1. Describe the process for identifying research problems.

2. Discuss the use of literature reviews for developing research questions.

3. Describe the relationship between formulating research questions and methodology.

4. Explain the relevance of ethics and resources to the statement of specific aims and hypotheses.

5. Describe what constitutes a research proposal.

Environmental and social changes

As the biological and social environment changes, new health problems may emerge. For example, abundant food supplies and increasingly sedentary lifestyles have led to a high prevalence of obesity in some communities. Obesity is a serious risk factor for a numerous health problems including, type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. The research problem of interest to a researcher may be the lack of effective interventions for preventing and reducing obesity in the community.

Another example is the health impact of climate change, a process which is predicted to impact on population health. The environmental changes (in particular the prediction of global warming) act as impetus to identifying new research problems as further research is required to provide the evidence. Many countries have research priorities based on the prevalence of diseases as identified by epidemiological studies (see Ch. 8). Public and political concern of the ‘burden of disease’ in a community may result in funding bodies preferentially channelling resources to researchers in these areas since the identified health problems are the most pressing and expensive to the communities in question.

Demographic changes

Changes in population characteristics, such as the increasing proportion of elderly people, have shifted the health needs of communities in most countries. There is increased research activity concerning the health problems associated with ageing and the ways of designing and delivering effective and efficient health services. Also, in many counties there now are immigrants and asylum-seekers who have health needs different to the rest of the population, as they may have language or socio-cultural barriers which prevent them from accessing the appropriate services. The research problems arise from the limitations of the current health services being offered to a population with changing needs.

Scientific and technological advances

There are continuing and remarkable discoveries in the biological, behavioural, social and information sciences that can be applied to improving the assessment, treatment and prevention of illnesses. Advances in electronics and information technology have created opportunities in a variety of health professions, devising new diagnostic techniques or data collection and management strategies. The research problems arise from the need to translate pure research into practical solutions. An example of this is stem cell research, which has led to spectacular discoveries in the biological sciences. Translational research aims to develop cellular therapies for the treatment of a variety of disorders such as heart disease, diabetes and Parkinson’s disease.

The cost-effectiveness of health services

Economic pressures from increasing health costs require that service providers are accountable for the way in which they use available resources. Program evaluations for services are now routinely incorporated into service delivery. Evidence from this research is necessary to demonstrate that the resources are being used in the best way and that the services are meeting the needs of patients and the community. While often a source of stress for health professionals and administrators who participate in them, well-designed evaluation programs can contribute to the development of cost-effective, ‘value for money’ services to the community. For example, if you can demonstrate that program A and program B provide the same benefits but A costs half as much as B to deliver, then you will have made a significant contribution to health care. The money saved can be used to provide better services to other people.

We hope the above discussion demonstrates to you that there are innumerable research problems waiting for you when you graduate! Perhaps you will take up the challenge and by asking the right questions produce research which will contribute to the advancement of health care.