Medical Research – What, Why and How of it – Overview

Introduction

Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for being here. Let’s dive straight into the discussion since we’ve already lost some time.

Topic Overview

The topic assigned to me is the definition of research, why we proceed with subsequent steps in research, and I will also provide an overview of potential research topics, especially for those of you who haven’t finalized yours yet.

Research Definition

Let me start by outlining what research entails. Although I know most of you are experienced professionals, the definition of research can be viewed in two main ways. It could be asking a completely new question, which is rare and can potentially lead to something as significant as a Nobel Prize. However, more commonly, research is about tackling an existing question that hasn’t been answered thoroughly yet or offering a better solution to an issue. This process involves answering the question, completing the necessary work, writing a thesis, and making it public. Without publication, the information you’ve worked hard on may go to waste.

Types of Research Questions

Research can stem from various motivations: identifying a gap in literature, offering new evidence or better solutions, or even studying associations between variables that might have future applications. Many times, we don’t fully realize the scope or impact of our research until we see how it translates into practice.

Components of Research

The first step in research is recognizing a well-defined problem. Once you’ve done that, you move on to formulating a hypothesis or a research question. You then proceed to design, collect data, analyze results, and draw conclusions. This process should culminate in writing and defending your thesis.

Research Output: India vs. the World

Looking at global research trends, 30 years ago, biomedical publications worldwide exceeded 4.5 million, with India contributing just 0.7%. In contrast, the USA dominated with 18%. Over time, India’s contribution has risen to 3.8%, but China’s research output has surged to overtake even the USA, highlighting the significant focus on research in China, unlike in India.

PhD vs MD Research

When discussing research in India, there is sometimes confusion between a PhD thesis and an MD dissertation. A PhD thesis demands profound depth and original contributions to the field. On the other hand, MD dissertations, which focus on learning research methodology, don’t necessarily require groundbreaking discoveries but should focus on methodology.

Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research

Most of you will engage in quantitative research, where the goal is to study patients or subjects in a structured way. It involves calculating a sample size to examine associations or relationships between parameters. Reliable results require sufficiently large sample sizes to detect meaningful differences.

On the other hand, qualitative research is relatively newer and focuses on studying behavior, perceptions, and beliefs. It is often easier to conduct as it involves smaller sample sizes but still requires precise data collection. Qualitative research doesn’t follow a linear design and is aimed at changing policies or perceptions.

Differences Between Quantitative and Qualitative Research

In quantitative research, numbers and statistics represent people, whereas in qualitative research, people express themselves and describe their experiences. Quantitative research addresses “what,” “when,” and “where,” while qualitative research addresses “why” and “how.”

Scope of Research in Health Sciences

Research in health sciences can take many forms: experimental research, clinical research, epidemiological research, and more. Experimental research often occurs in animal labs before human application, while clinical research is conducted directly on human subjects. Epidemiological research, like the famous cholera outbreak study in London, often focuses on associations between diseases and factors such as water supply.

Translational Research

Translational research involves applying research findings from the lab to real-world settings and vice versa. If something doesn’t work in practice as it did in the lab, researchers may return to the lab to refine their approach.

Emerging Research Topics

Recent research trends highlight areas such as wearable devices for health monitoring, immunotherapy in cancer, genomics, and the gut microbiome. Other areas of focus include patient-centered medicine, personalized treatments, and exploring alternative therapies like music for pain relief.

Research on National Priorities

When selecting a research topic, it’s crucial to consider national priorities. Government funding is often more readily available for research areas aligned with these priorities. For example, research on complementary medicine, tropical diseases, and public health policy are currently areas with significant support.

National Research Priorities

In India, funding is also directed towards research on alternative systems like Ayurveda and yoga. There’s a push to integrate these systems with modern medicine, with a focus on validating their practices through scientific studies. Additionally, research into women’s health, nutrition, and disease patterns are priority areas for the government.

Steps in the Research Process

The first step is recognizing the problem. After that, a review of existing literature is essential to understand what has been done. This helps you identify gaps and create a hypothesis. From there, you should define your objectives and consult with statisticians early on to guide your study design, sample size, and data collection methods.

Adaptability and Continuous Analysis

It’s important to remain flexible and adjust your research direction as needed. Analyze your data continuously and compare it with existing studies to ensure you’re on the right track. Consult statisticians often to ensure you’re using the correct methods and tools.

Finalizing Your Research

After completing your study, you’ll write your thesis, answer key questions in the introduction, methods, results, and discussion sections, and consider suggestions for future research. Understanding these steps and being prepared to face challenges is crucial for a successful research journey.

Funding Opportunities

Be sure to check available funding agencies and match your research topic with their priority areas to improve your chances of securing funding.

Conclusion

Thank you all for your time and attention. I hope this discussion has provided clarity and guidance as you embark on your research journeys.