

11. Appendices:

• Include any additional supporting materials, such as survey questionnaires, interview guides, or data analysis plans.

Research Proposal Format

The format of a research proposal may vary depending on the specific requirements of the institution or funding agency. However, the following is a commonly used format for a research proposal:

1. Title Page:

• Include the title of your research proposal, your name, your affiliation or institution, and the date.

2. Abstract:

• Provide a brief summary of your research proposal, highlighting the research problem, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.

3. Introduction:

• Introduce the research topic and provide background information.
• State the research problem or question you aim to address.
• Explain the significance and relevance of the research.
• Review relevant literature and studies related to your research topic.
• Summarize key findings and identify gaps in the existing knowledge.
• Explain how your research will contribute to filling those gaps.

5. Research Objectives:

• Clearly state the specific objectives or aims of your research.
• Ensure that the objectives are clear, focused, and aligned with the research problem.

6. Methodology:

• Describe the research design and methodology you plan to use.
• Explain the data collection methods, instruments, and analysis techniques.
• Justify why the chosen methods are appropriate for your research.

7. Timeline:

8. Resources:

• Explain how you will acquire or utilize these resources effectively.

9. Ethical Considerations:

• If applicable, explain how you will ensure informed consent and protect the privacy of research participants.

10. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

11. References:

12. Appendices:

Research Proposal Template

Here’s a template for a research proposal:

1. Introduction:

2. Literature Review:

3. Research Objectives:

4. Methodology:

5. Timeline:

6. Resources:

7. Ethical Considerations:

8. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

9. References:

10. Appendices:

Research Proposal Sample

Title: The Impact of Online Education on Student Learning Outcomes: A Comparative Study

1. Introduction

Online education has gained significant prominence in recent years, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This research proposal aims to investigate the impact of online education on student learning outcomes by comparing them with traditional face-to-face instruction. The study will explore various aspects of online education, such as instructional methods, student engagement, and academic performance, to provide insights into the effectiveness of online learning.

2. Objectives

The main objectives of this research are as follows:

• To compare student learning outcomes between online and traditional face-to-face education.
• To examine the factors influencing student engagement in online learning environments.
• To assess the effectiveness of different instructional methods employed in online education.
• To identify challenges and opportunities associated with online education and suggest recommendations for improvement.

3. Methodology

3.1 Study Design

This research will utilize a mixed-methods approach to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. The study will include the following components:

3.2 Participants

The research will involve undergraduate students from two universities, one offering online education and the other providing face-to-face instruction. A total of 500 students (250 from each university) will be selected randomly to participate in the study.

3.3 Data Collection

The research will employ the following data collection methods:

• Quantitative: Pre- and post-assessments will be conducted to measure students’ learning outcomes. Data on student demographics and academic performance will also be collected from university records.
• Qualitative: Focus group discussions and individual interviews will be conducted with students to gather their perceptions and experiences regarding online education.

3.4 Data Analysis

Quantitative data will be analyzed using statistical software, employing descriptive statistics, t-tests, and regression analysis. Qualitative data will be transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically to identify recurring patterns and themes.

4. Ethical Considerations

The study will adhere to ethical guidelines, ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of participants. Informed consent will be obtained, and participants will have the right to withdraw from the study at any time.

5. Significance and Expected Outcomes

This research will contribute to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the impact of online education on student learning outcomes. The findings will help educational institutions and policymakers make informed decisions about incorporating online learning methods and improving the quality of online education. Moreover, the study will identify potential challenges and opportunities related to online education and offer recommendations for enhancing student engagement and overall learning outcomes.

6. Timeline

The proposed research will be conducted over a period of 12 months, including data collection, analysis, and report writing.

The estimated budget for this research includes expenses related to data collection, software licenses, participant compensation, and research assistance. A detailed budget breakdown will be provided in the final research plan.

8. Conclusion

This research proposal aims to investigate the impact of online education on student learning outcomes through a comparative study with traditional face-to-face instruction. By exploring various dimensions of online education, this research will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and challenges associated with online learning. The findings will contribute to the ongoing discourse on educational practices and help shape future strategies for maximizing student learning outcomes in online education settings.

About the author

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Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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How to write a research proposal?

Affiliation.

• 1 Department of Anaesthesiology, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
• PMID: 27729688
• PMCID: PMC5037942
• DOI: 10.4103/0019-5049.190617

Writing the proposal of a research work in the present era is a challenging task due to the constantly evolving trends in the qualitative research design and the need to incorporate medical advances into the methodology. The proposal is a detailed plan or 'blueprint' for the intended study, and once it is completed, the research project should flow smoothly. Even today, many of the proposals at post-graduate evaluation committees and application proposals for funding are substandard. A search was conducted with keywords such as research proposal, writing proposal and qualitative using search engines, namely, PubMed and Google Scholar, and an attempt has been made to provide broad guidelines for writing a scientifically appropriate research proposal.

Keywords: Guidelines; proposal; qualitative; research.

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Medical Research Proposal Sample & Guide

Table of Contents

A medical research proposal sample is a great way to understand what your proposal should look like. It can give you the structure and guidance needed to create a successful proposal.  Well-written medical research proposals help researchers stand out from other applicants and boost their chances of being selected or funded. Read on to find out what a medical research proposal entails and how to write yours with our easy sample.

What Is a Medical Research Proposal?

A medical research proposal is a document that outlines the purpose and methodology of a proposed research project . It includes information about what the researcher intends to study, how they plan to conduct their research and measurement for success or failure.  The proposal also explains why the research is essential, what ethical considerations need to be considered, and the potential risks associated with it. 

Why Is a Medical Research Proposal Necessary?

A medical research proposal is essential because it outlines the critical information and details necessary to complete a project successfully.  This document ensures that everyone understands their position and how they will contribute resources, time, and effort to make the project successful. It also helps researchers to secure funding from sponsors and provide transparency for potential participants in the study. 

What to Include in a Medical Research Proposal?

A medical research proposal should include the following:

• A brief description of the project, outlining the purpose and goals. 
• An explanation of how you plan to collect data; through surveys or interviews with participants?
• List any ethical considerations involved, including who will have access to the collected information and how it will be stored securely. 
• Budget required for the research and any timeline associated with the completion of the study. 
• Samples from past researchers, so you can learn more about what makes a successful medical research proposal. 

Steps on How to Write a Medical Research Proposal

It is important to remember that all proposals, no matter the topic, should follow specific steps to make them effective and organized. Here are a few steps to guide you:

Brainstorm and Outline the Problem

The first step is to brainstorm the project you are proposing, making sure that it has relevance in medicine. Determine what issue you are trying to address through your research and explain it clearly as a problem statement. 

Describe Your Project

Provide detailed information on your project, the aims, the expected outcomes, and any methods used to achieve them. 

Break It Into Small Sections

Once you have a clear vision of what you want to accomplish, break it down into small sections to effectively convey your thoughts. 

Set Your Objectives

Set specific objectives for your project and explain how you plan to achieve them. 

Outline Your Methodology

 Describe the processes used to collect data, analyze results, and draw conclusions from the research. 

Discuss Ethical Considerations

Explain any ethical considerations relevant to your proposed project, such as privacy and consent.

Write a Budget

Outline the cost of the project, including any equipment or materials needed.

Proofread the Proposal

Make sure to read through your proposal carefully before submitting it and ask someone else to do so, if possible. 

Medical Research Proposal Sample

To help you get started with your medical research proposal, here is an example: Project Aims:  This project aims to study air pollution’s effects on public health in a particular city.  Objectives:  To investigate how air pollution impacts public health in the target city and how to mitigate it. Methodology:  Data will be collected through surveys, interviews with residents, and environmental air quality sampling.  Ethical Considerations:  All participants in the project must be informed of the risks involved and consent to its use for research purposes. Personal information will be kept confidential and only used for research purposes.  Budget:  The budget allocated for this project is $5000. 

Developing a medical research proposal requires careful consideration and organization. Consequently, a medical research proposal sample might serve as an excellent starting point when writing your own project .

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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77 interesting medical research topics for 2024

Last updated

25 November 2023

Reviewed by

Brittany Ferri, PhD, OTR/L

Short on time? Get an AI generated summary of this article instead

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

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

• How to choose a medical research topic

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

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

Focus on a particular field of study

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

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

Look into commonly researched topics

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

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

Get curious and ask questions

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

For example: 

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

Why is pollution-based asthma on the rise? 

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

• 77 medical research topics worth exploring in 2023

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

• Exciting new medical research topics

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

COVID-19 and long COVID symptoms

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

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

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

COVID-19 vaccination rates

The evolution of COVID-19 symptoms over time

New variants and strains of the COVID-19 virus

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

Vaccinations

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

Examples of vaccination-related research topics include:

mRNA vaccines for viral infections

Biomaterial vaccination capabilities

Vaccination rates based on location, ethnicity, or age

Public opinion about vaccination safety 

Artificial tissues fabrication

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

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

The viability of artificially printed tissues

Tissue substrate and building block material studies

The ethics and efficacy of artificial tissue creation

• Medical research topics for medical students

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

Sleep disorders

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

Examples of sleep disorder-related research topics include:

How stress affects sleep quality

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

Possible triggers for sleep disorder development

The impact of poor sleep quality on psychological and physical health

How melatonin supplements impact sleep quality

Alzheimer’s and dementia 

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

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

The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in a chosen population

Early onset symptoms of dementia

Possible triggers or causes of cognitive decline with age

Treatment options for dementia-like conditions

The mental and physical burden of caregiving for patients with dementia

• Lifestyle habits and public health

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

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

The nutritional intake of college students

The impact of chronic work stress on overall health

The rise of upper back and neck pain from laptop use

Prevalence and cause of repetitive strain injuries (RSI)

• Controversial medical research paper topics

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

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

The benefits and risks of medical cannabis

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

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

The legalization process of medical cannabis

The impact of cannabis use on developmental milestones in youth users

Cannabis and mental health diagnoses

CBD’s impact on chronic pain

Prevalence of cannabis use in young people

The impact of maternal cannabis use on fetal development 

Understanding how THC impacts cognitive function

Human genetics

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

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

Medical genetics and the incidence of genetic-based health disorders

Behavioral genetics differences between identical twins

Genetic risk factors for neurodegenerative disorders

Machine learning technologies for genetic research

Sexual health studies

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

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

The incidence of sexually transmitted infections within a chosen population

Mental health conditions within the LGBTQIA+ community

The impact of untreated sexually transmitted infections

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

• Health and wellness research topics

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

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

Gluten sensitivity

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

Some examples of gluten sensitivity-related research topics include:

The pathophysiology and incidence of Celiac disease

Early onset symptoms of gluten intolerance

The prevalence of gluten allergies within a set population

Gluten allergies and the incidence of other gastrointestinal health conditions

Pollution and lung health

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

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

The extent of pollution in densely packed urban areas

The prevalence of pollution-based asthma in a set population

Lung capacity and function in young people

The benefits and risks of steroid therapy for asthma

Pollution risks based on geographical location

Plant-based diets

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

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

Vegan and plant-based diets as part of disease management

Potential risks and benefits of specific plant-based diets

Plant-based diets and their impact on body mass index

The effect of diet and lifestyle on chronic disease management

Health supplements

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

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

Omega-3 fish oil safety and efficacy for cardiac patients

The benefits and risks of regular vitamin D supplementation

Health supplementation regulation and product quality

The impact of social influencer marketing on consumer supplement practices

Analyzing added ingredients in protein powders

• Healthcare research topics

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

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

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

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

The pros and cons of electronic health records

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

Examples of electronic health record-related research topics include:

The number of medication errors reported during a software switch

Nurse sentiment analysis of electronic charting practices

Ethical and legal studies into encrypting and storing personal health data

Inequities within healthcare access

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

Examples of research topics about health inequities include:

The impact of social determinants of health in a set population

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

Affordability of life-saving medications

Health insurance limitations and their impact on overall health

Diagnostic and treatment rates across ethnicities

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

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

Cancer biopsy rates in BIPOC women

The prevalence of diabetes in Indigenous communities

Access inequalities in women’s health preventative screenings

The prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension in Black populations

• Pharmaceutical research topics

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

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

Cancer treatment options

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

Examples of cancer treatment-related research topics include:

Stem cell therapy for cancer

Oncogenic gene dysregulation and its impact on disease

Cancer-causing viral agents and their risks

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

Cancer vaccines and targeted therapies

Immunotherapy for cancer

Pain medication alternatives

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

Examples of pain medication-related research topics include:

Opioid withdrawal symptoms and risks

Early signs of pain medication misuse

Anti-inflammatory medications for pain control

• Identify trends in your medical research with Dovetail

Are you interested in contributing life-changing research? Today’s medical research is part of the future of clinical patient care. 

As your go-to resource for speedy and accurate data analysis , we are proud to partner with healthcare researchers to innovate and improve the future of healthcare.

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6+ SAMPLE Medical Research Proposal in PDF | MS Word

Medical research proposal | ms word, 6+ sample medical research proposal, what is a medical research proposal, things to think about to prepare for a medical research proposal, what should the medical research proposal contain, how to structure your medical research proposal, medical researches of various types, why is funding important for medical research, what distinguishes a good research proposal from a bad one, why are you required to submit a research proposal, what is the purpose of your research proposal, and why is it crucial, how long should my research proposal be.

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Protocol Writing in Clinical Research

Azzam al-jundi.

1 Professor, Department of Orthodontics, King Saud bin Abdul Aziz University for Health Sciences, College of Dentistry, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Salah Sakka

2 Associate Professor, Department of Oral Surgery, Al Farabi Dental College, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Writing a research proposal is probably one of the most challenging and difficult task as research is a new area for the majority of postgraduates and new researchers. The purpose of this article is to summarize the most important steps and necessary guidelines for producing a standard research protocol. Academic and administrative success of any project is usually determined by acquiring a grant for the related field of research. Hence, the quality of a protocol is primarily required to achieve success in this scientific competition.

What is A Protocol?

Clinical research is conducted according to a plan (a protocol) or an action plan. The protocol demonstrates the guidelines for conducting the trial. It illustrates what will be made in the study by explaining each essential part of it and how it is carried out. It also describes the eligibility of the participants, the length of the study, the medications and the related tests.

A protocol is directed by a chief researcher. The health of the participants’ will be regularly checked by members of the research team to ultimately ensure the study’s safety and effectiveness.

Purpose of a Research Proposal

[ Table/Fig-1 ] outlines the key aims of the protocol.

[Table/Fig-1]:

Aims of the protocol.

Benefits of the Proposal to a Researcher

[ Table/Fig-2 ] outlines the key benefits of the protocol.

[Table/Fig-2]:

Benefits of the protocol.

The key points of the proposal should include justification for the need of the project and a detailed plan for the investigation [ 1 , 2 ]:

What is the question? (Hypothesis) What is it to be investigated?

• Why is the study important? (Significance)
• Where and when it will take place?
• What is the methodology? (Procedures and methods to be used).
• How are you going to do it? (Research design)
• Proposed time table and budget.
• Resources required (technical, scientific, and financial).

Drafting the protocol correctly will increase the likelihood that the conclusions drawn from the research are scientifically sound. Recommendations and suggestions should be sought from colleagues and experts so that researchers can develop their plans. However, once the study is launched, the protocol should not be altered during the progression of the study or trials. If the changes during progress of study are minor, then that part of the study should be excluded from the analysis. Unless unexpected complications occur during the conduct of the trial, it is advisable to reconsider and rewrite the protocol where the whole process is started again provided that the original research topic is still considered to be relevant. If complications are anticipated, it is suitable to run a pilot study, to check the feasibility of the study and find answers to the potential areas of the trial.

What is A Protocol Review?

Clinical trials must be approved and monitored by an Institutional Review Board that ensures that the risks are negligible and are worth any potential benefits. It is an independent committee that consists of physicians, dentists, statisticians, and members of the community.

The committee ensures that clinical trials are ethical and that the rights of all participants are protected. The board must initially approve and periodically review the research.

Components of a Research Protocol: The topics that should be covered in a protocol are shown in [ Table/Fig-3 ] [ 3 , 4 ].

[Table/Fig-3]:

The components of the protocol.

Writing The Protocol

Protocol writing allows the researcher to review and critically evaluate the published literature on the interested topic, plan and review the project steps and serves as a guide throughout the investigation. The proposal is an inevitable document that enables the researcher to monitor the progress of the project [ 5 ].

1) Title of the Study: Title of proposal should be accurate, short, concise, and identify [ 2 , 6 ].

What is the study about, Who are the targets, Where is the setting of the study and When it is launched, if applicable-

It should make the main objective clear, convey the main purpose of the research and mention the target population. Carry maximum information about the topic in a few words; it is a good practice to keep the title to within 12-15 words. It should convey the idea about the area of research and what methods are going to be used in a compact, relevant, accurate, attractive, easy to understand, and informative way.

2) Administrative Details: The following administrative details and a protocol content summary should follow the title page:

• Contents page list of relevant sections and sub-sections with corresponding page number.
• Signature page is signed by senior members of the research team and dated to confirm that the version concerned has been approved by them.
• Contact details for the research team members listing postal, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers.

3) Project Summary: The summary should be distinctive, concise and should sum up all the essentials of the protocol.

4) Introduction (Background): The background to the project should be concise and refer to the subject straight forwardly. In writing the review, attention should be drawn to the positives, negatives and limitations of the studies quoted [ 7 – 9 ]. Introduction is concluded by explaining how the present study will benefit the community. The literature review should logically lead to the statement of the aims of the proposed project and end with the aims and objectives of the study. The review should include the most recent publications in the field and the topic of the research is selected only after completing the literature review and finding some gaps in it.

Introduction should briefly answer the importance of the topic, the gaps/lacunae in the literature, the purpose of the study and benefits for the society, from the study.

The research question should be described precisely and concisely. It is going to be the basis of designing the project. The definition of the problem should be clear so that a reader can straight forwardly recognize the real meaning of it.

5) Study Objectives (Aims): The aims should be explicitly stated. These should be confined to the intention of the project and they should arise from the literature review. State the goal you need to achieve.

The study aims or objectives emerge from the study questions/ hypothesis. They are answers to what are the possible responses to the research question or hypothesis under analysis and measure. Aims should be logical and coherent, feasible, concise, realistic, considering local conditions, phrased to clearly meet the purpose of the study and related to what the specific research is intended to accomplish. For example, to evaluate knowledge level regarding dental caries in primary school children in KSA (this is not detailed). The following should be added: Causes, treatment, preventive measures, etc.

The objectives should be (SMART objective): Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time based [ 10 ].

Specific Aims: Details of each objective that will finally lead to the achievement of the goal should be stated. Specific aims one by one should be listed concisely. It is good practice not to include too many aims in the study (2-5 best); too many objectives often lead to inaccurate and poorly defined results. Furthermore, aims should be achievable, realistic and specific with no general and ambiguous statements. They should be stated in action verbs that illustrate their purpose: i.e., “to determine, to compare, to verify, to calculate, to reduce, to describe, etc.”

Secondary Objectives (Optional): These are referred to as ancillary and minor objectives that could be studied during the course of the study.

The formulation of objectives helps to focus the study and to avoid the collection of any unnecessary data and hence organize the study in clear and distinct stages.

Hypothesis: It is a statement based on sound scientific theory that recognizes the predicted correlation between two or additional assessable variables [ 11 ]. It is always developed in response to the purpose statement or to answer the research questions posed. Furthermore, hypothesis transforms research questions into a format amendable to testing or into a statement that predicts an expected outcome.

Types of hypothesis statements:

• Null hypothesis: A null hypothesis is a statement that there is no actual relationship between variables (H0 or HN). It may be read as there is no difference between the groups to be compared and no relationship between the exposure and outcome under investigation. H0 states the contradictory of what the researchers expect. The final conclusion of the investigators will either keep a null hypothesis or reject it in support of an alternative hypothesis. It does not essentially mean that H0 is accurate when not rejecting it as there might not be an adequate proof against it.
• Alternative hypothesis: An alternative hypothesis is a statement that suggests a potential outcome that the researcher may expect (H1 or HA). This hypothesis is derived from previous studies where an evident difference between the groups to be compared is present. It is recognized only when a null hypothesis is rejected. Practically, hypotheses are stated in the null form, because they have their inferential statistics. Such hypotheses of no difference will be challenged by researchers and the result of the statistical testing gives the probability that the hypothesis of no difference is true or false [ 12 ].

Aims should be logically linked and arranged according to the tested hypothesis statement.

• Research question: Is there a difference in fluoride release between the Compomer and Glass- ionomer cement?
• Null Hypothesis: There is no difference in fluoride release between the Compomer and Glass- ionomer cement.
• Alternate Hypothesis: There is a difference in fluoride release between the Compomer and Glass-ionomer cement.

The statement of the problem should provide a summary of exactly what the project is trying to achieve.

• What exactly do you want to study?
• Why is it worth studying?
• Does the proposed study have theoretical and/or practical significance?
• Does it contribute to a new understanding of a phenomenon? (i.e., Does it address new or little known material or does it treat familiar material in a new way or does it challenge an existing understanding or extend existing knowledge?)

The justification of the research should be a convincing statement for the need to do it:

• How does the research relate to the priorities of the region and the country?
• What knowledge and information will be obtained?
• What is the ultimate purpose that the knowledge obtained from the study will serve?
• How will the results be disseminated?
• How will the results be used, and who will be the beneficiaries?

6) Methods and Materials: It should describe in detail the ‘Where’, ‘Who’, ‘How’ the research will be conducted. It explains the study design and procedures and techniques used to achieve the proposed objectives. It defines the variables and demonstrates in detail how the variables will be measured. It details the proposed methodology for data gathering and processing.

Methodology composes an important part of the protocol. It assures that the hypothesis will be confirmed or rejected. It also refers to a thorough strategy to attain the objectives [ 13 ].

The methods and materials are divided into various subheadings:

a) Study design (cross-sectional, case-control, intervention study, RCT, etc.): Proper explanation should be given as to why a particular design was chosen (on the basis of proposed objectives and availability of resources).

A study design is in fact the researcher’s general plan to acquire the answer (s) to the hypothesis being tested. Here, strategies will be applied to develop balanced, correct, objective and meaningful information [ 14 ]. It explains the methods that will be used to collect and analyze data. Proper selection of the study design is important to attain reliable and valid scientific results.

Ethics, logistic concerns, economic features and scientific thorough-ness will determine the design of the study. Here, a chief concern is given to the legality of the results including potential bias mystifying issues.

Randomized controlled clinical trial is the best to document a causal relationship between an exposure and its outcome [ Table/Fig-4 ].

[Table/Fig-4]:

Suitable research design depends on the purpose of the study.

b) Study population (Study subjects): Where are you going to do the research and who is the study population (why doing research in this place and why selecting this population?).

It describes in detail about the study subjects, all aspects of the selection procedure and sample size calculation. Proper definition of eligibility, inclusion, exclusion and discontinuation criteria of the study subjects should be stated. Allocation of subjects to study arms should be explained and described in details bearing in mind the concealment and randomization process [ 15 , 16 ].

c) Sample size: Sample size calculation is recommended for economical and ethical reasons [ 16 – 18 ]. The calculation of the sample size must be explained including the power of the sample. The sampling technique should be mentioned, e.g., randomization that will be used in order to obtain a representative sample for your target population. Each step involved in the recruitment of the study subjects should be described according to the selection criteria (inclusion and exclusion criteria).

“Informed consent” should be mentioned (Permission granted in full knowledge of the possible consequences).

d) Proposed intervention: Full description of proposed intervention should be given. Here, all the activities and actions should be recorded and thoroughly explained in their order of occurrence.

• When using drugs, both scientific and brand name should be mentioned followed by the name of the manufacturing company, city, and country. Drug route, dosage, frequency of administration, and total duration of treatment with the drug should be mentioned.
• When using apparatus its name should be given followed by the name of the manufacturer, city and country.

Involved personnel should precisely define:

• Who will be responsible for the interventions?
• What activities each personnel will perform and with what frequency and intensity?

e) Data collection methods, instruments used:

Data collection tools are:

• Retrospective data (medical records) [ 19 ]
• Questionnaires [ 20 ]
• Interviews (Structured, Semi-Structured)
• Laboratory test (literature or personal knowledge should be referenced, if established test, or description should be provided in details, if not established)
• Clinical examinations
• Description of instruments, tools used for data collection, as well as the methods used to test the validity and reliability of the instrument should be provided [ 21 ].

7) Data Management and Analysis Plan: This section should be written following statistical advice from a statistician. The analysis plan and which statistical tests will be used to check the significance to the research question/hypothesis with appropriate references should be described. Names of variables that will be used in the analyses and the name of statistical analysis that will be performed to assess the outcome should be listed [ 22 – 25 ].

If computer programs are to be applied, it is important to mention the software used and its version.

8) Project Management: Work plan-A work plan is an outline of activities of all the phases of the research to be carried out according to an anticipated time schedule.

Proper time table for accomplishing each major step of the study should be defined. Assigning time frame to each step in the trial will be helpful in organizing the structure of the research trial. The personnel (investigators, assistants, laboratory technicians etc.) involved in the study or data collection should be properly trained.

9) Strengths and Limitations: It is important to mention the strengths or limitations of the study, i.e., what study can achieve or cannot achieve is important, so as to prevent wasteful allocation of resources.

10) Ethical Considerations (Issues for Ethical Review and Approvals): It should indicate whether the procedures to be followed are in accord with the Declaration of Helsinki. In any case, study should not start unless approval from ethics committee is received [ 26 ].

The following points should be explained:

• The benefits and risks for the subjects involved. The physical, social and psychological implications of the research.
• Details of the information to be given to the study patients including alternative treatments/approaches.
• Information should be provided on the free informed consent of the participants. Information form should contain: Justification for research, outline of study, risks, confidentiality, and voluntary participation should be told patients about the freedom to withdraw from the study whenever they wish to. Confidentiality indicates how the personal information obtained from the patient will be kept secret (Data safety).

11) Operational Planning and Budgeting (Budget Summary): Outline the budget requirement showing head wise expenditure for the study-manpower, transportation, instruments, laboratory tests, and cost of the drug. Budget estimate is to be attached in the annexure. All costs including personnel, consumables, equipment, supplies, communication, and funds for patients and data processing are all included in the budget. Each item should be justified.

12) Reference System: Referencing is the regular method of recognizing information taken from other researchers’ work. A proper citation will enable the readers to follow-up any reference of interest. Plagiarism refers to claiming and acquiring someone else’s ideas, an action that is considered a criminal action.

Failure to reference an idea that you have found in your research, or to acknowledge the work of other team members in a team assignment falls under the category of plagiarism. Therefore referencing is an extremely important aspect of the research protocol. The two most commonly used citation systems in clinical writing are the Vancouver system and the Harvard system [ 27 , 28 ]. The choice of referencing system is dependent upon the funding organizations where the research protocol is being submitted. These frequently identify their preferred system of referencing and this should be strictly adhered to. The most common style used in the dental literature is Vancouver style.

13) Annexure:

The following annexes are to be attached at the end of the protocol:

• Informed consent form.
• Letters from ethics committees.
• Study questionnaire (copies of any questionnaires or draft questionnaires).
• Case Record Forms (CRFs).
• Budget details.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the chief investigator and co-investigator and their role in the study. It will ensure that the role of each investigator is well defined.

How to Judge A Good Protocol?

The protocol should adequately answer the research question. The research design must be sound enough to yield the expected knowledge. It should provide enough detail (methodology) that can allow another investigator to do the study and arrive at comparable conclusions. Here, the proposed number of participants is reasonably justified and the scientific design is adequately described.

Common Mistakes (Common Pitfalls to Avoid)

Incorporating insufficient elements regarding proposed studies and inadequate explanation for the implication of the problem must be shunned as well as suggesting far more work than can be practically done during the study period. Furthermore, underpowered sample size should be justified, invalid or unreliable instrumentation should be tested and improper statistics should be adequately analyzed.

The most difficult stage of conducting a research project is the preparation of a protocol that results in a short yet comprehensive document that clearly summarizes the project. Such proposal is considered successful when it is clear, free of typographical errors, accurate and easy to read.

It is important to understand the steps in developing a research protocol in order to perform an appropriate study and obtain reliable results. Extra time spent to write a good protocol will save failures at a later stage besides helping analysis. If the protocol is poorly prepared and not adhered to, it is unlikely that the project will yield the information that you hope for and in all probability the chances of selling your idea to the reviewers of a granting agency would be less.

Financial or Other Competing Interests

Research Topics & Ideas: Healthcare

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

NB – This is just the start…

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

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

Overview: Healthcare Research Topics

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

Allopathic (Conventional) Medicine

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

Topics & Ideas: Alternative Medicine

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

Topics & Ideas: Dentistry

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

Topics & Ideas: Veterinary Medicine

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

Topics & Ideas: Physical Therapy/Rehab

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

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Topics & Ideas: Optometry & Opthalmology

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

Topics & Ideas: Pharmacy & Pharmacology

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

Topics & Ideas: Public Health

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

Examples: Healthcare Dissertation & Theses

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

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

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

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

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18 Comments

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

Hello Mabel,

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

Can you provide some research topics and ideas on Immunology?

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

Help on problem statement on teen pregnancy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Proposal template bundle, 5 steps to make a medical research proposal, step 1: collect source material, step 2: devise a plan, step 3: identify problems, step 4: set goals, step 5: evaluate and assess, 17+ medical research proposal templates, 1. simple medical research proposal template, 2. undergraduate medical student research proposal, 3. medical research proposal template, 4. sample medical research proposal, 5. medical clinical research proposal example, 6. medical study research proposal in pdf, 7. basic medical research proposal in pdf, 8. medical ph.d. project research proposal, 9. bio-medical pharmacology research proposal template, 10. medical public health issues research proposal in pdf, 11. medical research request for proposal, 12. medical research proposal format, 13. medical student research proposal in pdf, 14. medical research proposal submission form, 15. medical research proposal format in doc, 16. medical research proposal in doc, 17. simple medical thesis research proposal template, 18. medical research proposal letter template, proposal templates, 17+ medical research proposal templates in pdf | doc.

To create a medical research proposal, you need to find valuable information and create a complicated document. The proposal is mainly devised for investors, academic heads, or other people who would value the legitimacy of your project proposal and assess the merit. For successful research proposals, you need to follow certain guidelines for efficiency. We have all sorts of medical research proposal templates for users with specific needs. Whether it’s for a clinical Ph.D. research on public health issues or an undergraduate letter over pharmacology, we got them all right here. Or if you are wondering, you can use proposal templates that bring ready-made documents for your benefit!

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Medical Proposal

Proposal maker.

If you are looking for medical proposal templates , this article is for you. We’ve put together a list of 10 options that you’ll find useful. Each template is available for free download. So, instead of creating yours from scratch, you can download any of these and it as a guide and inspiration to write a good medical proposal. Check them out below.

Best Medical Proposal Examples & Templates

1. sample medical proposal template.

• Google Docs

Size: A4, US

Your medical idea may be the next big thing. In fact, the idea may just be one of the best services you can offer your community. But, you need to remember that your ideas can’t come to fruition unless you are sure it’s something people would be willing to buy. This calls for a comprehensive proposal . If your medical service proposal clicks, you can be sure that different people will buy your idea and support you in whatever way you need. The best way to start writing a proposal fast is to use a custom medical proposal template. And here is a unique example that you’ll definitely love.

2. Simple Medical Business Proposal Template

Why would anyone choose to work with your medical business and not your competitor? This is an important question. In essence, it helps you to determine if the medical business would be useful to the target audience. But how exactly do you write a proposal that will get the hook you need? You can do so by doing research. Then, you can use the data that you collected to justify the content of your document. Now that you have collected the data you need, it’s time to put it into a professional format using a high-quality medical proposal template. Download this example.

3. Printable Medical Proposal Template

Size: 64 KB

People write medical proposals for two reasons. First, they want to communicate and implement ideas they believe will help the community. Second, they need to secure support from different bodies to realize the goal of the medical project. However, many of these proposals fail because they don’t address a problem in-depth. If you want your medical project proposal to gain the attention it deserves, you need to prove that it can solve a problem in the best way possible. The best way to go about this is to do your research and come up with concrete information. Check this sample for inspiration.

4. Medical Research Template Example

Size: 294 KB

So you have a medical research topic that you would like to work on. And you are certain that the subject can help many people in the community. However, you don’t have a reasonable budget plan to fund the project. What do you do? Well, the best thing would be to write a comprehensive medical proposal. Then, share it with entities you would like to help you. Remember, a good medical research proposal is the one that highlights the problem of concern as well as the objective of the research. Check out this sample template for more ideas. The file is free to download.

5. Business Proposal for Medical Coding Solutions

Size: 463 KB

Medical coding is a business in demand. At least you have an opportunity to give it a shot because there is a thriving market out there. But first, you need to start with the basics. You need to do your research, understand your target, and then write them a proposal. The proposal here is more like your marketing pitch . So, you need to make sure the proposal is clear, comprehensive, and communicate the right message to the right audience. Here is a well-written example that you should have a look at. This template is free to download, just click the link above.

6. Printable Medical Billing Proposal Template

Size: 108 KB

Did you know that there is a high demand for medical billing services today? So, if you are skilled and have experience in this area, there is a market out there waiting for you. Your success rate depends on how you market your services . You first need to have a unique proposal that your potential buyer won’t help but look read. And if you can capture their attention with your proposal, you bet that’s marketing half done. So, how do you write a good medical billing proposal? You can do that by getting ideas from this sample proposal template. You can download the template for free by clicking the download link above.

7. Simple Research Proposal Template

Writing a medical research proposal isn’t difficult. But there are rules to follow. At the very least, you need to spend time brainstorming ideas. Remember, the goal of your proposal is to win your target over. And if you nail it in the brainstorming stage, you can attract attention to the actual proposal. A good proposal is clear and direct to the point. Grab the attention of your target with the title of the proposal. If you do, you have their attention. The document should also show a list of your aims (objectives). Download this sample template and check the format of the research proposal.

8. Medical Grant Proposal Checklist

Size: 65 KB

Maybe you have never written a medical grant proposal and you are looking for a good example to use as a guide. Or, maybe it has been a while since you wrote one and you are just looking for some inspiration. Whatever the case, you will find this example template quite useful. Click the link above to download this document for free.

9. Mobile Medical Care Project Proposal

Size: 137 KB

If you would like to pitch your mobile medical project ideas to a specific audience, you will need to write a mobile medical proposal. Check out this sample proposal template for some ideas. The template is available for free download.

10. Medical Service Proposal Template

Size: 157 KB

Would you like to request for a proposal for a medical service fast? There is an easier way to do that. You only need a well-written template and you are good to get started. Here’s a sample template that you can download and use.

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Generate a proposal for a new school recycling program

Compose a proposal for a school field trip to a science museum.

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Trump signals support for reclassifying pot as a less dangerous drug, in line with Harris' position

WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump has signaled support for a potentially historic federal policy shift to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, putting his position in line with that of his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris .

The commonality reflects a major shift toward broad public support for legalization in recent years and marks the first time that both major-party presidential candidates support broad cannabis reform, according to the U.S. Cannabis Council.

The Republican presidential nominee posted on his social media platform late Sunday that he would “continue to focus on research to unlock the medical uses of marijuana to a Schedule 3 drug," and also said he would be voting “yes” on a proposal to allow the sale of marijuana to adults for any reason in Florida .

Coming shortly before the two will meet for a pivotal debate, Trump’s post sets up the possibility that he could criticize Harris for her past cannabis prosecutions when she was district attorney in San Francisco. Because drug prosecutions disproportionately affect nonwhite defendants in the U.S., the line of attack could also fit with Trump’s efforts to increase his support among nonwhite men.

Harris backs decriminalization and has called it “absurd” that the Drug Enforcement Administration now has marijuana in the Schedule I category alongside heroin and LSD. Earlier in her career, she oversaw the enforcement of cannabis laws and opposed legalized recreational use for adults in California while running for attorney general in 2010.

Harris has absorbed attacks on her prosecutorial record on the debate stage before, most notably from Democrat-turned-Trump supporter Tulsi Gabbard, who ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020 and announced in 2022 that she was leaving the party.

Trump said during his 2016 run that pot policy should be left up the states. During his term in the White House, though, then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions lifted an Obama-era policy that kept federal authorities from cracking down on the marijuana trade in states where the drug is legal.

The DEA process to change the drug’s federal classification is already underway, kickstarted by President Joe Biden’s call for a review . But the DEA hasn’t made a final decision on the shift, which would not legalize recreational marijuana outright. It may not decide until the next presidential administration, putting a spotlight on the candidates’ positions.

Federal drug policy has lagged behind that of many states in recent years, with 38 having already legalized medical marijuana and 24 legalizing recreational use.

About 70% of adults supported legalization in a Gallup poll taken last year, the highest level yet recorded by the polling firm and more than double the roughly 3 in 10 who backed it in 2000. Support was even higher among young voters, a key demographic in seven main battleground states.

“We believe cannabis reform is a winning issue,” said David Culver, senior vice president of public affairs at the U.S. Cannabis Council, in a statement Monday.

The federal policy shift would wouldn’t legalize marijuana outright for recreational use. Instead, it would move marijuana out of Schedule I to the Schedule III category, alongside ketamine and some anabolic steroids.

The proposed shift is facing opposition from advocates who say there isn’t enough data and from attorneys general in more than a dozen states, according to the group Smart Approaches to Marijuana.

Trump chimed in on the ballot question on the same day that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis , a fellow Republican who previously challenged him for the 2024 presidential nomination, spoke at City Church Tallahassee, where he ardently opposed two ballot initiatives this November: one to enshrine abortion rights and the other to legalize recreational marijuana.

For months DeSantis has publicly opposed the marijuana amendment, saying it would reduce the quality of life in Florida cities by leaving a marijuana stench in the air.

The Florida Republican Party has also formally denounced the amendment, saying in a May resolution that it would “benefit powerful marijuana special interests, while putting children at risk and endangering Florida family-friendly business and tourism climates.”

Matat reported from West Palm Beach, Fla. Associated Press writer Bill Barrow in Atlanta contributed to this report.