Health and Science Policy and Evidence-Based Medicine
Defining Research Questions
It is critical that the panel and methodologist develop research questions that are narrow, specific, and can be addressed through the literature. Research questions should include:
- The patient population(s)
- The control group
- The exposure(s) or intervention(s)
- Outcomes
- Clarification of inclusion criteria
The following is an example of a research question that is too broad:
- Are antiplatelet agents effective in preventing vascular events in patients with vascular disease?
The following is an example of a research question that is more narrow and specific:
- In patients presenting for possible diagnosis of lung cancer, what is the reliability of fiber optic bronchoscopy for diagnosing central (endobronchial) lesions, peripheral lesions >2 cm in diameter, and peripheral lesions <2 cm in diameter?
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Patient Population |
Intervention or
Exposure
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Control Group or Comparison Intervention |
Outcome(s) |
| Tips* |
Start by describing a group of similar patients.
Balance precision with brevity. |
Ask, "Which main intervention should be considered?"
Be specific. |
Ask, "Which is the main alternative to compare with the intervention?"
Be specific. |
Ask, "Which can be accomplished?" or "What could this exposure/intervention really affect?"
Be specific. |
| Example |
"In patients with heart failure from dilated cardiomyopathy who are in sinus rhythm…?" |
"…would adding anticoagulation with warfarin to standard heart failure therapy…?" |
"…when compared with standard therapy alone…?" |
"…lead to lower mortality or morbidity from thromboembolism. Is this enough to be worth the increased risk of bleeding?" |
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