SYNOPSIS OF DISSERTATION

(DISSERTATION PROPOSAL)

DR. S. YOHANNA.2015 REVISION COURSE

ASSUMPTIONS

1. You have chosen a research topic.2. You have thought through the objectives.3. You have studied the literature on similar

studies done elsewhere. 4. You have decided on how to conduct the

study.5. You have decided on how to present the

results.

• The synopsis (research proposal) is a short write-up that describes those assumptions.

• The aim is to explain your proposed research to an independent assessor, who then advises on the feasibility or suitability of the study.

OBJECTIVES OF DISSERTATION:

• To demonstrate ability to identify a research problem.

• To formulate clear objectives for the study.• To design a feasible methodology to research

into the problem.• To produce a document useful to the practice

of Family Medicine.• On-going debate b/w PhD vs. Fellowship.

LAYOUT OF THE SYNOPSIS.1. TITLE OF THE STUDY.2. INTRODUCTION.3. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM.4. AIM & OBJECTIVES.5. MATERIALS & METHOD.6. RELEVANCE/JUSTIFICATION.7. LIMITATIONS/CONSTRAINTS.8. REFERENCES.9. APPENDICES.

TITLE PAGE

1. Topic/Title:2. A synopsis of proposed dissertation submitted

to the NPMCN in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the Part II Fellowship examination of the College in Family Medicine.

3. Name of Candidate +/- Qualifications4. Name of training institution & Date.

The TitleTHE ROLE OF LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION IN MANAGEMENT OF HYPERTENSIVE ADULTS ATTENDING GOPC OF LUTH.

A synopsis of proposed dissertation submitted to the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the Part II Fellowship Examination of the College in Family Medicine.

DR A.O.AK (MBBS, MAUTH) DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY MEDICINE LAGOS UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL APRIL, 2012

1. THE TITLE

• Keep it short – avoid too many words.

• Should reflect the problem being studied

• Where relevant, should also reflect the centre where study is conducted.

MCQ – The Title.

1. The pattern of ANC attendance in private practice setting.

2. Pattern of skin disorders among Nigerians.

3. Family support and depression in diabetics attending GOPC of LUTH.

2. THE INTRODUCTION.

– Background information or overview of the subject being studied.

– Review relevant literature/studies on the subject, including the findings and recommendations from those studies.

– Define any terms used in the topic and/or terms that may be used in the dissertation.

e.g. “Influence of family support on pregnancy outcomes in poor women attending ANC in Nnewi.”

• Review of relevant literature should form part of the Introduction.

• No need for a separate section called “Literature Review.”

• The entire section should be about 2-3 pages.

3. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM.

A good Introduction should naturally lead to

a statement of the problem being studied.

From the Introduction, the reader should

begin to conceptualize why the topic is

worth studying.

THE PROBLEM STATEMENT.• What are the specific issues about this topic that you

want to study further?

• What is the gap between what should be, and what actually exists? This can come from observations in your own practice, from hospital records, or from studying the literature.e.g. - response of patients to antimalarials

- ANC women unsure of LMP

• Explain the magnitude and distribution of the problem and why it is important.

4. THE AIM & OBJECTIVES.

AIM: (General Objective or Goal).

Must reflect the subject or topic being studied – should reflect the Title.

It is a broad statement of what you hope to achieve at the end of the study. It is the end-result of the study.

MCQ – Aim of the Study

1. To assess the quality of glycaemic control in persons with Type 2 DM at UBTH.

MCQ – Aim of the Study

1. To assess the quality of glycaemic control in persons with Type 2 DM at UBTH.

in order to formulate management guidelines for FM, and, ultimately, reduce disease burden and its complications to the patient, family and healthcare facility.

AIM

2. To determine the effect of lifestyle modification measures in adult hypertensive patients in LUTH.

AIM

2. To determine the effect of lifestyle modification measures in adult hypertensive patients in UBTH

with a view to recommending those measures to patients for improved blood pressure control.

OBJECTIVES

Objectives: (Specific Objectives):

Indicate how you will attain the Aim/Goal.

State things you will do to achieve the goal.

AIM – To assess glycemic control ..

Objectives• To determine the pattern of glycaemic control in

persons with Type 2 DM at ...• To evaluate the factors affecting glycaemic

control in persons with Type 2 DM at ....• To determine the presence of some

complications in persons with Type 2 DM at ... • To identify some associated co-morbidities ...

Objectives: must be “SMART.”- Specific.- Measurable.- Achievable.- Realistic.- Time-limited (within a specified time limit)

MCQ - “SMART” OBJECTIVES

1. To assess glycemic control among diabetics in Nigeria.

2. To determine seroconversion rates among babies born to mothers on PMTCT.

3. To determine socio-demographic characteristics of women in the study group.

AIM & OBJECTIVES

A good study should have

Only 1 Aim,

but can have

Several objectives.

5. MATERIALS & METHODS:1. Brief description of the place where study will be

conducted – hospital, OPD, village, etc.2. Define the study population.3. Explain the study design.4. Define the sample size and explain how it was

arrived at.5. Explain the sampling method – based on study

design.6. Define selection criteria (inclusion and exclusion

criteria)

MATERIALS & METHODS:7. Study protocol - Explain how the study will be

conducted. Describe the method and instrument of data collection, including any tools or instruments that will be used.

8. Method of data analysis & how results will be presented.

9. Expected duration of the study.10. Who will fund the study, if any major costs are

involved. 11. Ethical considerations.

Study DesignObservational

1. Descriptive• Case Reports/Case series• Cross sectional• Ecological

2. Analytical• Case control• Cohort

Experimental/Interventional

1. Randomized controlled Trials(Clinical trials)

2. Field trials(Intervention studies)

3. Community trials(Community Intervention trials)

Type of study design depends on:

• What is the research question/ objective

• Time available for study

• Resources available for the study

• Common/rare disease or problem

• Type of outcome of interest

• Quality of data from various sources27

Weight of evidence

1. Meta analysis (Best evidence)2. Systematic reviews3. Practice guidelines4. Randomized control trials5. Cohort study6. Case control study7. Case reports/Personal experience (Lowest

evidence)

JUSTIFICATION/RELEVANCE OF THE STUDY.

• What information is expected from the study? • How will it be used to help solve the problem

being studied? • Explain the practical application of the results.

How will the results impact on your practice, or how will it affect attitudes towards the topic?

LIMITATIONS/CONSTRAINTS

• Factors that may affect the conduct or outcome of the study.

• Factors that may affect interpretation of results.

e.g. time limitation/timing of the study, financial constraints, availability of reliable records, relevant literature, social and political crisis, study design etc.

Ethical Considerations.

• Letter of ethical approval from the institution• Written (signed) informed consent by the

participants.• Confidentiality of identity of the respondents.• Incentives vs. Inducement

REFERENCES.

• 10 – 15 will do for a synopsis.

• Not more than 10 years from publication.

• Good blend of local and International studies.

• Good blend of journals & textbooks.

• Must use Vancouver style of referencing.

APPENDICES.

• Questionnaire• Other instruments of data collection• Maps/Diagrams• Consent form• Letter of Ethical clearance.

THE APPROVAL PROCESS ..Is often lengthy, so you need to start

early, and do it right.

Changes to the approved Proposal:

• Any deviations or changes from the approved proposal must be with the written approval of the Faculty Secretary.

• Depending on the nature of the proposed changes, the candidate may be required to submit a new proposal with the proposed changes for a fresh review by the assessors.

Changes to approved proposal:

• Such changes in the approved proposal include, but are not limited to changes in the following:– Supervisor(s).– The Theme or Topic of the study.– The study objectives.– The study methodology e.g. sample size, study

design, etc

CONCLUSION

1. The best time to start choosing a topic is before the Part 1 exam.

2. Discuss with your colleagues & trainers.3. Submit your proposal within 3 months of passing

the Part 1 exam.4. A good proposal is almost 50% of the

dissertation itself.5. “If you know these things, blessed are you if you

do them.” (Because you will get FMCFM quickly)

THANK YOU.