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77 interesting medical research topics for 2024

Last updated

25 November 2023

Reviewed by

Brittany Ferri, PhD, OTR/L

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. 

After you choose the right topic for your study, make data collection and trend identification more effortless than ever with Dovetail. 

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.

Get started today

Go from raw data to valuable insights with a flexible research platform

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300+ Health Related Research Topics For Medical Students(2023)

In the world of academia and healthcare, finding the right health-related research topics is essential. Whether you are a medical student, a college student, or a seasoned researcher, the choice of your research topic greatly impacts the quality and relevance of your work. This blog, health related research topics, is your guide to selecting the perfect subject for your research.

In this post, we will share 5 invaluable tips to help you pick suitable health-related research topics. Additionally, we will outline the crucial elements that every health-related research paper should incorporate.

Furthermore, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of 300+ health-related research topics for medical students in 2023. These include categories like mental health, public health, nutrition, chronic diseases, healthcare policy, and more. We also offer guidance on selecting the right topic to ensure your research is engaging and meaningful.

So, whether you are delving into mental health, investigating environmental factors, or exploring global health concerns, health-related research topics will assist you in making informed and impactful choices for your research journey, even within the hardest medical specialties .

What Is Health Research?

Table of Contents

Health research is like detective work to understand how our bodies work and how to keep them healthy. It’s like asking questions and finding answers about things like sickness, medicine, and how to live better. Scientists and doctors do health research to learn new ways to treat illnesses, like finding better medicines or discovering new ways to prevent diseases.

Health research is a puzzle, where scientists collect information, do experiments, and study many people to find out what makes us healthy or sick. They want to find clues and put them together to help us stay well and live longer. So, health research is like a quest to learn more about our bodies and find ways to make them work their best, keeping us happy and strong.

5 Useful Tips For Choosing Health Related Research Topics

Here are some useful tips for choosing health related research topics: 

Tip 1: Follow Your Interests

When picking a health research topic, it’s a good idea to choose something you’re curious and excited about. If you’re interested in a subject, you’ll enjoy learning more about it, and you’ll be motivated to do your best. So, think about what aspects of health catch your attention and explore those areas for your research.

Tip 2: Consider Relevance

Your research topic should be meaningful and have real-world importance. Think about how your research can contribute to solving health problems or improving people’s well-being. Topics that are relevant and can make a positive impact on health and healthcare are usually more valuable.

Tip 3: Check Available Resources

Before deciding on a research topic, make sure you have access to the necessary resources, like books, articles, or equipment. It’s important that you can find the information and tools you need to conduct your research effectively.

Tip 4: Keep It Manageable

Select a research topic that you can handle within the available time and resources. It’s better to choose a more focused and manageable topic rather than something too broad or complex. This way, you can delve deep into the subject and produce meaningful results.

Tip 5: Seek Guidance

Don’t hesitate to ask for guidance from teachers, professors, or experts in the field. They can help you refine your research topic, provide valuable insights, and suggest improvements. Seeking advice can make your research journey smoother and more successful.

Important Elements That Must Be Present In A Health Related Research Paper

Here are some important elements that must be present in a health related research paper: 

1. Clear Title and Introduction

A good health research paper needs a clear title that tells people what it’s about. The introduction should explain why the research is important and what the paper will discuss. It’s like the map that shows the way.

2. Methods and Data

You should describe how you did your research and the data you collected. This helps others understand how you found your information. It’s like showing your work in math so that others can check it.

3. Results and Conclusions

After doing your research, you need to show what you discovered. Share the results and what they mean. Conclusions tell people what you found out and why it’s important. It’s like the “So what?” part of your paper.

4. Citations and References

When you use other people’s ideas or words, you need to give them credit. Citations and references show where you got your information. It’s like saying, “I learned this from here.”

5. Clear Language and Organization

Make sure your paper is easy to read and well-organized. Use clear and simple language so that everyone can understand. Organize your paper logically, with a beginning, middle, and end, like a good story. This makes your research paper more effective and useful.

In this section, we will discuss 300+ health related research topics for medical students(2023): 

Health Related Research Topics

• How living choices affect health and how long people live.
• Ways to make it easier for people in underserved areas to get medical care.
• The role of DNA in determining susceptibility to different diseases.
• There are differences in health between race and ethnic groups and between socioeconomic groups.
• Checking how well health education programs encourage people to behave in a healthy way.
• The effects that stress has on the body and mind.
• Looking at the pros and cons of different vaccine plans.
• The link between how well you sleep and your general health.
• The use of technology to make health care better.
• How cultural beliefs and habits affect how people seek health care.

Mental Health Related Research Topics

• Identifying the factors contributing to the rise in mental health disorders among adolescents.
• Examining the effectiveness of different therapeutic approaches for treating depression and anxiety.
• How social media can hurt your mental health and self-esteem.
• We are looking into the link between traumatic events in youth and mental health problems later in life.
•  Stigma and racism in mental health care, and how they make people less healthy.
•  Ways to lower the suicide rate among people who are at high risk.
•  Exercise and other forms of physical action can help your mental health.
•  The link between using drugs and having mental health problems.
•  Mental health support for frontline healthcare workers during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
•  Exploring the potential of digital mental health interventions and apps.

Health Related Research Topics For College Students

• The impact of college stress on physical and mental health.
•  Assessing the effectiveness of college mental health services.
•  The role of peer influence on college students’ health behaviors.
•  Nutrition and dietary habits among college students.
•  Substance use and abuse on college campuses.
•  Investigating the prevalence of sleep disorders among college students.
•  Exploring sexual health awareness and behaviors among college students.
•  Evaluating the relationship between academic performance and overall health.
•  The influence of social media on college students’ health perceptions and behaviors.
•  Ideas for getting people on college grounds to be more active and eat better.

Public Health Related Research Topics

• Evaluating the impact of public health campaigns on smoking cessation.
•  The effectiveness of vaccination mandates in preventing disease outbreaks.
•  Looking into the link between the health of the people in cities and the quality of the air.
•  Strategies for addressing the opioid epidemic through public health initiatives.
•  The role of public health surveillance in early disease detection and response.
•  Assessing the impact of food labeling on consumer choices and nutrition.
•  Looking at how well public health measures work to lower the number of overweight and obese kids.
•  The importance of water quality in maintaining public health.
•  This paper examines various strategies aimed at enhancing mother and child health outcomes in emerging nations.
•  Addressing the mental health crisis through public health interventions.

Mental Disorder Research Topics

• The mental health effects of social isolation, with a particular focus on the COVID-19 pandemic.
•  Exploring the relationship between mental health and creative expression.
•  Cultural differences influence the way in which mental health disorders are perceived and treated.
•  The use of mindfulness and meditation techniques in managing mental health.
•  Investigating the mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.
•  Examining the role of nutrition and dietary habits in mood disorders.
•  The influence of childhood experiences on adult mental health.
•  Innovative approaches to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.
•  Mental health support for veterans and active-duty military personnel.
•  The relation between sleep disorders and mental health.

Nutrition and Diet-Related Research Topics

• The impact of dietary patterns (e.g., Mediterranean, ketogenic) on health outcomes.
•  Investigating the role of gut microbiota in digestion and overall health.
•  The effects of food labeling and nutritional education on dietary choices.
•  The correlation between chronic disease prevention and nutrition.
•  Assessing the nutritional needs of different age groups (children, adults, elderly).
•  Exploring the benefits and drawbacks of various diet fads (e.g., intermittent fasting, veganism).
•  The role of nutrition in managing obesity and weight-related health issues.
•  Studying nutrition and mental wellness.
•   Impact of food insecure areas on population health and diet.
•  Strategies for promoting healthy eating in schools and workplaces.

Chronic Disease Research Topics

• The contribution of inflammation to the progression and development of chronic diseases.
•  Evaluating the effectiveness of lifestyle modifications in managing chronic conditions.
•  The impact of chronic stress on various health conditions.
•  Investigating disparities in the management and treatment of chronic diseases among different populations.
•  Exploring the genetics of chronic diseases and potential gene therapies.
•  The impact that environmental factors, including pollution, have on the prevalence of chronic diseases.
•  Assessing the long-term health consequences of childhood obesity.
•  Strategies for improving the quality of life for individuals living with chronic diseases.
•  The importance of maintaining a healthy level of physical activity and exercise for both the prevention and treatment of chronic illnesses.
•  Investigating innovative treatments and therapies for chronic diseases, such as gene editing and personalized medicine.

Healthcare Policy and Access Research Topics

• Assessing how the Affordable Care Act affects healthcare access and outcomes.
•  Telehealth’s impact on rural healthcare access.
•  Investigating the cost-effectiveness of various healthcare payment models (e.g., single-payer, private insurance).
•  Assessing healthcare disparities among different racial and socioeconomic groups.
•  The influence of political ideologies on healthcare policy and access.
•  Healthcare professional shortage solutions, including nurses and doctors.
•  The impact of malpractice reform on healthcare quality and access.
•  Examining the role of pharmaceutical pricing and regulation in healthcare access.
•  The use of technology in streamlining healthcare administration and improving access.
•  Exploring the intersection of healthcare policy, ethics, and patient rights.

Environmental Health Research Topics

• The impact of climate change on public health, including increased heat-related illnesses and vector-borne diseases.
•  Studying air pollution’s effects on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
•  Assessing the health consequences of exposure to environmental toxins and pollutants.
•  Exploring the role of green spaces and urban planning in promoting public health.
•  The impact of water quality and sanitation on community health.
•  Strategies for minimizing the health risks linked with natural catastrophes and extreme weather events.
•  Investigating the health implications of food and water security in vulnerable populations.
•  The influence of environmental justice on health disparities.
•  Evaluating the benefits of renewable energy sources in reducing air pollution and promoting health.
•  The role of public policy in addressing environmental health concerns.

Infectious Disease Research Topics

• Tracking the evolution and spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19.
•  Investigating the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns in preventing outbreaks.
•  Antimicrobial resistance and strategies to combat it.
•  Assessing the role of vector-borne diseases in global health, such as malaria and Zika virus.
•  The impact of travel and globalization on the spread of infectious diseases.
•  Strategies for early detection and containment of emerging infectious diseases.
•  The role of hygiene and sanitation in reducing infectious disease transmission.
•  Investigating the cultural factors that influence infectious disease prevention and treatment.
•  The use of technology in disease surveillance and response.
• Examining the ethical and legal considerations in managing infectious disease outbreaks.

Women’s Health Research Topics

• Exploring the gender-specific health issues faced by women, such as reproductive health and menopause.
• Investigating the impact of hormonal contraception on women’s health.
• Assessing the barriers to accessing quality maternal healthcare in low-income countries.
• The role of gender-based violence in women’s mental and physical health.
• Strategies for promoting women’s sexual health and reproductive rights.
• Exploring the relationship between breast cancer and genetics.
• The influence of body image and societal pressures on women’s mental health.
• Investigating healthcare disparities among different groups of women, including racial and ethnic disparities.
• Strategies for improving access to women’s healthcare services, including family planning and prenatal care.
• The use of telemedicine and technology to address women’s health needs, especially in remote areas.

Children’s Health Research Topics

• The impact of early childhood nutrition on long-term health and development.
• Environmental toxin exposure and child health.
• Assessing the role of parenting styles in children’s mental and emotional well-being.
• Strategies for preventing and managing childhood obesity.
• The influence of media and technology on children’s physical and mental health.
• Exploring the challenges faced by children with chronic illnesses and disabilities.
• The relevance of early child mental wellness and developmental condition intervention.
• Investigating the role of schools in promoting children’s health and well-being.
• Strategies for addressing child healthcare disparities, including access to vaccines and preventive care.
• Adverse childhood experiences and adult health.

Aging and Gerontology Research Topics

• Investigating the factors contributing to healthy aging and longevity.
• Assessing the impact of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease on elderly individuals and their families.
• Strategies for improving elder care services and addressing the aging population’s healthcare needs.
• Exploring the social isolation and mental health challenges faced by the elderly.
• The importance of nutrition and exercise in old age.
• Investigating the impact of age-related chronic diseases, such as arthritis and osteoporosis.
• Assessing the financial and ethical aspects of end-of-life care for the elderly.
• Strategies for promoting intergenerational relationships and support networks.
• The influence of cultural differences on aging and health outcomes.
• Exploring technology and innovation in elder care, including assistive devices and telemedicine.

Health Technology and Innovation Research Topics

• The impact of telemedicine and virtual health platforms on patient care and outcomes.
• Investigating the use of wearable health technology in monitoring and managing chronic conditions.
• Assessing the ethical and privacy considerations of health data collection through technology.
• Investigating medical diagnoses and treatment with AI and ML.
• The role of robotics in healthcare, including surgical procedures and elder care.
• Investigating the use of 3D printing in healthcare, such as prosthetics and medical devices.
• The influence of mobile health apps on patient engagement and self-care.
• Strategies for implementing electronic health records (EHRs) and interoperability.
• The impact of precision medicine and genomics on personalized healthcare.
• Exploring the future of healthcare delivery through telehealth, remote monitoring, and AI-driven diagnostics.

Global Health Research Topics

• Investigating the challenges of global health equity and healthcare access in low- and middle-income countries.
• Assessing the effectiveness of international health organizations in addressing global health crises.
• Resource-limited mother and child health strategies.
• Exploring the impact of infectious diseases in global health, including tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.
• The role of clean water and sanitation in improving global health outcomes.
• Investigating the social determinants of health in different global regions.
• Assessing the impact of humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts on public health.
• Strategies for combating malnutrition and food insecurity in developing countries.
• The influence of climate change on global health, including the spread of vector-borne diseases.
• Exploring innovative approaches to global health, such as community health workers and telemedicine initiatives.
• Exploring the artificial intelligence and machine learning in medical treatment.

Health Disparities and Equity Research Topics

• The impact of socioeconomic status on healthcare access and health outcomes.
• Strategies to decrease racial and ethnic disparities in maternal and child health.
• LGBTQ+ healthcare disparities and interventions for equitable care.
• Health disparities among rural and urban populations in developed and developing countries.
• Cultural competence in healthcare and its role in reducing disparities.
• The intersection of gender, race, and socioeconomic status in health disparities.
• Addressing health disparities in the elderly population.
• The role of discrimination in perpetuating health inequities.
• Strategies to improve healthcare access for individuals with disabilities.
• The impact of COVID-19 on health disparities and lessons learned for future pandemics.

Cancer Research Topics

• Advancements in precision medicine for personalized cancer treatment.
• Immunotherapy breakthroughs in cancer treatment.
• Environmental factors and cancer risk: A comprehensive review.
• The role of genomics in understanding cancer susceptibility.
• Cancer treatment and survivorship, as well as quality of life following cancer therapy.
• The economics of cancer treatment and its impact on patients.
• Cancer prevention and early detection strategies in underserved communities.
• Palliative care and end-of-life decisions in cancer patients.
• Emerging trends in cancer epidemiology and global burden.
• Ethical considerations in cancer clinical trials and research.

Pharmaceutical Research Topics

• Repurposing existing medications in order to address uncommon illnesses.
• The impact of nanotechnology in drug delivery and targeting.
• Pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine: Current status and future prospects.
• Challenges and opportunities in developing vaccines for emerging infectious diseases.
• Quality control and safety in the pharmaceutical manufacturing process.
• Drug pricing and access: A global perspective.
• Green chemistry approaches in sustainable pharmaceutical development.
• The part that artificial intelligence plays in the search for new drugs and their development.
• Biopharmaceuticals and the future of protein-based therapies.
• Regulatory challenges in ensuring drug safety and efficacy.

Epidemiology Research Topics

• Emerging infectious diseases and global preparedness.
• The COVID-19 pandemic will have long-term effect on the health of the general population.
• Social determinants of health and their impact on disease prevalence.
• Environmental epidemiology and the study of health effects of pollution.
• Big data and its role in modern epidemiological research.
• Spatial epidemiology and the study of disease clusters.
• Epidemiological aspects of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and obesity.
• Genetic epidemiology and the study of hereditary diseases.
• Epidemiological methods for studying mental health disorders.
• Epidemiology of zoonotic diseases and their prevention.

Alternative and Complementary Medicine Research Topics

• Efficacy and safety of herbal remedies in complementary medicine.
• Mind-body interventions and their role in managing chronic pain.
• Acupuncture and its potential in the treatment of various conditions.
• Integrating traditional and complementary medicine into mainstream healthcare.
• Yoga and meditation for stress reduction and mental health.
• Biofield therapies and their impact on well-being.
• Ayurvedic medicine and its modern applications in health and wellness.
• Chiropractic care and its use in musculoskeletal health.
• Ethical considerations in the practice and regulation of alternative medicine.
• Integrating traditional Chinese medicine into Western healthcare systems.

Occupational Health and Safety Research Topics

• Occupational hazards in healthcare settings and strategies for prevention.
• The impact of remote work on occupational health and well-being.
• Ergonomics and its role in preventing workplace injuries.
• Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals and long-term health effects.
• Mental health in the office: Stress, burnout, and interventions.
• Occupational safety in the construction industry: Recent developments.
• Role of technology in enhancing workplace safety.
• Occupational health disparities among different industries and occupations.
• The economics of workplace safety and the cost-benefit analysis.
• Business impacts of OSHA regulations.

Addiction and Substance Abuse Research Topics

• The opioid epidemic: Current status and future strategies.
• Dual diagnosis: Co-occurring mental health disorders and substance abuse.
• Harm reduction approaches in addiction treatment.
• The role of family and social support in addiction recovery.
• Behavioral addictions: Understanding and treating non-substance-related addictions.
• Novel pharmacotherapies for addiction treatment.
• The impact of COVID-19 on substance abuse and addiction.
• Substance abuse prevention programs in schools and communities.
• Stigmatization of addiction and its impact on treatment-seeking behavior.
• Substance abuse in the elderly population: Unique challenges and solutions.

Biomedical Research Topics

• Recent advancements in gene editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9).
• Regenerative medicine and tissue engineering for organ replacement.
• Bioinformatics and its role in analyzing large-scale biological data.
• Stem cell research and its important applications in regenerative medicine.
• Biomarker discovery for early disease detection and monitoring.
• Precision medicine and its potential to transform healthcare.
• The microbiome and its impacts on human health and disease.
• Aging-related research and interventions for healthy aging.
• Neurodegenerative diseases and potential therapeutic approaches.
• Biomedical ethics in the age of cutting-edge research.

Maternal and Child Health Research Topics

• The influence of the mother’s nutrition on the development and health of the fetus.
• Maternal mental health and its positive effects on child development.
• Preterm birth prevention and interventions for at-risk pregnancies.
• Neonatal screening and early diagnosis of congenital diseases.
• Breastfeeding promotion and support for new mothers.
• Pediatric immunization programs and vaccine hesitancy.
• Child obesity prevention and intervention strategies.
• Maternal and child health in low-resource and conflict-affected areas.
• Maternal mortality reduction and improving access to obstetric care.
• Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their long-term health consequences.

Mental Health Stigma Research Topics

• Understanding the origins and perpetuation of mental health stigma.
• Media and pop culture’s impact on mental disease views.
• Reducing stigma in the workplace and promoting mental health support.
• Stigma associated with specific mental health conditions (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder).
• Intersectionality and how it influences mental health stigma.
• Anti-stigma campaigns and their effectiveness in changing public attitudes.
• Stigma in online communities and the role of social media in shaping opinions.
• Cultural and cross-cultural perspectives on mental health stigma.
• The impact of self-stigma on individuals seeking mental health treatment.
• Legislative and policy efforts to combat mental health stigma.

Health Education and Promotion Research Topics

• Health literacy and its impact on informed decision-making.
• Promoting healthy behaviors in schools and educational settings.
• Social marketing campaigns for health behavior change.
• Community-based health promotion programs in underserved areas.
• The role of technology and social media in health education.
• Tailoring health messages to diverse populations and cultural sensitivity.
• The use of behavioral economics in health promotion strategies.
• Investigating the effectiveness of school-based sex education programs.
• Health education for the elderly population: Challenges and solutions.
• Promoting mental health awareness and resilience through education.

Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety Research Topics

• Patient-centered care and its impact on healthcare quality.
• Reducing medical errors and negative events in healthcare settings.
• Continuous quality improvement in healthcare organizations.
• The role of healthcare accreditation in ensuring quality and safety.
• Patient engagement and shared decision-making in healthcare.
• Electronic health records and patient safety.
• The ethics of telling patients and families about medical blunders.
• Medication safety and preventing adverse drug events.
• Cultural competence in healthcare and its effect on patient safety.
• Disaster preparedness and response in healthcare settings.

Health Informatics and Data Analytics Research Topics

• Big data analytics in healthcare for predictive modeling.
• Artificial intelligence in medical image analysis and diagnostics.
• Health information exchange and interoperability challenges.
• Electronic health record (EHR) usability and user satisfaction.
• Patient data privacy and security in health informatics.
• Telemedicine and its impact on healthcare delivery and data management.
• Real-time monitoring and data analytics for disease outbreaks.
• Health informatics applications in personalized medicine.
• Natural language processing for clinical notes and text analysis.
• The role of data analyticsin enhancing healthcare quality and outcomes.

Neurological Disorders Research Topics

• Neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s).
• Stroke prevention and rehabilitation strategies.
• Advances in brain imaging techniques for diagnosing neurological disorders.
• Pediatric neurological disorders: Diagnosis and intervention.
• Neurogenetics and the role of genetics in neurological conditions.
• Traumatic brain injury: Long-term effects and rehabilitation.
• Neurorehabilitation and quality of life improvement in patients with neurological disorders.
• Neurological consequences of long COVID and post-viral syndromes.
• The gut-brain connection and its implications for neurological health.
• Ethical considerations in neurological research and treatment.

Bioethics in Health Research Topics

• Informed consent and its challenges in clinical trials and research.
• Ethical considerations in human genome editing and gene therapy.
• Allocation of healthcare resources and the principles of distributive justice.
• The ethics of organ transplantation and organ trafficking.
• End-of-life decision-making, including physician-assisted suicide.
• Ethical issues in the use of Artficial intelligence in healthcare decision-making.
• Research involving vulnerable populations: Balancing benefits and risks.
• Ethical considerations in global health research and disparities.
• Ethical implications of emerging biotechnologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9.
• Autonomy and decision-making capacity in healthcare ethics.

Read More 

• Biology Research Topics
• Neuroscience Research Topics

Points To Be Remembered While Selecting Health Related Research Topics

When selecting a health-related research topic, there are several important considerations to keep in mind to ensure your research is meaningful and effective. Here are 7 key points to remember:

• Interest and Passion: Choose a topic that is according to your interests you, as your enthusiasm will fuel your research.
• Relevance: Ensure your topic addresses a real health issue or concern that can make a positive impact.
• Resources Availability: Confirm that you have access to the necessary materials and information for your research.
• Manageability: Pick a topic that is not too broad, ensuring it’s something you can investigate thoroughly.
• Guidance: Seek advice from experts or mentors to refine your topic and receive valuable insights.
• Ethical Considerations : Always consider the ethical implications of your research and ensure it complies with ethical guidelines.
• Feasibility: Ensure that the research can be completed within the available time and resources.

In the ever-evolving landscape of health research, selecting the right topic is the foundation for meaningful contributions. This blog has provided a roadmap for choosing health-related research topics, emphasizing the importance of personal interest, relevance, available resources, manageability, and expert guidance. Additionally, it has offered 300+ research topics across various domains, including mental health, public health, nutrition, chronic diseases, healthcare policy, and more. 

In addition, with these insights, researchers, students, and healthcare professionals can embark on journeys that not only align with their passions but also address critical healthcare challenges. By making informed choices, we can collectively advance the frontiers of health and well-being.

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Research Topics & Ideas: Public Health

50 Topic Ideas To Kickstart Your Research Project

If you’re just starting out exploring public health and/or epidemiology-related topics for your dissertation, thesis or research project, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll help kickstart your research by providing a hearty list of research ideas , including examples from recent studies in public health and epidemiology.

PS – This is just the start…

We know it’s exciting to run through a list of research topics, but please keep in mind that this list is just a starting point . These topic ideas provided here are intentionally broad and generic , so keep in mind that you will need to develop them further. Nevertheless, they should inspire some ideas for your project.

To develop a suitable research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , and a viable plan to fill that gap. If this sounds foreign to you, check out our free research topic webinar that explores how to find and refine a high-quality research topic, from scratch. Alternatively, consider our 1-on-1 coaching service .

Public Health-Related Research Topics

• Evaluating the impact of community-based obesity prevention programs in urban areas.
• Analyzing the effectiveness of public smoking bans on respiratory health outcomes.
• Investigating the role of health education in reducing the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.
• The impact of air pollution on asthma rates in industrial cities.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of school nutrition programs on childhood obesity rates.
• The role of public health policies in addressing mental health stigma.
• Analyzing the impact of clean water access on infectious disease rates in rural communities.
• The effectiveness of needle exchange programs in reducing the spread of hepatitis C.
• Investigating the impact of social determinants on maternal and child health in low-income neighborhoods.
• The role of digital health interventions in managing chronic diseases.
• Analyzing the effectiveness of workplace wellness programs on employee health and productivity.
• The impact of urban green spaces on community mental health.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns in preventing outbreaks of infectious diseases.
• The role of public health initiatives in reducing alcohol-related harm.
• Analyzing the impact of aging populations on healthcare systems.
• Analyzing the impact of urbanization on mental health disorders in metropolitan areas.
• The effectiveness of telemedicine services in improving healthcare access in remote regions.
• Investigating the health impacts of electronic waste recycling practices.
• The role of health literacy in managing non-communicable diseases in aging populations.
• Evaluating the public health response to opioid addiction in rural communities.
• Analyzing the relationship between housing quality and respiratory illnesses.
• The effectiveness of community engagement in improving reproductive health services.
• Investigating the health effects of long-term exposure to low-level environmental radiation.
• The role of public health campaigns in reducing the prevalence of tobacco use among teenagers.
• Analyzing the impact of food deserts on nutritional outcomes in urban communities.

Epidemiology Research Ideas (Continued)

• Investigating the epidemiology of antibiotic-resistant infections in hospital settings.
• The impact of climate change on the spread of vector-borne diseases.
• Evaluating the factors contributing to the rise in type 2 diabetes prevalence.
• Analyzing the epidemiology of mental health disorders in conflict zones.
• The role of epidemiological surveillance in pandemic preparedness and response.
• Investigating the link between environmental exposures and the incidence of childhood cancers.
• The impact of dietary patterns on the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of intervention strategies in controlling obesity epidemics.
• Analyzing the spread and control of zoonotic diseases in rural communities.
• The role of genetic factors in the epidemiology of autoimmune diseases.
• Investigating the socio-economic disparities in cancer incidence and outcomes.
• The impact of urbanization on the epidemiology of infectious diseases.
• Evaluating the public health consequences of occupational exposures to hazardous substances.
• Analyzing the trends and determinants of mental health disorders among adolescents.
• The role of lifestyle factors in the epidemiology of neurodegenerative diseases.
• Investigating the patterns of mental health service utilization during economic recessions.
• The epidemiology of sports-related concussions in youth athletics.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of public health interventions in reducing the spread of tuberculosis in high-risk populations.
• Analyzing the geographic distribution of Lyme disease in relation to climate change.
• The role of international travel in the spread of emerging infectious diseases.
• Investigating the demographic predictors of chronic kidney disease in population-based studies.
• The epidemiological impact of air pollution on asthma and other respiratory conditions.
• Evaluating the long-term health effects of exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
• Analyzing the incidence and risk factors of post-traumatic stress disorder in first responders.
• The role of socioeconomic status in the prevalence and management of diabetes.

Recent Studies: Public Health & Epidemiology

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual studies in the public health and epidemiology space to see how this all comes together in practice.

Below, we’ve included a selection of recent studies to help refine your thinking. These are actual studies,  so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• Tutorials in population neuroimaging: Using epidemiology in neuroimaging research (Godina et al., 2022)
• Application of Big Data in Digital Epidemiology (Naaz & Siddiqui, 2022)
• Response to comment on: Incidence of ocular and systemic disease affecting visual function among state bus drivers (Kohli et al., 2022)
• Why epidemiology is incomplete without qualitative and mixed methods (Lane-Fall, 2023)
• Teaching epidemiology: An overview of strategies and considerations (Hossain, 2022)
• Social Epidemiology: Past, Present, and Future (Roux, 2022)
• Population health assessment project: An innovative strategy for teaching principles of epidemiology (Keen et al., 2022)
• The functions of veterinary epidemiology in public health (Shaffi, 2023)
• Readying the Applied Epidemiology Workforce for Emerging Areas of
• Public Health Practice (Daly et al., 2022)
• Some Social Epidemiologic Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic (Schnake-Mahl & Bilal, 2023)
• The Filth Disease: Typhoid Fever and the Practices of Epidemiology in Victorian England by Jacob Steere-Williams (review) (Steere-Williams et al., 2022)
• Epidemiology of Adult Obesity, Measurements, Global Prevalence and Risk Factors (Orukwowu, 2022).
• Which disciplines form digital public health, and how do they relate to each other? (Pan, 2022)
• Information Flow and Data Gaps in COVID-19 Recording and Reporting at National and Provincial Levels in Indonesia (Barsasella et al., 2022). Epidemiology Blog of Neal D. Goldstein, PhD, MBI (Goldstein, 2023)
• Sensitivity analysis of SEIR epidemic model of Covid 19 spread in Indonesia (Rangkuti et al., 2022)

As you can see, these research topics are a lot more focused than the generic topic ideas we presented earlier. So, for you to develop a high-quality research topic, you’ll need to get specific and laser-focused on a specific context with specific variables of interest.  In the video below, we explore some other important things you’ll need to consider when crafting your research topic.

Get 1-On-1 Help

If you’re still unsure about how to find a quality research topic, check out our Research Topic Kickstarter service, which is the perfect starting point for developing a unique, well-justified research topic.

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Health care articles from across Nature Portfolio

Health care is the discipline concerned with the provision and delivery of health services to a patient population by personnel in professional and allied health occupations.

Large language models for reducing clinicians’ documentation burden

Evaluation of a clinical summarization method based on GPT-4 suggests that such models might reduce the documentation burden on clinicians — but prospective evaluation with high-priority tasks will be the true test of its potential.

• Kirk Roberts

Blood glucose concentration measurement without finger pricking

A new sensor that detects optoacoustic signals generated by mid-infrared light enables measurement of glucose concentration from intracutaneous tissue rich in blood. This technology does not rely on glucose measurements in interstitial fluid or blood sampling and might yield the next generation of non-invasive glucose-sensing devices for improved diabetes management.

Anti-ageing antibodies revive the immune system

Depleting an expanding pool of aberrant stem cells in aged mice using antibody therapy has been shown to rebalance blood cell production, diminish age-associated inflammation and strengthen acquired immune responses.

• Yasar Arfat T. Kasu
• Robert A. J. Signer

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Priorities in school eye health in low and middle-income countries a scoping review

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Small extracellular vesicles from the infarcted heart can promote tumour growth

After myocardial infarction, the heart secretes small extracellular vesicles with pro-neoplastic properties that can accelerate tumour growth when taken up by cancer cells.

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Interventional thrombus modification in STEMI

In ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, the role of interventional modification of thrombi in the coronary arteries before stenting is controversial. However, innovations in stroke intervention have sparked renewed interest in thrombus modification approaches. We discuss current and emerging techniques to extract or disperse thrombi, aiming to reduce downstream embolization, microvascular obstruction and myocardial injury.

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Improving culturally safe engagement with sexual and gender minority populations

Cultural safety seeks to remediate health inequities through empowering marginalized and minoritized patient populations, minimizing implicit bias and incorporating social determinants of health into practice. Here, we propose a cultural safety framework to guide communication with patients from sexual and gender minorities.

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Nih research matters.

December 22, 2021

2021 Research Highlights — Human Health Advances

Disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

With NIH support, scientists across the United States and around the world conduct wide-ranging research to discover ways to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability. Groundbreaking NIH-funded research often receives top scientific honors. In 2021, these honors included Nobel Prizes to five NIH-supported scientists . Here’s just a small sample of the NIH-supported research accomplishments in 2021.

Printer-friendly version of full 2021 NIH Research Highlights

20210309-covid.jpg

COVID-19 spread and vaccines

NIH researchers continued to make scientific breakthroughs to help control the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies of spread suggested strategies for controlling infections . Research also revealed who was most at risk of becoming severely ill from COVID-19: nearly two-thirds of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the U.S. were due to obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure . Wide-spread vaccine rollouts slowed the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, developed with NIH, proved to be 94% effective against symptomatic COVID-19 . Six months later, people who had been vaccinated still showed signs of immunity . COVID-19 vaccines saved an estimated 140,000 lives through May 2021, and hundreds of thousands more have been saved since. As SARS-CoV-2 mutated and new variants became common, scientists conducted studies on booster doses of vaccine. These suggested that COVID-19 boosters not only lengthen immunity but help broaden and strengthen the immune response to protect against a wide variety of variants.

20210316-diabetes.jpg

Drug delays type 1 diabetes onset

In type 1 diabetes, the immune system’s T cells attack the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Those affected need insulin treatment to survive. In a clinical trial of people at risk of developing type 1 diabetes (with a median age of 13), the drug teplizumab delayed disease onset and improved insulin production. The findings support the use of the drug for delaying or preventing type 1 diabetes.

20210727-gene.jpg

Gene therapy effective in human trials

Advances in gene therapy are showing promise for people with life-threatening conditions. Using gene therapy, researchers were able to introduce a healthy copy of a disease-causing gene and restore immune system function in children with a rare genetic disorder called severe combined immunodeficiency, or SCID. In another study, researchers safely delivered gene therapy to the brain to treat a debilitating neurological disease for which there are no effective treatments.

20210209-diet-thumb.jpg

Low-fat diet compared to low-carb diet

There has been a great deal of debate over what aspects of our diets affect weight control. A carefully controlled study found that people ate fewer calories per day and lost more weight on a plant-based, low-fat diet compared to an animal-based, low-carb diet. However, the low-fat diet led to higher insulin and blood sugar levels, which can be risk factors for heart disease. The findings reveal how restricting dietary carbohydrates or fats may impact health.

20210420-malnutrition-thumb.jpg

Supplement targets gut microbes to boost growth in malnourished children

The effects of childhood malnutrition can cause lifelong health problems. Researchers found that a supplement designed to repair the gut microbiome—the bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the digestive system—helped malnourished children. Those given the supplement gained more weight than children on a standard nutritional supplement. The experimental supplement also raised levels of proteins in the blood associated with bone, cartilage, and brain health.

202101004-kidney.jpg

Test may help reduce racial disparities in kidney disease

A common blood test for kidney function measures a protein called creatinine. But Black Americans generally have higher amounts of creatinine. As a result, doctors take race into account when testing for kidney disease. A study showed that measuring levels of another protein called cystatin C can accurately estimate kidney function without needing to take race into account. A race-blind method for estimating kidney function could more effectively identify chronic kidney disease.

20210713-malaria.jpg

Malaria vaccines provide strong and lasting immunity

Malaria is caused by parasites transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Researchers developed a vaccine approach that uses live sporozoites, the infectious form of the malaria parasite, along with a drug that kills the parasite. In a small trial, the approach led to broad, long-lasting protection against malaria. The strategy is now being tested in real-world conditions in a Phase 2 clinical trial in Mali.

20210727-speak-screenshot.jpg

Devices in the brain help paralyzed people communicate

Technological advances are enabling people who have lost the ability to move or speak to communicate again. Scientists developed a device to decode brain activity into words in real time , allowing a person with paralysis to communicate in complete sentences. Another system quickly translates brain signals for imagined handwriting into text . These systems could make communication for people with severe paralysis more natural and efficient.

2021 Research Highlights — Promising Medical Findings >>

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Healthcare Research Paper Topics

In this page, we provide a comprehensive list of healthcare research paper topics , expert advice on selecting compelling topics, guidance on writing an impactful research paper, and information about iResearchNet’s writing services. By exploring these resources, students in the health sciences field can choose relevant and significant healthcare research paper topics, develop their papers effectively, and access professional writing assistance to excel in their academic endeavors.

100 Healthcare Research Paper Topics

The field of healthcare research encompasses a vast array of topics that are crucial for understanding, improving, and transforming healthcare practices. As students in the health sciences, you have the opportunity to explore these diverse areas and contribute to the knowledge base of healthcare research. This comprehensive list aims to inspire and guide you in selecting healthcare research paper topics that align with your interests and academic goals. The topics are divided into ten distinct categories, each containing ten thought-provoking and relevant research ideas. Let this list serve as a springboard for your exploration and a catalyst for impactful research in the dynamic field of healthcare.

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1. Healthcare Policy and Management

• The Impact of Health Policies on Access to Care
• Assessing the Effectiveness of Health Insurance Programs
• Analyzing the Role of Healthcare Leadership in Quality Improvement
• Exploring Strategies for Healthcare Cost Containment
• Investigating the Relationship Between Healthcare Regulations and Patient Outcomes
• Evaluating the Impact of Electronic Health Records on Healthcare Delivery
• Examining the Role of Public-Private Partnerships in Healthcare
• Analyzing the Influence of Political Factors on Healthcare Decision-Making
• Assessing the Ethical Implications of Resource Allocation in Healthcare
• Investigating the Effectiveness of Health Promotion Programs in Primary Care Settings

2. Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues

• Analyzing the Ethical Challenges of Healthcare Research Involving Human Subjects
• Exploring the Impact of Cultural and Religious Beliefs on Healthcare Decision-Making
• Examining Legal Issues in End-of-Life Care and Advance Directives
• Investigating the Ethical Implications of Genetic Testing and Personalized Medicine
• Assessing the Ethical Dilemmas in Access to Experimental Treatments
• Exploring the Role of Ethics Committees in Healthcare Organizations
• Analyzing the Intersection of Healthcare Ethics and Artificial Intelligence
• Evaluating the Legal and Ethical Implications of Telemedicine
• Investigating the Ethics of Healthcare Resource Allocation during Public Health Emergencies
• Examining the Legal and Ethical Issues of Patient Privacy in the Digital Age

3. Healthcare Technology and Innovation

• Assessing the Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Diagnostics
• Exploring the Potential of Wearable Devices for Remote Patient Monitoring
• Investigating the Role of Big Data Analytics in Healthcare Decision-Making
• Analyzing the Use of Robotics in Surgery and Patient Care
• Examining the Impact of Telehealth on Healthcare Access and Delivery
• Evaluating the Benefits and Challenges of Electronic Health Records Implementation
• Exploring the Applications of Virtual Reality in Healthcare Education and Training
• Investigating the Role of Mobile Health Applications in Health Behavior Change
• Assessing the Potential of Blockchain Technology in Healthcare Data Security
• Analyzing the Ethical and Social Implications of Genetic Engineering in Healthcare

4. Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety

• Evaluating the Impact of Patient-Centered Care on Health Outcomes
• Analyzing the Role of Quality Improvement Initiatives in Reducing Medical Errors
• Assessing the Effectiveness of Medication Safety Practices in Healthcare Settings
• Exploring Strategies to Improve Healthcare Communication and Interprofessional Collaboration
• Investigating the Relationship Between Nursing Workforce and Patient Safety
• Examining the Impact of Clinical Practice Guidelines on Healthcare Quality
• Analyzing the Role of Patient Engagement in Enhancing Healthcare Quality
• Evaluating the Effectiveness of Lean Six Sigma in Healthcare Process Improvement
• Exploring the Role of Health Information Technology in Enhancing Patient Safety
• Investigating the Influence of Organizational Culture on Healthcare Quality and Safety

5. Mental Health and Psychological Well-being

• Analyzing the Impact of Stigma on Mental Health Help-Seeking Behavior
• Exploring the Effectiveness of Psychotherapy Approaches in Treating Mental Health Disorders
• Assessing the Role of Early Intervention in Preventing Mental Health Disorders
• Investigating the Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Mental Health Outcomes
• Examining the Intersection of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Disorders
• Evaluating the Impact of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Psychological Well-being
• Exploring the Role of Social Support in Mental Health Recovery
• Analyzing the Effectiveness of Mental Health Awareness Campaigns
• Investigating the Influence of Cultural Factors on Mental Health Help-Seeking Behavior
• Examining the Mental Health Needs and Challenges among Specific Populations (e.g., LGBTQ+, Veterans, Refugees)

6. Chronic Diseases and their Management

• Assessing the Impact of Lifestyle Factors on Chronic Disease Prevention and Management
• Exploring the Role of Community-Based Interventions in Chronic Disease Control
• Investigating the Relationship Between Social Determinants of Health and Chronic Disease Burden
• Analyzing the Use of Digital Health Technologies in Chronic Disease Management
• Examining the Impact of Health Literacy on Chronic Disease Outcomes
• Evaluating the Effectiveness of Self-Management Programs for Chronic Conditions
• Exploring the Role of Healthcare Providers in Chronic Disease Prevention and Management
• Analyzing the Impact of Health Policies on Chronic Disease Prevention Efforts
• Investigating the Relationship Between Mental Health and Chronic Disease Management
• Examining the Disparities in Access to Chronic Disease Care and Treatment

7. Healthcare Disparities and Access to Care

• Analyzing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Healthcare Access and Quality
• Exploring the Role of Socioeconomic Factors in Healthcare Disparities
• Assessing the Impact of Geographic Location on Healthcare Access and Health Outcomes
• Investigating Gender Disparities in Healthcare Utilization and Treatment
• Examining the Influence of Health Insurance Status on Healthcare Disparities
• Evaluating the Effectiveness of Culturally Competent Care in Reducing Disparities
• Exploring the Relationship Between Language Barriers and Healthcare Access
• Analyzing the Impact of Implicit Bias on Healthcare Disparities
• Investigating the Role of Health Literacy in Healthcare Disparities
• Examining the Disparities in Mental Health Services and Access to Mental Healthcare

8. Healthcare Education and Training

• Assessing the Effectiveness of Simulation-Based Training in Healthcare Education
• Exploring the Role of Interprofessional Education in Improving Collaborative Practice
• Investigating the Impact of Technology-Enhanced Learning in Healthcare Education
• Analyzing the Use of Gamification in Healthcare Training and Skill Development
• Examining the Role of Continuing Education in Enhancing Healthcare Providers’ Competence
• Evaluating the Effectiveness of Mentorship Programs in Healthcare Education
• Exploring Strategies to Address Cultural Competence in Healthcare Education
• Analyzing the Role of Reflective Practice in Healthcare Professional Development
• Investigating the Use of Team-Based Learning in Healthcare Education
• Examining the Impact of Experiential Learning in Healthcare Training Programs

9. Public Health and Preventive Medicine

• Assessing the Impact of Vaccination Programs on Public Health Outcomes
• Exploring the Role of Health Promotion Campaigns in Preventing Non-communicable Diseases
• Investigating the Effectiveness of Community-Based Interventions in Disease Prevention
• Analyzing the Impact of Environmental Factors on Public Health
• Examining the Role of Social Determinants of Health in Health Disparities
• Evaluating the Effectiveness of Public Health Policies in Tobacco Control
• Exploring Strategies for Preventing and Managing Infectious Diseases
• Analyzing the Role of Health Education in Promoting Healthy Lifestyles
• Investigating the Influence of Media on Public Health Perceptions and Behaviors
• Examining the Challenges and Opportunities in Global Health Initiatives

10. Emerging Topics in Healthcare Research

• Assessing the Implications of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
• Exploring the Role of Precision Medicine in Personalized Healthcare
• Investigating the Impact of Genomic Research on Healthcare Delivery
• Analyzing the Use of Telemedicine in Rural and Underserved Areas
• Examining the Integration of Traditional and Complementary Medicine in Healthcare
• Evaluating the Potential of Digital Therapeutics in Disease Management
• Exploring the Ethical Considerations of Gene Editing Technologies in Healthcare
• Analyzing the Influence of Social Media on Healthcare Decision-Making
• Investigating the Role of Health Information Exchange in Coordinated Care
• Examining the Implications of Health Equity in Healthcare Research and Practice

This comprehensive list of healthcare research paper topics encompasses a wide range of areas within the healthcare field. Each category offers diverse research ideas that can inspire students in the health sciences to explore pressing issues, propose innovative solutions, and contribute to the advancement of healthcare knowledge. Whether you are interested in healthcare policy, ethics, technology, mental health, chronic diseases, healthcare disparities, education, public health, or emerging healthcare research paper topics, this list serves as a valuable resource to kickstart your research journey. Choose a topic that resonates with you, aligns with your academic goals, and enables you to make a meaningful impact in the field of healthcare research. Remember, the pursuit of knowledge and the drive to improve healthcare practices are at the heart of your journey as a student in the health sciences.

Choosing Healthcare Research Paper Topics

Choosing the right healthcare research paper topic is a crucial step in conducting a successful and impactful study. With the vast array of healthcare issues and areas to explore, it can be challenging to narrow down your focus. To help you navigate this process effectively, we have compiled expert advice and ten essential tips for selecting compelling healthcare research paper topics. Consider these insights as you embark on your research journey in the dynamic field of healthcare:

• Follow Your Passion : Choose a topic that genuinely interests you. Passion and enthusiasm will drive your motivation, ensuring that you remain engaged throughout the research process.
• Stay Informed : Keep up with the latest healthcare trends, emerging issues, and ongoing debates. Stay informed through reputable sources, academic journals, conferences, and professional networks to identify current and relevant research gaps.
• Identify a Research Gap : Conduct a thorough literature review to identify areas where there is a need for further research. Look for unanswered questions, controversies, or gaps in knowledge that you can address in your study.
• Consider Relevance and Significance : Choose a topic that is relevant to current healthcare challenges or contributes to improving healthcare practices, policies, or patient outcomes. Aim for a topic that has real-world implications and societal impact.
• Delve into Specific Areas : Narrow down your focus by selecting a specific aspect or subtopic within the broad field of healthcare. This allows for a more focused and in-depth analysis of the chosen area.
• Consult with Your Advisor or Faculty : Seek guidance from your research advisor or faculty members who specialize in healthcare research. They can provide valuable insights, help you refine your topic, and direct you to relevant literature and resources.
• Brainstorm with Peers : Engage in discussions with your peers and classmates to explore different perspectives and gain inspiration. Collaborative brainstorming sessions can generate new ideas and offer fresh insights.
• Consider Ethical Considerations : Take ethical considerations into account when selecting a healthcare research topic. Ensure that your research adheres to ethical guidelines and respects the rights and privacy of participants, especially in studies involving human subjects.
• Think Interdisciplinary : Consider interdisciplinary approaches to healthcare research. Explore how other disciplines, such as sociology, psychology, economics, or technology, intersect with healthcare, providing a broader perspective and enhancing the depth of your research.
• Feasibility and Available Resources : Assess the feasibility of your chosen topic, considering the resources, time, and data availability required for your research. Ensure that you have access to relevant data sources, research tools, and necessary support to carry out your study effectively.

By following these expert tips, you will be equipped to choose a healthcare research paper topic that aligns with your interests, is relevant to current healthcare challenges, and has the potential to make a meaningful impact in the field. Remember, selecting the right topic sets the foundation for a successful research endeavor, allowing you to contribute to the advancement of healthcare knowledge and practices.

How to Write a Healthcare Research Paper

Writing a healthcare research paper requires careful planning, organization, and attention to detail. To help you navigate the intricacies of the writing process, we have compiled ten essential tips to guide you towards crafting a well-written and impactful healthcare research paper. Follow these expert recommendations to enhance the quality and effectiveness of your research paper:

• Develop a Clear Research Question : Start by formulating a clear and concise research question that will serve as the central focus of your paper. Ensure that your question is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
• Conduct a Thorough Literature Review : Before diving into your research, conduct a comprehensive literature review to familiarize yourself with existing knowledge on the topic. Identify key theories, concepts, methodologies, and gaps in the literature that your research aims to address.
• Create a Solid Research Design : Design a robust research plan that aligns with your research question. Define your study population, sampling strategy, data collection methods, and statistical analyses. A well-designed research plan enhances the validity and reliability of your findings.
• Collect and Analyze Data : Implement your data collection methods, ensuring ethical considerations and adherence to research protocols. Once collected, analyze the data using appropriate statistical techniques and tools. Provide a clear description of your analytical methods.
• Structure your Paper Effectively : Organize your research paper into logical sections, including an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. Use headings and subheadings to enhance readability and guide the reader through your paper.
• Write a Compelling Introduction : Start your paper with a strong introduction that captures the reader’s attention and provides a concise overview of the research topic, objectives, and significance. Clearly state your research question and the rationale for your study.
• Present Clear and Concise Results : Present your research findings in a clear and concise manner. Use tables, graphs, and figures where appropriate to enhance the readability of your results. Provide a comprehensive interpretation of the results, highlighting key findings and their implications.
• Engage in Critical Analysis and Discussion : Analyze and interpret your findings in the context of existing literature. Discuss the strengths and limitations of your study, addressing potential biases or confounders. Consider alternative explanations and provide a thoughtful discussion of the implications of your findings.
• Follow Proper Citation and Referencing Guidelines : Adhere to the appropriate citation style (such as APA, MLA, or Chicago) consistently throughout your paper. Cite all sources accurately and include a comprehensive list of references at the end of your paper.
• Revise and Edit : Before finalizing your research paper, revise and edit it thoroughly. Pay attention to clarity, coherence, grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Ensure that your arguments flow logically and that your paper is well-structured and cohesive.

By following these tips, you will be well-equipped to write a high-quality healthcare research paper that effectively communicates your findings, contributes to the existing knowledge in the field, and engages readers with your insights and conclusions. Remember to seek feedback from your peers, professors, or research advisors to further refine your paper and ensure its overall excellence.

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Research Topics

Opening health for all: 7 research topics shaping a healthier world.

Despite recognizing health as a fundamental human right, we currently live in a world where half the population can't access the medical care they need , according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In response, World Health Day 2024 rallies under the theme "My health, my right," demanding quality healthcare, clean air, and healthy environments for all.

The call aligns with Sustainable Development Goal #3: good health and well-being , which includes targets such as universal health coverage and strengthening the capacity of all countries, particularly developing countries, for early warning, risk reduction, and management of national and global health risks.

To second this mission, we have picked 7 Research Topics that tackle some of the world's toughest healthcare challenges. These topics cover ensuring everyone's access to healthcare, life-limiting illness as a public health challenge, and the ethical challenges in digital public health.

All articles are openly available to view and download.

1 | Public Health in the Context of Life-Limiting Illnesses: Patient-Centered Care in Advanced and Life-Limiting Illnesses

Palliative care is holistic, person-centered care and has played a critical role in recent disease outbreaks, environmental disasters, and other humanitarian crises. It is also integral to public health and public health strategies.

At least 60% of people who die have a prolonged advanced illness. The need for palliative and end-of-life care will increase due to the rapidly aging world population and the increase of multiple long-term conditions.

Consequentially, this Research Topic discusses advanced and life-limiting illness as a public health challenge. It also explores the role of palliative and end-of-life care, including rehabilitation, in shaping person-centered care.

25,000 views | 16 articles

2 | Ethical Considerations for Digital Public Health

Public health guidelines and policies relating to digital public health are essential to protecting the population. Accessing health services entails an obligation of care, and understanding the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) is also necessary.

That’s why this Research Topic focuses on ethical challenges in digital public health. It highlights advances in public health and the ethical questions that may arise when considering the best practices for tools such as AI and ML.

24,000 views | 10 articles

3 | Cardiovascular Health in Children and Adolescents: Present and future

Cardiovascular disease is the most common chronic non-infectious disease and is ranked as the number one cause of death in the world. Although usually manifested at older ages, massive studies have shown that cardiovascular risk factors are tracked from childhood and adolescence to adulthood.

Good cardiovascular health in childhood and adolescence is thus highly important for preventing the development of cardiovascular disease. With this purpose in mind, we introduce a Research Topic that sheds light on the current situation and future cardiovascular health trends in children and adolescents.

14,000 views | 34 articles

4 | Nutrition and Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing

Good nutrition leads to improved health and well-being, which is one of the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Therefore, this Research Topic focuses on nutrition in this context and other relevant SDGs.

Among others, it covers topics such as nutrition and physical and mental health, the role of nutrition in non-communicable and infectious diseases, universal health coverage, and the influence of data platforms on dietary shifts.

28,000 views | 41 articles

5 | Evidence-based approaches in Aging and Public Health

Aging is having a global and significant impact on health, finance, the economy, and society. It is crucial to have an evidence-based approach to understanding the causes of diseases and preventing or treating them.

In this Research Topic, scientists explore evidence-based medicine applied to aging populations, the application of AI and digital markers for early disease detection, and tools, algorithms, guidelines, and policies to facilitate healthy aging, among other matters.

23,000 views | 15 articles

6 | Education in Public Health: 2022

Public health professionals play a vital role in maintaining the health and well-being of the population by working to prevent disease and ultimately prolong individuals' lives.

These researchers work to influence policy, educate everyone on improving their health, and bridge the inequality gap by encouraging equal opportunities for the whole population.

Considering this reality, this Research Topic addresses the current issues faced by principal investigators, lab managers, and student supervisors who educate and train new and early-stage researchers in the field of public health.

15,000 views | 18 articles

7 | Urban Green Spaces and Human Health

Urban green spaces significantly impact living conditions and public health, which are closely associated with several SDGs, including SDG #3: good health and well-being.

Numerous studies have linked access to green spaces—such as the quality and distribution of green space, distance from home, and diversity of non-human elements—to various aspects of health, including birth weight, body mass index, mental and cardiovascular illnesses, and mortality rates.

Accordingly, this Research Topic focuses on recent advances and research on the theory and application of urban green spaces and human health to enhance urban green space's environmental sustainability and contribute to global fair and inclusive sustainable development.

19,000 views | 17 articles

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Ten Topics to Get Started in Medical Informatics Research

Markus wolfien.

1 Institute for Medical Informatics and Biometry, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany

2 Center for Scalable Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, Dresden, Germany

Najia Ahmadi

3 Core Unit Data Integration Center, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany

Sophia Grummt

Kilian-ludwig heine, dagmar krefting.

4 Department of Medical Informatics, University Medical Center, Goettingen, Germany

Andreas Kühn

Ines reinecke, julia scheel.

5 Department of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany

Tobias Schmidt

6 Institute for Medical Informatics, University of Applied Sciences Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany

Paul Schmücker

Christina schüttler.

7 Central Biobank Erlangen, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany

Dagmar Waltemath

8 Department of Medical Informatics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany

Michele Zoch

Martin sedlmayr.

The vast and heterogeneous data being constantly generated in clinics can provide great wealth for patients and research alike. The quickly evolving field of medical informatics research has contributed numerous concepts, algorithms, and standards to facilitate this development. However, these difficult relationships, complex terminologies, and multiple implementations can present obstacles for people who want to get active in the field. With a particular focus on medical informatics research conducted in Germany, we present in our Viewpoint a set of 10 important topics to improve the overall interdisciplinary communication between different stakeholders (eg, physicians, computational experts, experimentalists, students, patient representatives). This may lower the barriers to entry and offer a starting point for collaborations at different levels. The suggested topics are briefly introduced, then general best practice guidance is given, and further resources for in-depth reading or hands-on tutorials are recommended. In addition, the topics are set to cover current aspects and open research gaps of the medical informatics domain, including data regulations and concepts; data harmonization and processing; and data evaluation, visualization, and dissemination. In addition, we give an example on how these topics can be integrated in a medical informatics curriculum for higher education. By recognizing these topics, readers will be able to (1) set clinical and research data into the context of medical informatics, understanding what is possible to achieve with data or how data should be handled in terms of data privacy and storage; (2) distinguish current interoperability standards and obtain first insights into the processes leading to effective data transfer and analysis; and (3) value the use of newly developed technical approaches to utilize the full potential of clinical data.

Introduction

Digital health care information, as opposed to analog information, empowers clinicians, researchers, and patients with a wealth of information aiming to improve diagnosis, therapy outcome, and clinical care in general. According to Wyatt and Liu [ 1 ], medical informatics is the study and application of methods to improve the management of patient data, clinical knowledge, population data, and other information relevant to patient care and community health. Medical informatics can be seen as the subset of health informatics that is focused on clinical care, while the latter encompasses a wider range of applications. However, knowing, integrating, and using current computational technologies bears numerous pitfalls, limitations, and questions [ 2 ]. To shed light on current standards, applications, and underlying technologies, we present 10 topics to get started in the field of medical informatics research. Our key objective here was to improve interdisciplinary communication among stakeholders (eg, clinicians, experimental researchers, computer scientists, students, patient representatives), thereby bringing everyone on the same page of state-of-the-art medical informatics practices. In particular, improved interdisciplinary communication is essential in real-world problems and can be motivated by the following aspects:

• Advancing open research: Open collaboration between parties from different disciplines can lead to new research questions, innovative approaches, and novel discoveries [ 3 ].
• Bridging knowledge domains: Interdisciplinary communication can stimulate novel solutions, allowing researchers to gain a more comprehensive understanding of a specific problem or phenomenon [ 4 ], or can improve clinical decision-making [ 5 ].
• Addressing complex problems: Complex problems, such as the latest disease outbreak, require input from multiple domains to be comprehensively understood. Here, interdisciplinary communication is one key aspect to pinpoint the root causes and develop effective solutions [ 6 ].
• Promoting scientific inclusivity and diversity: Interdisciplinary communication was recently shown to foster diversity and inclusivity in science, by bringing together researchers from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives [ 7 , 8 ].

Here, we describe in detail how the initial topics have been selected from the literature and what design principles and structure each topic follows. A brief outline of the utilized methods for topic dissemination and an exemplary embedding into an educational training program are also presented.

Topic Selection

The initial topics were defined based on current developments in the health informatics field and an increasing number of published manuscripts between 2000 and 2021 (based on title-abstract-keyword screening in Scopus using the keywords “Health” AND “Informatics” AND “domain”) in the respective subdomains ( Figure 1 A). After a first definition of the specific topics, these were critically revised by internal and external domain experts, as well as scientists previously not familiar with medical informatics research.

Schematic summary and representation of the presented topics: (A) brief literature screening (title-abstract-keywords) for published manuscripts between 2000 and 2021, and the y-axis gap provides improved visibility of the less-occurring keywords; (B) most common topic terminologies, keywords (color-coded sections), and potential connections (grey) among topics in the medical informatics research domain. CDSS: clinical decision support system; CIS: clinical information system; EHR: electronic health record; ETL: extract, transform, and load; FAIR: findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable; FHIR: Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources; GDPR: General Data Protection Regulation; i2b2: Informatics for Integrating Biology and the Bedside; OMOP: Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership.

Topic Design

The initial number of important topics and keywords exceeded the anticipated number of 10 topics, which found inspiration from the “Ten Simple Rules” collection in PLOS Computational Biology [ 9 ]. This is why the authors merged the most matching terms topic wise into groups. These groups finally produced topics that represent the broad range of the medical informatics domain in 3 main concepts, namely “Regulations and concepts,” “Harmonization and processing,” and “Evaluation, visualization, and dissemination” ( Figure 1 B). Figure 1 B also shows the initial keywords for each individual topic, as well as potential cross references between topics, which are highlighted in grey. The following sections provide important “do's and don'ts,” practical hints, and best practice guidelines. Further in-depth resources and practical tutorials will provide basic introductions to the referred domains. Kohane et al [ 10 ] already showed the importance of such clarifying introductions. This work extends the initial study and, in addition, provides detailed examples from the German national Medical Informatics Initiative (MII) [ 11 ].

All topics were divided into 3 parts to improve comprehension by the readers:

• Introduction: Background definitions for the specific context that motivated the topic
• Insight: Practical context to get started, including how to avoid pitfalls, state current limitations, and address current challenges
• Impact: Take home message and useful resources and best practices to deepen knowledge about the topic

Topic Utilization, Extension, and Embedding

Since it is of the utmost importance to keep the content current and as versatile as possible, we initiated an online resource at GitHub, in which contributions are highly emphasized [ 12 ]. Here, keywords and the corresponding literature are collected to allow for swift extension of the currently presented literature body in this article. In addition, the introduction of novel important topics that are not covered in this article might be included. To additionally demonstrate the practicability and adaptability of our proposed topic content, we exemplarily present how these can be embedded in higher education training and share external, introductory hands-on material ( Table 1 ).

Summary of tutorials and hands-on material about medical informatics standards and applications.

a SNOMED CT: Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine and Clinical Terms.

b ETL: extract, transform, and load.

c OMOP: Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership.

d CDM: common data model.

e FHIR: Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources.

f OHDSI: Observational Health Data Sciences and Informatics.

g PLP: patient-level prediction.

h ODI: Open Data Institute.

Regulations and Concepts

Topic 1: privacy and ethics—“data privacy and ethics are the most important assets in the clinical domain.”.

Health information is sensitive and hence needs to be highly protected and should not be generously shared. Sharing regulations and data privacy matters are defined in the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) [ 13 ]. The implementation of the GDPR is an ongoing process as the quickly evolving technology, data, and scientific practices demand continuous improvement, which include periodic adaptations of the technical and legal aspects [ 14 , 15 ]. In terms of ethics and with the rise of novel technologies, like artificial intelligence (AI), the possible re-identification of data, such as images and genomic information, is a major concern [ 16 , 17 ].

Anonymization is one important way to keep data private. It can also be achieved for high-dimensional data by changing patient-specific identifiers through removal, substitution, distortion, generalization, or aggregation [ 18 ]. In contrast, data pseudonymization is another de-identification procedure by which personally identifiable information fields within a data record are replaced by one or more artificial identifiers or pseudonyms [ 19 ]. To overcome the paucity of annotated medical data in real-world settings and (fully) save the patients’ anonymity, synthetic data generation is used to increase the diversity in data sets and to enhance the robustness and adaptability of AI models [ 20 ]. To conform with ethical regulations in a research context, medical data are only available in a highly controlled manner and according to strict procedures. New concepts, such as “systemic oversight” [ 21 ] or “embedded ethics” [ 22 ], might be needed to tackle the new data-driven developments around “medical big data” and AI in health care. To engage with the adoption of broad consent, systemic oversight was suggested as an approach, in which mechanisms like auditing mechanisms, expert advice, and public engagement initiatives (among others) should be adapted as additional layers to the newly arising ecosystem of health data [ 21 ]. Recently, embedded ethics was jointly suggested by ethicists and developers to address ethical issues via an iterative and continuous process from the outset of development, which could be an effective means of integrating robust ethical considerations into practical development [ 22 ]. A digital representation of information encoded in signed consent forms is needed to facilitate common data use and sharing, as already implemented in an MII informed consent template [ 23 ].

As a researcher in medical informatics, it is inevitable to be informed and knowledgeable about the fact that patients own their medical records and any use of those data requires great care. In Germany, health care providers can only use the data for first medical use. Secondary use, like research, needs to be approved by either broad or individual consent, which can be made available via the electronic health record (EHR). In addition to digitization efforts, it is still a considerable hurdle to convince patients to make their data available for medical research because personal skepticism commonly makes the entire data acquisition process more difficult [ 24 ]. Here, well-received external communication, transparency, and increased awareness are necessary for substantial improvements. In general, it is a balance between privacy, patient needs, and the use of data for the common good versus economic interests [ 25 ]. In particular, one should be aware of the specific legal regulations that apply within the country and additionally get in touch with the relevant data protection departments. Following this, a plan for infrastructure that meets these regulations and that contains, for example, a trustee for the electronic recording of patient consent and anonymization or direct pseudonymization processes to collect the data needs to be developed. Risk assessments for potential data leakage, approvals by ethics committee, as well as consultation with a data protection officer are essential considerations to further assure data security.

Topic 2: EHR and Clinical Information Systems—“Get to Know Your Clinical Information System to Understand the Required Data.”

Hospitals run clinical information systems (CIS) to collect, store, and alter clinical data about patients. A CIS, independent of the specialization and specific vendor, covers many clinical subdomains and integrates patient-related data to support doctors in their daily routine. Without a doubt, medical data are only useful if meaningful information can be derived from them. This requires high-quality data sets, seamless communication across IT systems, and standard data formats that can be processed by humans and machines [ 2 ]. Typical challenges in clinical IT implementations, especially for patient recruitment systems, were recently evaluated by Fitzer et al [ 26 ] for 10 German university hospitals, including requirements for data, infrastructure, and workflow integration. The implementation of an EHR, including an individual's medical data in a bundled form, into the CIS is a key aspect to prevent low reliability and poor user-friendliness of EHRs, which has recently been shown to affect time pressure among medical staff [ 27 ]. For example, in Scandinavia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, the Open Notes initiative [ 28 ] facilitates patients’ access to EHRs and health data sharing via “PatientsKnowBest ” to give health care professionals and families direct access to medical information [ 29 ].

An EHR is used primarily for the purposes of setting objectives and planning patient care, documenting the delivery of care, and assessing the outcomes of care [ 30 ]. EHRs have so far consisted of unstructured, narrative text as well as structured, coded data. Thus, it will be necessary to implement more systematic terminologies and codes so that the data contained in these records can be reused in clinical research, health care management, health services planning, and government reporting in an improved manner [ 31 , 32 ]. Since the domain of medical informatics is rather new, there are many possibilities for software solutions to improve EHR-related issues [ 33 ]. Exemplary for the EHR domain, the Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine and Clinical Terms (SNOMED CT) is utilized to develop comprehensive high-quality clinical content [ 34 ]. It provides a standardized way to represent clinical phrases captured by the clinician and enables automatic interpretation of these, which is showcased in a “five-step briefing” [ 35 ]. Interestingly, the number of annual publications on this subject has decreased since 2012. However, the need for a formal semantic representation of free text in health care remains, and automatic encoding into a compositional ontology could be a solution [ 36 ]. In terms of usability and user acceptance, evaluations and improvements of EHRs and clinical decision support systems (CDSS) are currently ongoing [ 37 ], for which already well-received examples can be attributed to CeoSYS [ 38 ] or the IPSS-M Risk Calculator [ 39 ]. Moreover, the actions of patients directly contributing to their own EHR records are also being evaluated. The study by Klein et al [ 40 ] indicates that such an approach facilitates the development of individual solutions for each patient, which in turn requires a flexible EHR during the course of a treatment process. Additionally, it was argued that data incorporation via different devices can also facilitate the convenient utilization of the application and, hence, may increase secondary use.

Modern CIS support the interaction by doctors and patients with the recorded patient data (eg, using the EHR or patient portals, eHealth platforms). It is important to understand the basic architecture, especially challenges [ 26 ], of the hospital IT infrastructure to know where data are located and how they can be retrieved and integrated. Major improvements can be made when supporting international standards for data exchange. Beyond standard EHR, this includes interoperability standards like Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR; see Topic 6) and standard data models like the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP; see Topic 7). These criteria should be considered with every new order of clinical systems.

Topic 3: Data Provenance—“Trace Your Data, Even Within Large-scale Efforts.”

Meaningful and standardized metadata facilitate the interpretation of, retrieval of, and access to data [ 41 ]. When explainable data are processed with interoperable tools, scientists can create automated and reusable workflows and provide access to reproducible research outcomes and data analysis pipelines [ 42 ].

Data provenance describes the history of digital objects, where they came from, how they came to be in their present state, and who or what acted upon them [ 43 ]. In health care, provenance maintains the integrity of digital objects (eg, the results of data analyses engender greater trust if their provenance shows how they were obtained). In addition, it can be used to deliver auditability and transparency, specifically, in learning health systems, and it is applicable across a range of applications [ 44 ]. Inau et al [ 45 ] argued that the lessons learned from “FAIRification” processes in other domains will also support evidence-based clinical practice and research transparency in the era of big medical data and open research. Further work demonstrated that a findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable (FAIR) research data management plan can provide a data infrastructure in the hospital for machine-actionable digital objects [ 46 ]. Recently, the openEHR approach was also suggested for creating FAIR-compliant clinical data repositories as an alternative representation [ 47 ].

Key data management requirements are defined by the FAIR guiding principles [ 48 ]. Since data protection laws led to additional requirements for data privacy and data security, the FAIR-Health principles focused on defining additional requirements for information on the sample material used from biobanks, for provenance information, and incentive schemes [ 49 ]. Further work is needed to establish provenance frameworks in health research infrastructures [ 50 ].

Topic 4: Data Sharing—“If Data Won’t Come to the Model, the Model Must Go to the Data.”

Cross-sectional medical data-sharing is critical in modern clinical practice and medical research, in which the challenge of privacy-preserving transfer and utility needs to be addressed [ 51 ]. In order to facilitate high reuse of the data, a decentralized computational scheme that treats the available data as part of a federated (virtual) database, avoiding centralized data collection, processing, and raw data exchanges, is still needed in many countries to analyze large and widespread clinical data [ 52 ].

One possible solution for this federated learning approach is DataSHIELD [ 53 ]. In particular, orchestrating privacy-protected analyses of “medical big data'' from different resources is applicable within R and DataSHIELD [ 54 ]. Here, the developed computerized models represent mathematical concepts or trained machine learning (ML)–based approaches to solve a specific task. In this sense, the model is applied to distributed data sets of the protected (clinical) server infrastructure, and the user only sees the model results but does not retrieve any medical records. Moreover, implementations in other programming languages (eg, Python, Julia) have been introduced in the genomic domain and beyond [ 55 ]. Further concepts, such as Personal Health Train, specifically follow the FAIR principles during distributed analyses [ 56 ]. Secure multiparty computation (SMPC) is also a viable technology for solving clinical use cases that require cross-institution data exchange and collaboration [ 57 ]. Current limitations are thought to be addressed in a stepwise manner [ 58 ] or as blockchain [ 59 ].

By using approaches for distributed analyses, researchers are able to train, test, and validate their models on large-scale real-world clinical data. In combination with standardized data formats, these 2 concepts facilitate the use of those models in clinical routine, potentially in the form of a CDSS. This provides a basis for secondary use of observational data in the context of clinical trials, which show particular potential for identifying data characteristics in small cohorts (eg, identification of the individual patient risk for rare diseases or comorbidities).

Harmonization and Processing

Topic 5: extract, transform, and load (etl)—“ etl processes are computational approaches for data harmonization and data unification.”.

Data handling in medical informatics remains a major challenge. Even though most data in medicine are available electronically, the data often lack interoperability [ 60 ]. As a first step to actually use the data, processes to extract, transform, and load (ETL) are needed to obtain harmonized data from different data systems or clinical entities. One important example, among many others, reflects the uniform representation of the date and time in a common format (eg, Year-Month-Date, not Date-Month-Year). The ETL process is therefore a crucial, individual step toward data unification in large clinical systems, which must be secure, safe, and accurate [ 61 ].

The design of an ETL process faces several challenges, including the following: (1) The ETL process should be able to process huge amounts of data at once [ 62 ]; (2) the ETL process should be repeatable—if the source data change, the ETL process needs to be rerun to process the source data (Observational Health Data Sciences and Informatics [OHDSI]) [ 63 ]; (3) expert-level anonymization methodologies might be integrated into ETL workflows whenever possible [ 61 ]; and (4) there is a need to check for loss of data and compromised data integrity. The latter was highlighted in a recent study, in which inaccurate cohort identification took place because erroneous vocabulary mappings of a common data model were used (eg, ETL programming bugs and errors not captured during the quality assurance stages) [ 64 ]. Common solutions to implement ETL processes are code-based (eg, FHIR-to-OMOP [ 65 ]) or via Pentaho Data Integration, which is one of many ETL tools. Further subsequent processing may also include loading data into research data repositories, like OMOP (see Topic 7), tranSMART, and Talend Open Studio, which is a central component of the Integrated Data Repository Toolkit [ 66 ].

Since ETL processes are at the core of data handling, all risks associated with the ETL process need to be thoroughly checked, identified, and assessed, and contingency plans to mitigate these risks should be in place [ 67 ]. Once the ETL processes are executed, the resulting data will be trusted by researchers, who heavily rely on comprehensively checked data integrity to be able to conduct their research on this basis.

Topic 6: FHIR—“Set FHIR to Gain a Communication Standard for Real-time Applications at the Device-to-Device Level.”

Interoperability levels can be divided into technical, syntactic, semantic, and organizational interoperability [ 2 ]. Semantic and syntactic interoperability can be ensured by communication exchange standards, such as the FHIR [ 68 ] standard of Health Level 7 (HL7) and medical terminologies. A suitable starting point for the basic procedures is offered by FHIR drills [ 69 ] or fire.ly [ 70 ].

FHIR is one of many communication standards but will likely change the domain of clinical IT significantly [ 71 , 72 ]. As a communication standard, FHIR harmonizes data formats coming from different CIS and enables data exchange between institutions via a RESTful approach [ 73 ]. Moreover, FHIR is used to connect devices with each other, which means, in particular, that the Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise (IHE) [ 74 ] standard has been revised to support HL7 messaging as well. In turn, IHE has been developing an open-source device tool set for home and hospital use that recently enabled device control capabilities, a capability accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic to allow nurses and physicians to operate ventilators and infusion devices outside the contaminated patient room [ 75 ].

Utilizing FHIR in multiple applications already shows its versatile and flexible use (eg, in mobile health applications [ 76 ], electrocardiogram monitoring [ 77 ], or wearable devices and precision medicine in digital health [ 72 ]). In particular, the SMART-on-FHIR technology enables third-party app development for health care applications [ 78 ] and encompasses feasible, secure, and time- and resource-efficient solutions [ 79 , 80 ].

Topic 7: OMOP—“Use Common Data Models as Well-defined Representations of Large-scale Research Projects.”

Data harmonization enables research teams to run real-world observational studies based on heterogeneous data across country borders. Thus, harmonized data embedded in a common data model (CDM), which is an agreement about the utilization of standardized terminologies for data representation, is crucial to exchange data and results on a large scale. To foster reliability and trust in the results of observational research on real-world data, it is essential to utilize CDMs whenever possible to ensure a high degree of data analysis reproducibility.

Several CDMs exist for that purpose; the OMOP CDM from the OHDSI community is one of the most promising and established approaches. In comparison with other CDMs, such as the Sentinel CDM or Informatics for Integrating Biology and the Bedside (i2b2), the OMOP CDM has broader terminology coverage [ 81 ]. The importance of the OMOP CDM increased a lot over the last years [ 82 ], not least since the European Medicines Agency initiated the Data Analysis and Real World Interrogation Network (DARWIN) [ 83 ] project to establish a research network in Europe to gain real-world evidence based on OMOP. Moreover, representations of genomic data [ 84 ], oncology [ 85 ], and imaging projects [ 86 ] are also suitable. In addition, the common representation of the data in OMOP semantic interoperability is ensured by utilizing international terminologies and vocabularies, such as SNOMED-CT, the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD), the Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC), and RxNorm to represent every clinical fact in OMOP. Additionally, the open-source OHDSI software stack provides standardized methodology and libraries for data analyses (Athenahene, Atlas, HADES) and training (EHDEN Academy) [ 87 ], as well as a framework to assess and improve data quality to foster reliability and trust in research results [ 88 ].

The OMOP CDM is one possibility to represent and analyze clinical data on a research scale. Definition of new cohorts within OMOP enables researchers to quickly investigate questions spanning multiple research entities. Collectively, both FHIR and OMOP can define the structure and relations of the clinical data corpus, and the individual EHRs provide content to these standardized data reservoirs. In comparison, OMOP is commonly used for static large-scale data analysis of research data, and FHIR is more suitable for rapid data integration scenarios (ie, for real-time applications and analysis). In summary, it is important to know and utilize newly established standards to participate in broader clinical networks for research. This way, all information within the EHR is comparable across different clinical sites and research settings.

Evaluation, Visualization, and Dissemination

Topic 8: data quality—“guarantee high quality and then publish the data.”.

What is meant to be appropriate data quality for health informatics research? In this domain, data quality depends on the quality of single data elements, data completeness, data conformance, and data plausibility aspects that may considerably determine the validity and veracity of analysis results [ 89 , 90 ]. Moreover, data quality across different institutional entities and even health sectors requires additional efforts concerning the different personnel, instruments, and more [ 91 ]. High-quality data at hand is one fundamental requirement that is often difficult or impossible to achieve, which is why the generation of synthetic data can be an alternative that satisfies privacy problems as well as research needs when data are expensive, scarce, or unavailable by augmentation [ 92 ].

First, a major problem is that clinical data have to be electronically recorded, accessed, and standardized in order to run quality assessment processes [ 26 ]. In addition, it would be important to design and use the same data quality tool, standard operating procedures, or ETL mapping rules in all involved institutions. However, in real-life scenarios, there is a lack of both centrally coordinated data quality indicators and formalization of plausibility rules, as well as a repository for automatic querying of the rules, especially in ETL processes [ 93 ]. Although numerous data quality evaluation frameworks exist, no clear and widespread approach has been adopted so far [ 67 , 94 - 96 ]. Even after a well-chosen data quality procedure is properly implemented, clinical data as such cannot be published along with the performed study. As an alternative, synthetic data generation models function in the following 2 different ways: (1) The model is trained, for example, using real-world data and, once trained, will not require any data in the future (model-based approaches), and (2) the model is constantly fed with data to generate synthetic data (data-driven approaches). There are 3 different categories of algorithms used in the generation of synthetic data: probabilistic models, such as Bayesian networks [ 97 ] and Copulas [ 98 ]; ML, such as Classification and Regression Trees (CART); and deep learning methods, such as a generative adversarial network (GAN) [ 99 - 101 ] and variational autoencoder (VAE) [ 102 ].

A combination of appropriate data quality evaluation and synthetic data generation highly facilitates the development of accurate AI models, which are essential in medical studies [ 103 ]. Thus, a corpus of high-quality synthetic data with many patients can be reused by other AI experts for model development and benchmarking. Moreover, it is essential to create an infrastructure that is used across a large community of hospitals; maps the entire treatment process electronically; and only generates interoperable, structured data based on FHIR (Topic 6) and OMOP (Topic 7) in accordance with the FAIR principles (Topic 3). Afterward, one can finally run quality assessment processes.

Topic 9: Clinical Decision Support Systems—“Bring Insights, Not Additional Work, Back to the Clinics via a CDSS and Other User-Centric Applications.”

CDSS are computer systems designed to assist the medical staff with decision-making tasks about individual patients and based on clinical data [ 104 ]. The decision-making process is still, and will remain, on the shoulders of the physician [ 105 ]. The categories of CDSS include knowledge-based systems that make use of clinical rules, nonknowledge-based systems (eg, AI-based systems), and hybrid CDSS that likewise utilize clinical models and knowledge in combination with AI.

The use of a CDSS in a well-implemented clinical workflow has many positive aspects. It may lead to fewer error rates [ 106 ], accelerate rare disease diagnosis [ 107 ], increase radiologists’ job satisfaction [ 108 ], offer personalized cancer treatment [ 109 ], or help with real-time cardiovascular risk assessment [ 110 ]. Interestingly, computerized alerting systems, which are one of the most disseminated CDSS, can decrease drug-drug interactions significantly [ 111 ]. On the other hand, if done improperly, a CDSS can cause alert fatigue by creating too many alerts. If a system is not context-sensitive, alerts can even be inappropriate [ 112 ]. According to Olakotan et al [ 112 ], influencing factors of a well-designed CDSS need to include aspects about the (1) technology (eg, usability, alert presentation, workload, and data entry), (2) human (eg, training, knowledge, skills, attitude, and behavior), (3) organization (eg, rules and regulations, privacy, and security), and (4) and process (eg, waste, delay, tuning, and optimization). To avoid a lack of transparency and facilitate acceptance by physicians, especially with nonknowledge-based systems, current CDSS seek to use explainable AI approaches; however, the selection of methods used to present explanations in an informative and efficient ( clinically useful ) manner remains challenging [ 113 ]. Of note, a CDSS may also have a negative influence on the performance of physicians, especially if inadequate suggestions occur more often, which cannot be compensated with explanations [ 114 ]. However, one among many other prominent approaches to obtain such explanations via ML-based feature selection and ranking can be found in the work from Wolfien et al [ 115 ]. In terms of an OMOP-based implementation in research, there is patient-level prediction (PLP), which is designed to foster the clinical decision-making process concerning diagnoses or treatment pathways based on the EHR of the patient and the current clinical guideline. It is used to answer questions, such as identifying patients among a larger population at higher risk of a certain outcome (eg, occurrence of cancer, severe side effects, or death) by using data in standardized formats (eg, as previously described via OMOP CDM). Once the model is designed, the covariates will be extracted from the respective CDM of the target person within the cohort, and the respective outcome will be predicted (eg, via PLP [ 116 , 117 ] or other customized prediction algorithms). Importantly, the results from model prediction should first be internally validated with previously unseen data and afterward compared with established scoring systems (eg, Framingham Risk Score [ 118 ], SCORE2 [ 119 ]) to connect with already known domain-specific contexts and to prove its benefit in clinical practice. An additional validation with external data, as part of a multicenter study, can be seen as highly beneficial, in which the already presented topics of federated learning (Topic 4) and OMOP (Topic 7) could significantly foster such an essential scenario [ 120 ].

Collectively, a CDSS increases patient safety, assists in clinical management, and can be cost-effective [ 104 ]. In general, findings of even erroneous CDSS can be used to guide the design of new CDSS alerts. However, the existing risks cannot be solved solely on a technical basis and require an interdisciplinary effort. In particular, continuous, clear communication between IT professionals (developers) and health professionals (end users) during the design process is key. Only a profound understanding of the needs and requirements of either of the involved parties can lead to well-designed systems that are actually able to support and relieve physicians in doing their job.

Topic 10: Visualizations—“Improved Dissemination of Local and External Data From Computational Models by Well-defined Interactive Visualizations.”

Large volumes of data collected from patient registries, health centers, genomic databases, and public records can potentially improve the efficiency and quality of health care via enhancing the interoperability of medical systems, assisting in clinical decision-making, and delivering feedback on effective procedures [ 121 ]. However, each and every raw data point must go through different analytical processes until they become useful and interpretable at the point of care.

R and Python are 2 versatile open-source programming languages that have gained popularity for different purposes, such as preprocessing (eg, tidyverse), statistical tests (eg, dplyr), ML and deep learning (eg, mlr package, caret), visualization (eg, ggplot), and writing reports directly using knitr and R markdown (RStudio education [ 122 ]). Like R, Python offers different libraries for data science tasks (eg, open mined [ 123 ]) in addition to a library specifically for health predictive models, namely PyHealth [ 124 ]. Another versatile visualization functionality is offered for both languages via R Shiny [ 125 ] and Plotly Dash [ 126 ]. These 2 platforms enable data scientists to create interactive web applications directly from a script. The applications can be extended using embedded CSS themes, HTML widgets, and Javascript actions. There is already evidence that implementing clinical dashboards or CDSS for immediate access to current patient information can improve processes and patient outcomes [ 127 ], especially if the data sets are further evaluated and refined [ 128 ]. Similar to FHIR, OHDSI provides tools for analyzing data in the OMOP CDM, which are written in R and use Shiny for the visualization. As a plus, data already stored in the OMOP CDM format can be used in systematic studies, patient-level analysis, and population-based estimations from scratch. The cBioPortal is one prime example of a web resource for exploring, visualizing, and analyzing multidimensional data, which reduces molecular profiling data from cancer tissues and cell lines into readily understandable genetic, epigenetic, gene expression, and proteomic events [ 129 ]. It was recently demonstrated how cBioPortal can be extended and integrated with other tools to a comprehensive and easily deployable software solution that supports the work of a molecular tumor board [ 130 ] and even deliver meaningful scientific insights [ 131 ]. Another translational research platform for the construction and integration of modern clinical research charts is Informatics for i2b2, which is also at the heart of clinical research [ 132 , 133 ].

Computational approaches and data analyses are tightly connected with medical research; the visualization of such complex data for clinicians in a routine setting especially plays a larger role. The current developments of translational research platforms, such as cBioPortal and i2b2, enable swift translation of research results into the clinic, if adequately adopted and enough trained people supervise the process.

The need for qualified IT specialists in medical informatics has increased continuously in recent years and will continue to grow in the future. On the other hand, medical informatics in Germany faces problems with the ​​promotion of young researchers. These current developments mean that vacancies in IT in hospitals and the health care industry can often not be filled or only after very long vacancies. In addition, these positions often have to be filled with nonspecialist staff due to a lack of applications. To keep track of these recent developments and provide a basis for interdisciplinary communication, we provide our list of 10 topics that could be used by different stakeholders individually ( Figure 2 ). With a particular focus in medicine, improved interdisciplinary communication has already been shown to positively impact patient outcomes and enhance employee engagement [ 134 ].

Exemplary outcome visualization of the underlying study, in which the color coding reflects the initial colors of the proposed sections; it starts with an individual perception of the term medical informatics (MI) based on the individual’s background and ends with acquisition of common domain knowledge for current important topics. CDSS: clinical decision support system; EHR: electronic health record; ETL; extract, transform, and load; FAIR; findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable; FHIR; Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources; OMOP: Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership.

Furthermore, medical informatics has developed rapidly in recent years. This applies, for example, to new methods, techniques, tools, framework conditions, and organizational structures, especially in the field of medical data science. In particular, definitions of standards and a national digitized data corpus, namely the German Core Dataset [ 135 ], were agreed upon. The actual assessment and collection of digitized data in local university hospitals are utilized in so-called data integration centers. These interoperable research data infrastructures enable rapid multisite research, for example, with complex COVID-19 research data sets (German Corona Consensus Dataset [GECCO]) [ 136 ] including clinical data and data on biosamples from all German university hospitals in pseudonymized form (CODEX) [ 137 , 138 ] or the COVID-19 Data Portal [ 139 ]. The subsequent formation of the Network University Medicine (NUM) strengthens the existing interaction between research and patient care, stabilizes existing structures, and creates new structures that ensure more effective feedback and close cooperation between the clinics. The presented examples of NUM and CODEX, among others [ 140 ], attempt a central approach to bundle and harmonize necessary resources like broad consent or the elektronische Patientenakte (ePa), which is the implementation of EHR as a national entity to ultimately facilitate an interconnected health care system.

Finally, all those involved in medical informatics are called upon to engage in lifelong learning and continuously acquire further qualifications.

Exemplary Implementation of the Addressed Topics in the German Medical Informatics in Research and Care in University Medicine Consortium

This article offers newcomers to medical informatics a first introduction and a wealthy overview of current IT-related topics in research and patient care. Nevertheless, there is also a need for further qualification of employees through new, innovative offers for training, further education, and further training. As part of the MII [ 11 ], all consortia were asked to develop and set up appropriate offers and formats. The Medical Informatics in Research and Care in University Medicine (MIRACUM) consortium [ 141 ] has reacted and set up the part-time training and further education program “Biomedical Informatics and Data Science” [ 142 ] and introduced it at the Mannheim University of Applied Sciences in October 2020. The program includes a time-flexible and individually adaptable part-time online master’s course, as well as certificate courses and programs for further scientific education. In addition to the establishment and continuous further development of a cloud-based learning platform, many new digital and target group–oriented learning resources and application-oriented learning environments were developed and introduced for the master's program.

All 10 topics listed in this article are reflected in the curriculum of the master’s degree and have been offered and dealt with in-depth in the individual courses for more than 2 years. The demand for the master’s program and certificate courses is high, and the evaluation has shown that these topic-specific foci correspond to the training and further education needs of the target groups. One particular aspect that was not covered in the final topics refers to the underlying infrastructure needed to provide the data storage and processing backbone. This aspect would have been too technical for a more broadly set, introductory article, such as this article. A starting point for more in-depth information about this aspect can be obtained from further literature [ 143 , 144 ]. However, to offer a practical start to the 10 topics, we provide links to well-known tutorials and hands-on materials ( Table 1 ).

We suggest a set of 10 topics to ease the start for researchers and clinicians to become engaged with basic concepts in health informatics research. We provide current review articles for more in-depth reading about the specific topic and present practical hands-on material. The presented topics likewise serve as a broad overview of the medical informatics research domain but also guide individuals and their specific interests. For example, a computer scientist familiar with CDSS development could more easily connect with important aspects, such as data privacy, FHIR, and specific EHRs that are highly relevant for daily work. In contrast, medical experts can obtain an overview of behind-the-scenes technologies, like ETL processes and underlying data quality approaches that are finally visualized as a summarizing clinical dashboard. For readers, we provided a first step toward an improved understanding of a lively and quickly expanding field, but more novel technologies and practical knowledge are ahead. Suggestions and contributions to improve the current topics can be made at GitHub, which will likewise enable content and readers to stay current [ 12 ].

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) within the Medical Informatics Initiative Medical Informatics in Research and Care in University Medicine (MIRACUM) Consortium (FKZ: 01ZZ180L [Dresden]; FZK: 01ZZ180A [Erlangen]; FKZ: 01ZZ1801M [Greifswald]). The article processing charge was funded by the joint publication funds of the Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, including the Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine; Saxon State and University Library (SLUB) Dresden; and the Open Access Publication Funding of the German Research Foundation (DFG).

The funding sources had no involvement in the conduct of the research and preparation of the article.

Abbreviations

Authors' Contributions: MW conceptualized the study, curated the data, and wrote the original manuscript draft. MW also defined the initial topics 1 and 2; MZ defined the initial topics 3 and 4; YP defined the initial topics 5 and 6; IR defined the initial topics 7 and 8; and NA defined the initial topics 8, 9, and 10. MS provided the resources and supervised the study. The topics were revised and extended by KF, AK, SG, DK, KLH, ICJ, CS, JS, TS, PS, and DW. MW, NA, YP, MZ, IR, and MS performed the formal analysis, and MW, NA, and MS created the visualizations. NA, YP, MZ, IR, and MS wrote, reviewed, and edited the manuscript, and all authors read and agreed to the final version of the manuscript.

Conflicts of Interest: None declared.

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300+ Medical Research Topics & Ideas for Students to Choose

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Every healthcare research begins with a single step. But in the world of academia, that step often involves hours of pondering over the perfect medical research topic idea. When it comes to medical research paper topics, there's a seemingly limitless array of options that stretches as far as the mind can wander. The potential of this field is exciting but can also be challenging to explore.

To help you narrow down your choices and research effectively, our research paper writer team compiled a list of interesting medical research topics. Whether you want to write about the latest developments in public health or explore the implications of emerging technologies, this blog won't disappoint you.

What Are Medical Research Paper Topics?

Medical research topics are the ideas or concepts related to health and medicine. They often explore new treatments, developments in diagnosis, prevention of illnesses, or even the effects of lifestyle choices. The scope of topics in medicine is vast and can include such aspects:

• Clinical medicine
• Biomedical research
• Public health
• Mental health research topics
• Medical technology
• Health services research.

Your choice should stem from your interests and existing gaps that need to be filled.

Characteristics of Good Medical Research Topics

Choosing the right medical topic for a research paper is like finding a golden ticket to a successful study. Here's what makes a medicine research idea a real showstopper:

• Engagement Research should be engaging and relevant to the audience.
• Precision Good ideas are always specific, so that you can focus your research on a particular area without being too vague.
• Authenticity A good topic needs to address an issue that hasn't been studied before.
• Feasibility Ensure your topic is realistic. Good research topics in healthcare should fit within your budget, timeframe, and available resources.
• Relevance Winning medical research project topics should address current and pressing issues in healthcare.

How to Choose a Medical Research Topic?

Selecting the best idea out of multiple medicine research topics can be a daunting task, especially when you have so many fields to explore. Here are a few steps that will help you settle on a theme:

• Brainstorm and come up with as many ideas as possible.
• Narrow down your list by considering factors such as your interest and resources.
• Look for current tendencies in healthcare research.
• Consult your supervisor or a librarian to verify the pertinence of the topic that you have chosen.
• Make sure your topic is specific enough to be addressed within the scope of your project.

Once you come up with a fitting medical research topic, consider half the battle won. But in case you have difficulties creating an original title, our online paper writers prepared a list of research ideas for medical students you might like.

List of Top Medical Research Topics

Below we collected various medical topics to research in your study. From groundbreaking technologies to emerging diseases, there are countless avenues to investigate. If you're on the hunt for a compelling topic, here are some of the top medical researches topics capturing attention in 2023:

• Effective strategies for medical talent acquisition and retention.
• The best methods for enhancing preventative care measures in contemporary medicine.
• The role and impact of telemedicine in reinventing healthcare management.
• Implications of artificial intelligence on diagnostics and treatment plans.
• The rising threat of antimicrobial resistance and its effects on global health.
• The link between environmental changes and public health outcomes.
• Complexities of vaccine development and human immune responses.
• Health inequities: Causes, consequences, and potential solutions.
• New treatment approaches for neurodegenerative disorders.
• A multidisciplinary approach to tackling obesity and metabolic disorders.

Good Medical Research Topics

Navigating countless medical topics for research papers can often feel like a journey through a labyrinth. Here are some intriguing ideas that could ignite your curiosity and fuel your research:

• How does climate change impact human health?
• Communication disorders: A closer look at deafness.
• The hidden dangers of household air pollution.
• The escalating threat of diabetes in the public sphere.
• Coronavirus and how it changed the landscape of public health.
• Assessing oral health: Beyond the basics.
• Tobacco and alcohol control: A public health perspective.
• Health implications of a sedentary lifestyle.
• Urban pollution and its impact on respiratory diseases
• The role of healthy diets in disease prevention.
• Exploring the mental health impact of social media.
• How do cultural factors influence public health initiatives?
• The role of nutrition in managing chronic diseases.
• Investigating the genetics of neurodegenerative disorders.
• What are some ethical considerations in gene editing?

Interesting Medical Research Topics

Exploring the depths of medicine can be an exciting experience. You'll discover that every issue has a plethora of complexities and avenues to investigate. Here are some interesting medical topics for research paper that could pique your curiosity:

• The influence of lifestyle changes on cardiovascular health.
• What are some psychological impacts of chronic illness?
• Connection between gut health and mental well-being.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of telehealth during the pandemic.
• How do genetic factors influence addiction susceptibility?
• Autoimmune diseases and their peculiarities.
• How does stress affect immune function?
• What are some health impacts of sleep disorders?
• The link between socioeconomic status and health outcomes.
• Exploring innovations in pain management.
• Analyzing implications of artificial intelligence in healthcare.
• Effect of climate change on infectious disease patterns.
• A look into advancements in cancer immunotherapy.
• Exploring the potential of stem cells in treating degenerative diseases.
• How does diet influence the progression of Alzheimer's disease?

Easy Medical Research Topics

You may be looking for simple research topics in medicine that won't take too much time and effort to complete. Explore these straightforward ideas that could make your paper stand out:

• Importance of proper sanitation in healthcare settings.
• Exploring the role of patient support groups in disease management.
• Analyzing the efficacy of physical therapy interventions.
• What are the cost-effective interventions for healthcare delivery?
• What are some effects of new pharmaceuticals?
• What are some health consequences of air pollution?
• How does meditation improve outcomes in mental health care?
• Evaluating the role of nutritionists in weight loss management.
• An analysis of trends and patterns in emerging diseases.
• Exploring alternative medicines in contemporary healthcare.
• Examining the impact of healthcare policies on public health outcomes.
• Can the use of herbs provide an effective remedy for certain illnesses?
• How does mental health stigma affect access to treatment?
• Drug abuse: Causes, consequences and prevention strategies.
• What are some psychological issues associated with chronic illnesses?

Best Medical Research Topics

When it comes to choosing medical research topics, you need something that's striking and meaningful. Hover over these ideas to spot the fitting idea for your medical research:

• Exploring new strategies for treating neurological disorders.
• What is the role of medical ethics in modern healthcare?
• What are some implications of genetics in personalized healthcare?
• Exploring innovations in non-invasive diagnosis techniques.
• Effect of temperature on patient outcomes in critical care.
• How does air pollution influence healthcare costs?
• How do changes in lifestyle lead to better health outcomes?
• Implications of electronic health records for patient privacy.
• Role of nutritionists in disease prevention.
• How technology is being used to revolutionize healthcare?
• What are the most effective treatments for rare diseases?
• How have medical imaging techniques advanced over the years?
• Investigating potential treatments for autism spectrum disorder.
• Exploring innovative approaches to mental healthcare delivery.
• What are some implications of artificial intelligence in medical diagnosis?

Controversial Medical Topics for a Research Paper

Navigate through the most contentious research topics in health and explore the debate that surrounds them. Consider these thought-provoking ideas and medical controversial topics:

• Ethical implications of genetic engineering.
• Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide - where do we draw the line?
• Are mandatory vaccinations an infringement on personal freedom or a public health necessity?
• Evaluating medical and legal perspectives on the use of medical marijuana.
• Ethical concerns around animal testing in medical research.
• How do we navigate the morality and legality of abortion?
• Should the criminal justice system focus more on mental health treatment than punishment?
• Is stem cell research a moral dilemma or a medical breakthrough?
• Ethical considerations in organ trading and transplantation.
• Who should shoulder the burden of healthcare costs?
• Is access to healthcare a privilege or a human right?
• Ethics of using placebo in clinical trials – is it justified?
• Assessing the role of Big Pharma in healthcare - is it a necessary evil?
• Can genetic screening lead to discrimination, despite its benefits?
• Should modern medicine take precedence over traditional medicine, or is there room for both?

New Medical Research Topics

Discover the latest studies in healthcare and explore the newest topics for a medical research paper. Below we prepared some cutting-edge topics for you to consider:

• Can gene-editing technologies such as CRISPR transform the treatment of genetic disorders?
• How does microbiome therapy potentially influence the treatment of autoimmune diseases?
• Exploring the advent of personalized medicine through genomics and precision diagnostics.
• How is virtual reality altering the landscape of surgical training and rehabilitation therapies?
• How can telehealth improve healthcare access, particularly in remote and underserved areas?
• The role of nanotechnology in developing more efficient drug delivery systems.
• What are some implications of the rising antimicrobial resistance, and where does the future of antibiotics lie?
• How are advances in non-invasive treatments changing the face of chronic disease management?
• Is precision oncology the future of cancer treatment?
• What are some implications and potential of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering?
• Can advancements in wearable technology revolutionize personal health monitoring?
• How are gut microbiota affecting our understanding and treatment of metabolic disorders?
• What role do nanobots play in medical treatments?
• Can big data analytics be used to improve the accuracy of medical diagnosis?

Medical Research Topics Ideas for Students

There are multiple medical topics to write about. But as a student, you're probably looking for something more specific. For your convenience, we divided the titles by academic levels. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to explore these health topics for research that your professor will surely appreciate.

Medical Research Topics for High School

For students who want to investigate different aspect of healthcare, we provided these examples of ideas. Browse through these medical research topics for high school students to spot the most relevant theme:

• How does the human immune system work?
• Vaccinations as an essential tool in preventing diseases.
• A basic overview of genetic disorders.
• What makes viruses unique?
• How does the body fight off bacterial infections?
• The impact of lifestyle factors on heart health.
• Diabetes: Types, causes, and prevention strategies.
• The importance of mental health in the medical field.
• Skin health: Understanding common skin conditions like acne and eczema.
• Structure and function of the human heart.
• Role of antibiotics and how do they fight bacteria?
• Journey of a pill: From ingestion to action.
• What happens in an allergic reaction?
• How does physical exercise impact the body and mind?
• Racial disparities in healthcare and access to treatment.

Medical Research Topics for College Students

At the college level, you may be asked to write a research paper on a complex issue. We prepared these health research topics for college students to help you get started on your assignment:

• Exploring the implications of health insurance reform.
• Genomic sequencing in the early detection of genetic disorders.
• Machine learning in diagnostic imaging: A new era in radiology?
• The role of diet in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes.
• Exploring the link between circadian rhythms and health disorders.
• The role of personalized medicine in cancer treatment.
• Development and use of prosthetics in physical rehabilitation.
• Understanding autoimmune diseases: The body fighting itself.
• Addressing health disparities through community-based interventions.
• Inflammation in the development of chronic diseases.
• The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria: Causes and implications.
• Innovations in drug delivery systems: From nanoparticles to smart pills.
• How can we address the opioid crisis in America?
• Investigating the use of mobile technology for delivering healthcare services.
• Exploring medical implications of 3D printing technology.

Medical Research Topics by Subjects

We've also provided some research topics for medical students grouped by specific subjects. Check them out and pick the one you find most captivating.

Medical Research Topics in Pediatrics

Pediatrics involves the care and health of children. As such, it is a broad field ripe with interesting medical topics. Given the unique physiology needs of these younger populations, pediatric research is crucial for understanding illnesses. Below you can find captivating research topics in pediatrics:

• Exploring the impact of nutrition on childhood development.
• Assessing the effects of screen time on adolescent mental health.
• Investigating genetic factors in pediatric cancers.
• The role of vaccinations in preventing common childhood illnesses.
• Strategies for managing childhood obesity.
• The impact of prenatal exposure to drugs and alcohol on infant health.
• Development and evaluation of therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorders.
• Understanding the rise of food allergies in children.
• Advances in the treatment of congenital heart defects.
• Exploring the causes and treatment strategies for pediatric asthma.
• The impact of environmental toxins on child health.
• Evaluation of therapeutic approaches for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
• Implications of early life stress on mental health in adolescence.
• The role of gut microbiota in pediatric diseases.
• Understanding the genetic basis of rare childhood disorders.

Medical Research Topics on Anatomy

Anatomy is the study of the organization and structure of the body. It encompasses many topics for medical research papers, from bones and organs to cell structures. Consider these ideas when writing your next anatomy paper:

• The role of genetics in bone fragility disorders.
• A comparative study of the skeletal systems across different species.
• The role and function of the lymphatic system in human health.
• Investigating complexities of the human brain's structure.
• Development and growth of human muscles.
• Impact of aging on bone health and structure.
• Exploring the intricate workings of the human cardiovascular system.
• Understanding structural changes in lungs in chronic respiratory diseases.
• The anatomical basis of speech and language development.
• Neuroanatomy of pain: Understanding pain pathways and mechanisms.
• Structural adaptations of the human body for athletic performance.
• Anatomy of the human eye and its role in vision.
• How does connective tissue support body structures?
• How does endocrine system impact hormone production?
• How does female anatomy change during pregnancy?

Medical Anthropology Research Topics

Medical anthropology looks at health and illness from a cultural perspective. It draws on expertise from across disciplines such as biology, psychology, and sociology to better understand how medical systems can work within different communities. If you’re interested in this field, use these ideas for med research topics:

• Investigating cultural beliefs and practices surrounding childbirth.
• Impact of socioeconomic status on health outcomes in different cultures.
• Understanding the role of traditional medicine in modern healthcare systems.
• An exploration of how cultural beliefs influence mental health perceptions.
• Effect of migration on health outcomes.
• The role of diet and nutrition in health from a cultural perspective.
• Cultural competence in healthcare delivery: Challenges and opportunities.
• Intersection of gender, culture, and health.
• Impact of societal norms and values on disease prevalence.
• Health disparities among indigenous populations.
• Role of social support networks in health and wellness across cultures.
• The impact of stigma on health outcomes in HIV/AIDS patients.
• The role of cultural anthropology in global health interventions.
• Ethnobotany and its implications for drug discovery.
• Understanding health practices in post-conflict societies.

Medicine Research Topics on Physiology

Physiology studies how living organisms function. This branch covers a range of medicine topics and ideas you might like. Here are some suggestions for your next med paper in physiology:

• How does nervous system contribute to the perception of pain?
• What physiological changes are triggered by acute and chronic stress?
• How does regular exercise influence cardiovascular health and overall well-being?
• How do hormones influence our metabolic rate and energy utilization?
• A detailed study on physiological transformations during pregnancy and lactation.
• How does the process of aging affect the function and resilience of various organs?
• Exploring the role of homeostasis in maintaining the body's internal balance.
• What are the key physiological processes involved in the sleep cycle?
• Unraveling complexities of the human digestive system from ingestion to excretion.
• How does the renal system contribute to maintaining blood pressure?
• Physiological adaptations humans undergo when living at high altitudes.
• How does dehydration disrupt normal bodily functions?
• Implications of obesity on respiratory function and efficiency.
• How does the endocrine system orchestrate growth and development?
• Investigating the neurophysiological underpinnings of memory formation and retrieval.

Medical Research Topics on Dermatology

From understanding skin conditions to exploring new procedures, dermatological research is a crucial part of improving skin health. Look through these medical research ideas centered around dermatology:

• Investigating the causes and treatments of acne in adolescents.
• Diet and the development of psoriasis.
• Understanding genetic factors involved in atopic dermatitis.
• Skin cancer: Risk factors, prevention, and treatment strategies.
• How do environmental factors cause skin aging?
• Exploring new treatments for hair loss.
• Understanding the correlation between stress and skin conditions.
• The role of the microbiome in skin health and disease.
• New approaches in the treatment of vitiligo.
• The impact of UV radiation on skin health.
• Exploring the pathophysiology of rosacea.
• The role of telemedicine in dermatology.
• Clinical advancements in the treatment of fungal skin infections.
• The correlation between skin health and mental health.
• Advances in cosmetic dermatology: Safety and effectiveness of new procedures.

Medical Research Paper Topics on Nursing

Nursing is a versatile profession that covers many areas of health care. It’s also an ever-changing field, with new research and advancements being released all the time. Here are some topics for medical research paper focusing on nursing:

• The impact of nurse-patient communication on patient outcomes.
• Exploring the effects of nurse fatigue on job performance.
• How does nurse practitioner autonomy influence patient care?
• Importance of bedside manner in nursing.
• The role of technology in nursing practice.
• Understanding challenges associated with ethical decision-making in nursing.
• How does nurse burnout affect patient safety?
• Analyzing factors contributing to nurse retention and turnover rates.
• The effects of staffing ratios on nurse and patient satisfaction.
• Exploring the role of leadership in nursing practice.
• What are implications of nurse workload on healthcare outcomes?
• The impact of health policy on nursing education and practice.
• Ethical dilemmas faced by nurses in end-of-life care.
• How does culture affect perceptions of healthcare and nursing.
• What are some effects of managed care on nurse autonomy?

>> Read more: Nursing Research Paper Topics

Medical Research Topics on Primary Care

Primary care is the first point of contact between patients and medical professionals. This branch is often overlooked, but it’s an important area of research that can improve health outcomes in communities around the world. Check out these interesting health topics to discuss in primary care:

• Exploring the impact of primary care physician shortages on health outcomes.
• How do socio-economic factors influence health outcomes in primary care?
• Strategies to improve patient adherence to treatment.
• What are some challenges and opportunities of providing mental health services?
• The role of primary care in managing chronic diseases.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of preventive measures in primary care.
• How does patient education influence health outcomes in primary care?
• The role of health technology in improving primary care delivery.
• What are some best practices for managing multimorbidity in primary care?
• Developing effective communication strategies for diverse patient populations in primary care.
• The impact of health policy changes on care delivery.
• How can primary care practices be adapted to meet the needs of an aging population?
• Assessing the effectiveness of integrated care models.
• The role of primary care in addressing health disparities.
• Strategies for improving patient satisfaction in primary care.

Medical Research Topics on Public Health

Public health is an important area of research - understanding how to improve health in communities and prevent illness and injury are crucial skills for medical professionals. Here are some medical related research topics that could kick-start your next project:

• What are the causes, implications and solutions to food insecurity?
• The role of public health in the management of infectious diseases.
• Assessing the effectiveness of smoking cessation programs.
• The role of public health initiatives in combating the obesity epidemic.
• What are some policy interventions that can improve public health?
• The impact of racism and discrimination on public health outcomes.
• Exploring new models for delivering mental health services in underserved communities.
• The impact of urbanization on public health outcomes.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of school-based health education programs.
• Strategies for managing public health crises during natural disasters.
• The implications of antibiotic resistance for public health.
• How can community engagement improve public health initiatives?
• The role of public health in the prevention and control of zoonotic diseases.
• What are the effects of environmental toxins on human health?
• How can mutual efforts reduce maternal and infant mortality rates?

>> View more: Public Health Research Topics

Medical Research Topics on Mental Health

Mental health is an important area of research, as it affects so many people around the world. Here are some medical research paper ideas to get you started on your next mental health project:

• The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating anxiety disorders.
• How does social media influence adolescents' mental health?
• Exploring the link between gut health and wellbeing.
• The role of mindfulness in managing stress and enhancing mental well-being.
• Understanding the genetic factors in schizophrenia.
• How can stigma associated with mental illness be reduced in society?
• How do traumatic events influence mental health?
• Potential art therapy application in emotional health treatment.
• The role of mental health in managing chronic diseases.
• The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global mental health.
• Understanding the correlation between sleep deprivation and emotional wellbeing.
• Strategies for improving mental health services in rural areas.
• How can nutrition benefit mental health?
• Exploring the effectiveness of peer support in mental health recovery.
• The benefits and challenges of telepsychiatry.

>> View more: Mental Health Research Paper Topics

Medical Ethics Research Topics

Medical ethics is an important direction in healthcare research. Check these fascinating health topics to research for your next paper:

• Exploring moral implications of assisted suicide.
• How do ethical considerations come into play during organ transplantation?
• The ethical conundrum of maintaining patient confidentiality in the digital age.
• The integral role of informed consent in the physician-patient relationship.
• What ethical dilemmas arise from genetic testing and gene editing technologies?
• Ethical considerations of implementing artificial intelligence in healthcare.
• Is it ethical to use placebos in clinical trials?
• Balancing individual rights and public health in the context of a pandemic.
• Navigating ethical issues surrounding end-of-life care.
• Ethical challenges involved in the rationing of limited healthcare resources.
• What ethical considerations are necessary when conducting clinical research in low-resource settings?
• Ethical debate surrounding the use of animals for medical research.
• Ethical questions raised by advancements in reproductive technologies and rights.
• What are ethical implications of mandatory vaccination policies?
• Understanding ethical dilemmas associated with using health data for research.

Extra Medical Research Papers Topics

Medical research is an important topic for many people. Below you can find more medical research topic ideas that didn't fall in any of categories offered above.

Health Research Topics

Health research paper topics are crucial to understanding the effects of trends and developments in the medical field. Here are some ideas to get you inspired:

• How does virtual reality change physical rehabilitation?
• Investigating the effects of pollution on respiratory health.
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in mental health.
• The role of nutrition in managing cardiovascular diseases.
• Assessing health impacts of climate change.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of health education programs in schools.
• Strategies for promoting mental health in the workplace.
• Investigating the links between diet and cognitive function.
• How does health literacy influence individual health outcomes?
• Implications of stress on immune function.
• Effectiveness of public health campaigns on smoking cessation.
• Exploring the effectiveness of herbal remedies in treating diseases.
• The role of sports in promoting a healthy lifestyle.
• Strategies to reduce the prevalence of substance abuse.
• Pros and cons of electronic record systems in healthcare.

Clinical Research Topics

Clinical ideas are essential for approaching healthcare from a scientific point of view. Find some medical research paper topics to cover in your project:

• Exploring the effectiveness of novel treatments in rare diseases.
• The role of biomarkers in disease diagnosis and treatment.
• How do medical interventions influence patient satisfaction?
• Exploring links between nutrition and cancer prevention.
• How do lifestyle modifications influence diabetes management?
• Understanding the implications of drug interactions.
• How does genetic testing influence medical decision-making?
• What are some challenges associated with disseminating medical evidence?
• Predicting disease progression through machine learning.
• Assessing the accuracy of various diagnostic tools.
• Implications of medical robotics and automation in healthcare.
• Evaluating the impact of patient-centered care on quality outcomes.
• Clinical trials: Challenges and opportunities.
• How can vulnerable populations access medical care?
• How can public-private partnerships benefit healthcare delivery?

Bottom Line on Medical Topics to Research

Choosing healthcare research paper topics can be quite overwhelming. We hope our suggestions will help you in developing an engaging medical research topic for your upcoming project or assignment. Remember to always check with your instructor before starting any project, so that you are aware of all specific requirements.

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Opinion: Person-centered health care means ensuring that affected communities are leaders and partners in research

by Janet Jull, Kimberly Fairman and Sandy Oliver, The Conversation

Studies show that people often do not have opportunities to engage in health-related decision-making with their health-care providers.

For people experiencing health issues and entering the health system as patients, an arrival at a hospital or a local clinic can be daunting. The health care setting can be uncomfortable and unfamiliar. People may encounter challenges with communicating in a less familiar language or be faced with technical medical terms and jargon. There may be many health-care providers and their roles may not be clear to someone who comes into the health-care setting.

From the health care providers' perspective, new patients arrive every day, each with unique symptoms or conditions and personal circumstances. The support of patients as individuals is further complicated by underlying and systemic structural issues in health systems that can foster exclusion and oppression, including everyday racism . The outcomes can lead to medical mistrust and ultimately, poor care and health outcomes for patients.

People need support and opportunities to work with trusted health-care providers to make the best health decisions for themselves and their families. And those working within health systems need guidance and procedures to fully deliver on their key aspiration : the provision of person-centered care.

Person-centered care and shared decision-making

Person-centered care means treating people who face health issues as valued partners in health systems. The provision of care that is person-centered is much more than just treating symptoms or disease. People bring their own needs, values and perspectives that are vital to manage and improve their health.

Person-centered care upholds autonomy and has important benefits such as enhancing quality of care and patient and provider well-being , and may increase safety in health systems.

Health systems should be structured to support processes that are person-centered and ensure people have opportunities to acquire knowledge, skills and confidence to participate in their health care.

Person-centered care is not a given and can be a challenge to achieve without support for patients and health-care providers alike. Shared decision-making is one way forward to provide this support.

Shared decision-making is an evidence-based strategy that upholds person-centered care . It is a process that engages people with health-care providers to make decisions tailored to an individual patient's needs, and based on the best available evidence, clinical expertise and patient-informed preferences.

Strategies to support shared decision-making have been shown to be safe and effective for general populations, and to offer even greater potential benefits to those who experience disadvantage in health systems.

Partnerships put people in the center of health research

We are members of a team of service providers and academic researchers focused on person-centered care in health systems. Members of our team are part of the Inuit ( Indigenous Peoples of circumpolar regions ) or Indigenous community, and/or are of European heritage and work closely with the Inuit community. Together, we bring knowledge and experience with research, health systems and Indigenous cultures.

The delivery of person-centered care is a challenge . For example, health-care models often reflect values, knowledge systems, research and care practices that do not meet the needs of Indigenous people and communities. Research can contribute knowledge that can lead to societal change and opportunities for everyone to achieve optimal health and wellness.

Furthermore, research that is done in partnership fosters democratic processes of knowledge co-production . To attain health systems that support person centered-care, we need research that is done in ways that support the priorities and participation of the people the research is meant to benefit; in other words, research that is person-centered. We need to ensure that the people who use, or who are impacted by the research, can define the research and its outcomes as beneficial.

We have learned that while Inuit want to have their say in their health decisions, health systems and settings are not structured to support opportunities for their participation.

For example, Inuit who have a cancer diagnosis must navigate complex health systems and often face difficult decisions without support in unfamiliar and sometimes unwelcoming settings, far from home. Many factors adversely affect their participation in health decisions, including: the need to travel long distances for treatment; being separated from family and friends; and language and cultural barriers. Strategies to support shared decision-making are one way to mitigate these issues.

Learning to put people in the center of health care

We set out to learn from existing research about how Inuit and other Indigenous Peoples around the world can be supported in their health decision-making . We determined the scientific merit of the studies and how well they aligned with the principles of collaborative research with Indigenous Peoples .

We found that some of the study reports indicated they were led entirely by Indigenous scholars and/or communities, or included a mix of Indigenous people or communities with non-Indigenous academic researchers on the study teams. These studies were inclusive of Indigenous knowledges in the research. We referred to these studies as "Indigenous-oriented."

Other studies did not report on leadership or inclusion of Indigenous partners and were based only on western academic knowledge. We referred to these studies as "western-oriented."

While all the studies we found focused on the support of Indigenous Peoples in their health decision-making, only one group of studies supported person-centered care.

The Indigenous-oriented studies investigated strategies to change underlying and systemic structural issues in health systems, to make them more acceptable and aligned with the needs, values and perspectives of Indigenous groups. We found the Indigenous-oriented studies, with the leadership and partnerships of the people the research was intended to benefit, to be in support of person-centered care.

In contrast, the western-oriented studies took health promotion approaches to change peoples' behaviors, outside of health settings and were less supportive of person-centered care.

Person-centered care through partnerships

Our work indicates that, in the field of Indigenous health, tackling the challenge of inequities and challenging underlying and systemic structural issues in health systems to support person-centered care is achievable through partnerships with people and communities who will use or be affected by the research findings. Our work also indicates there may be applicable lessons for working with other groups who may be at risk or experience disadvantage in health systems.

Not Deciding Alone , a team of Inuit-led and Inuit-specific organizations and academic health researchers who are active in health-care systems that provide services to communities in the Qikiqtaani region of Nunavut and in Ottawa, co-authored this article.

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Provision of Medications for Self-Managed Abortion Before and After the Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization Decision

• 1 LBJ School of Public Affairs, University of Texas at Austin
• 2 Plan C, National Women’s Health Network, Washington, DC
• 3 Aid Access, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
• 4 McCombs School of Business, University of Texas at Austin
• Viewpoint FDA in the Crosshairs of Science, Politics, and Abortion Holly Fernandez Lynch, JD, MBE; Aaron S. Kesselheim, MD, JD, MPH JAMA
• Viewpoint Impacts of the Supreme Court Decision in FDA v Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine Eve Espey, MD, MPH; Tiffany Hailstorks, MD, MPH; Lisa Hofler, MD, MPH, MBA JAMA
• Research Letter Advance Provision of Mifepristone and Misoprostol via Online Telemedicine in the US Abigail R. A. Aiken, PhD; Jennifer E. Starling, PhD; Daniëlle C. van Blitterswijk, MSc; Carlijn Looijen, MSc; Thijs van Vliet, MSc; Dirk R. Essink, PhD; Rebecca Gomperts, PhD JAMA Internal Medicine

Question   To what extent has the provision of medications for self-managed abortion outside the formal US health care setting increased in the 6 months following the Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision?

Findings   In this cross-sectional US-wide study, the total number of provisions of medications for self-managed abortion increased by an estimated 27 838 in the 6 months after Dobbs (July-December 2022) vs what would have been expected based on pre- Dobbs levels.

Meaning   Provision of medications for self-managed abortion in the US increased in the 6 months after Dobbs. A substantial number of people accessed abortion medications despite implementation of state-level bans and restrictions. Clinicians should be prepared to meet the needs of patients who may be considering self-managed medication abortion or who need or want to connect with the formal health care setting for postabortion care.

Importance   The Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization overturned the right to choose abortion in the US, with at least 16 states subsequently implementing abortion bans or 6-week gestational limits. Prior research indicates that in the 6 months following Dobbs , approximately 32 360 fewer abortions were provided within the US formal health care setting. However, trends in the provision of medications for self-managed abortion outside the formal health care setting have not been studied.

Objective   To determine whether the provision of medications for self-managed abortion outside the formal health care setting increased in the 6 months after Dobbs .

Design, Setting, and Participants   Cross-sectional study using data from sources that provided abortion medications outside the formal health care setting to people in the US between March 1 and December 31, 2022, including online telemedicine organizations, community networks, and online vendors. Using a hierarchical bayesian model, we imputed missing values from sources not providing data. We estimated the change in provision of medications for self-managed abortion after the Dobbs decision. We then estimated actual use of these medications by accounting for the possibility that not all provided medications are used by recipients.

Exposure   Abortion restrictions following the Dobbs decision.

Main Outcomes and Measures   Provision and use of medications for a self-managed abortion.

Results   In the 6-month post- Dobbs period (July 1 to December 31, 2022), the total number of provisions of medications for self-managed abortion increased by 27 838 (95% credible interval [CrI], 26 374-29 175) vs what would have been expected based on pre- Dobbs levels. Excluding imputed data changes the results only slightly (27 145; 95% CrI, 25 747-28 246). Accounting for nonuse of medications, actual self-managed medication abortions increased by an estimated 26 055 (95% CrI, 24 739-27 245) vs what would have been expected had the Dobbs decision not occurred.

Conclusions and Relevance   Provision of medications for self-managed abortions increased in the 6 months following the Dobbs decision. Results suggest that a substantial number of abortion seekers accessed services despite the implementation of state-level bans and restrictions.

Read More About

Aiken ARA , Wells ES , Gomperts R , Scott JG. Provision of Medications for Self-Managed Abortion Before and After the Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization Decision. JAMA. Published online March 25, 2024. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.4266

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Pilot study shows ketogenic diet improves severe mental illness

A small clinical trial led by Stanford Medicine found that the metabolic effects of a ketogenic diet may help stabilize the brain.

April 1, 2024 - By Nina Bai

A study led by researchers at Stanford Medicine showed that diet can help those with serious mental illness. nishihata

For people living with serious mental illness like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, standard treatment with antipsychotic medications can be a double-edged sword. While these drugs help regulate brain chemistry, they often cause metabolic side effects such as insulin resistance and obesity, which are distressing enough that many patients stop taking the medications.

Now, a pilot study led by Stanford Medicine researchers has found that a ketogenic diet not only restores metabolic health in these patients as they continue their medications, but it further improves their psychiatric conditions. The results, published March 27 in Psychiatry Research , suggest that a dietary intervention can be a powerful aid in treating mental illness.

“It’s very promising and very encouraging that you can take back control of your illness in some way, aside from the usual standard of care,” said Shebani Sethi , MD, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and the first author of the new paper.

Making the connection

Sethi, who is board certified in obesity and psychiatry, remembers when she first noticed the connection. As a medical student working in an obesity clinic, she saw a patient with treatment-resistant schizophrenia whose auditory hallucinations quieted on a ketogenic diet.

That prompted her to dig into the medical literature. There were only a few, decades-old case reports on using the ketogenic diet to treat schizophrenia, but there was a long track record of success in using ketogenic diets to treat epileptic seizures.

“The ketogenic diet has been proven to be effective for treatment-resistant epileptic seizures by reducing the excitability of neurons in the brain,” Sethi said. “We thought it would be worth exploring this treatment in psychiatric conditions.”

A few years later, Sethi coined the term metabolic psychiatry, a new field that approaches mental health from an energy conversion perspective.

Shebani Sethi

In the four-month pilot trial, Sethi’s team followed 21 adult participants who were diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, taking antipsychotic medications, and had a metabolic abnormality — such as weight gain, insulin resistance, hypertriglyceridemia, dyslipidemia or impaired glucose tolerance. The participants were instructed to follow a ketogenic diet, with approximately 10% of the calories from carbohydrates, 30% from protein and 60% from fat. They were not told to count calories.

“The focus of eating is on whole non-processed foods including protein and non-starchy vegetables, and not restricting fats,” said Sethi, who shared keto-friendly meal ideas with the participants. They were also given keto cookbooks and access to a health coach. 

The research team tracked how well the participants followed the diet through weekly measures of blood ketone levels. (Ketones are acids produced when the body breaks down fat — instead of glucose — for energy.) By the end of the trial, 14 patients had been fully adherent, six were semi-adherent and only one was non-adherent.

The participants underwent a variety of psychiatric and metabolic assessments throughout the trial.

Before the trial, 29% of the participants met the criteria for metabolic syndrome, defined as having at least three of five conditions: abdominal obesity, elevated triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, elevated blood pressure and elevated fasting glucose levels. After four months on a ketogenic diet, none of the participants had metabolic syndrome.

On average, the participants lost 10% of their body weight; reduced their waist circumference by 11% percent; and had lower blood pressure, body mass index, triglycerides, blood sugar levels and insulin resistance.

“We’re seeing huge changes,” Sethi said. “Even if you’re on antipsychotic drugs, we can still reverse the obesity, the metabolic syndrome, the insulin resistance. I think that’s very encouraging for patients.”

The participants reported improvements in their energy, sleep, mood and quality of life.

The psychiatric benefits were also striking. On average, the participants improved 31% on a psychiatrist rating of mental illness known as the clinical global impressions scale, with three-quarters of the group showing clinically meaningful improvement. Overall, the participants also reported better sleep and greater life satisfaction.

“The participants reported improvements in their energy, sleep, mood and quality of life,” Sethi said. “They feel healthier and more hopeful.”

The researchers were impressed that most of the participants stuck with the diet. “We saw more benefit with the adherent group compared with the semi-adherent group, indicating a potential dose-response relationship,” Sethi said.

Alternative fuel for the brain

There is increasing evidence that psychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder stem from metabolic deficits in the brain, which affect the excitability of neurons, Sethi said.

The researchers hypothesize that just as a ketogenic diet improves the rest of the body’s metabolism, it also improves the brain’s metabolism.

“Anything that improves metabolic health in general is probably going to improve brain health anyway,” Sethi said. “But the ketogenic diet can provide ketones as an alternative fuel to glucose for a brain with energy dysfunction.”

Likely there are multiple mechanisms at work, she added, and the main purpose of the small pilot trial is to help researchers detect signals that will guide the design of larger, more robust studies.  

As a physician, Sethi cares for many patients with both serious mental illness and obesity or metabolic syndrome, but few studies have focused on this undertreated population.

She is the founder and director of the metabolic psychiatry clinic at Stanford Medicine.

“Many of my patients suffer from both illnesses, so my desire was to see if metabolic interventions could help them,” she said. “They are seeking more help. They are looking to just feel better.”

Researchers from the University of Michigan; the University of California, San Francisco; and Duke University contributed to the study.

The study was supported by Baszucki Group Research Fund, Keun Lau Fund and the Obesity Treatment Foundation.

About Stanford Medicine

Stanford Medicine is an integrated academic health system comprising the Stanford School of Medicine and adult and pediatric health care delivery systems. Together, they harness the full potential of biomedicine through collaborative research, education and clinical care for patients. For more information, please visit med.stanford.edu .

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Research: How Different Fields Are Using GenAI to Redefine Roles

• Maryam Alavi

Examples from customer support, management consulting, professional writing, legal analysis, and software and technology.

The interactive, conversational, analytical, and generative features of GenAI offer support for creativity, problem-solving, and processing and digestion of large bodies of information. Therefore, these features can act as cognitive resources for knowledge workers. Moreover, the capabilities of GenAI can mitigate various hindrances to effective performance that knowledge workers may encounter in their jobs, including time pressure, gaps in knowledge and skills, and negative feelings (such as boredom stemming from repetitive tasks or frustration arising from interactions with dissatisfied customers). Empirical research and field observations have already begun to reveal the value of GenAI capabilities and their potential for job crafting.

There is an expectation that implementing new and emerging Generative AI (GenAI) tools enhances the effectiveness and competitiveness of organizations. This belief is evidenced by current and planned investments in GenAI tools, especially by firms in knowledge-intensive industries such as finance, healthcare, and entertainment, among others. According to forecasts, enterprise spending on GenAI will increase by two-fold in 2024 and grow to $151.1 billion by 2027 .

• Maryam Alavi is the Elizabeth D. & Thomas M. Holder Chair & Professor of IT Management, Scheller College of Business, Georgia Institute of Technology .

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Large language models use a surprisingly simple mechanism to retrieve some stored knowledge

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Large language models, such as those that power popular artificial intelligence chatbots like ChatGPT, are incredibly complex. Even though these models are being used as tools in many areas, such as customer support, code generation, and language translation, scientists still don’t fully grasp how they work.

In an effort to better understand what is going on under the hood, researchers at MIT and elsewhere studied the mechanisms at work when these enormous machine-learning models retrieve stored knowledge.

They found a surprising result: Large language models (LLMs) often use a very simple linear function to recover and decode stored facts. Moreover, the model uses the same decoding function for similar types of facts. Linear functions, equations with only two variables and no exponents, capture the straightforward, straight-line relationship between two variables.

The researchers showed that, by identifying linear functions for different facts, they can probe the model to see what it knows about new subjects, and where within the model that knowledge is stored.

Using a technique they developed to estimate these simple functions, the researchers found that even when a model answers a prompt incorrectly, it has often stored the correct information. In the future, scientists could use such an approach to find and correct falsehoods inside the model, which could reduce a model’s tendency to sometimes give incorrect or nonsensical answers.

“Even though these models are really complicated, nonlinear functions that are trained on lots of data and are very hard to understand, there are sometimes really simple mechanisms working inside them. This is one instance of that,” says Evan Hernandez, an electrical engineering and computer science (EECS) graduate student and co-lead author of a paper detailing these findings .

Hernandez wrote the paper with co-lead author Arnab Sharma, a computer science graduate student at Northeastern University; his advisor, Jacob Andreas, an associate professor in EECS and a member of the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL); senior author David Bau, an assistant professor of computer science at Northeastern; and others at MIT, Harvard University, and the Israeli Institute of Technology. The research will be presented at the International Conference on Learning Representations.

Finding facts

Most large language models, also called transformer models, are neural networks . Loosely based on the human brain, neural networks contain billions of interconnected nodes, or neurons, that are grouped into many layers, and which encode and process data.

Much of the knowledge stored in a transformer can be represented as relations that connect subjects and objects. For instance, “Miles Davis plays the trumpet” is a relation that connects the subject, Miles Davis, to the object, trumpet.

As a transformer gains more knowledge, it stores additional facts about a certain subject across multiple layers. If a user asks about that subject, the model must decode the most relevant fact to respond to the query.

If someone prompts a transformer by saying “Miles Davis plays the. . .” the model should respond with “trumpet” and not “Illinois” (the state where Miles Davis was born).

“Somewhere in the network’s computation, there has to be a mechanism that goes and looks for the fact that Miles Davis plays the trumpet, and then pulls that information out and helps generate the next word. We wanted to understand what that mechanism was,” Hernandez says.

The researchers set up a series of experiments to probe LLMs, and found that, even though they are extremely complex, the models decode relational information using a simple linear function. Each function is specific to the type of fact being retrieved.

For example, the transformer would use one decoding function any time it wants to output the instrument a person plays and a different function each time it wants to output the state where a person was born.

The researchers developed a method to estimate these simple functions, and then computed functions for 47 different relations, such as “capital city of a country” and “lead singer of a band.”

While there could be an infinite number of possible relations, the researchers chose to study this specific subset because they are representative of the kinds of facts that can be written in this way.

They tested each function by changing the subject to see if it could recover the correct object information. For instance, the function for “capital city of a country” should retrieve Oslo if the subject is Norway and London if the subject is England.

Functions retrieved the correct information more than 60 percent of the time, showing that some information in a transformer is encoded and retrieved in this way.

“But not everything is linearly encoded. For some facts, even though the model knows them and will predict text that is consistent with these facts, we can’t find linear functions for them. This suggests that the model is doing something more intricate to store that information,” he says.

Visualizing a model’s knowledge

They also used the functions to determine what a model believes is true about different subjects.

In one experiment, they started with the prompt “Bill Bradley was a” and used the decoding functions for “plays sports” and “attended university” to see if the model knows that Sen. Bradley was a basketball player who attended Princeton.

“We can show that, even though the model may choose to focus on different information when it produces text, it does encode all that information,” Hernandez says.

They used this probing technique to produce what they call an “attribute lens,” a grid that visualizes where specific information about a particular relation is stored within the transformer’s many layers.

Attribute lenses can be generated automatically, providing a streamlined method to help researchers understand more about a model. This visualization tool could enable scientists and engineers to correct stored knowledge and help prevent an AI chatbot from giving false information.

In the future, Hernandez and his collaborators want to better understand what happens in cases where facts are not stored linearly. They would also like to run experiments with larger models, as well as study the precision of linear decoding functions.

“This is an exciting work that reveals a missing piece in our understanding of how large language models recall factual knowledge during inference. Previous work showed that LLMs build information-rich representations of given subjects, from which specific attributes are being extracted during inference. This work shows that the complex nonlinear computation of LLMs for attribute extraction can be well-approximated with a simple linear function,” says Mor Geva Pipek, an assistant professor in the School of Computer Science at Tel Aviv University, who was not involved with this work.

This research was supported, in part, by Open Philanthropy, the Israeli Science Foundation, and an Azrieli Foundation Early Career Faculty Fellowship.

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FDA warns patients and health care providers about potential risks associated with compounded ketamine products, including oral formulations, for the treatment of psychiatric disorders

October 10, 2023

What Patients and Health Care Providers Should Know

There is increased interest in compounded ketamine products (including oral formulations) for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. When considering use of compounded ketamine products, patients and health care providers should know: 

• Ketamine is not FDA approved for the treatment of any psychiatric disorder. FDA is aware that compounded ketamine products have been marketed for a wide variety of psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder); however, FDA has not determined that ketamine is safe and effective for such uses.
• Compounded drugs, including compounded ketamine products, are not FDA approved, which means FDA has not evaluated their safety, effectiveness, or quality prior to marketing. Therefore, compounded drugs do not have any FDA-approved indications or routes of administration. Although compounded drugs can serve an important medical need for certain patients when an FDA-approved drug is not medically appropriate, they also present a risk to patients and should only be used under the care of a health care provider.
• Use of compounded ketamine products without monitoring by a health care provider for sedation (sleepiness), dissociation (disconnection between a person’s thoughts, feelings, and sense of space, time, and self), and changes in vital signs (such as blood pressure and heart rate) may put patients at risk for serious adverse events.
• Known safety concerns associated with the use of ketamine products include abuse and misuse, psychiatric events, increases in blood pressure, respiratory depression (slowed breathing), and lower urinary tract and bladder symptoms. For FDA-approved ketamine ( see Ketalar prescribing information ), the expected benefit outweighs these risks when used at appropriate doses for FDA-approved indications and routes of administration. 
• Despite increased interest in the use of compounded ketamine, we are not aware of evidence to suggest that it is safer, is more effective, or works faster than medications that are FDA approved for the treatment of certain psychiatric disorders.

Ketamine hydrochloride (referred to here as “ketamine” interchangeably) is a Schedule III controlled substance that is FDA approved as an intravenous or intramuscular injection solution for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. Ketamine, like many drug products, is a mixture of two mirror-image molecules, R-ketamine and S-ketamine (arketamine and esketamine, respectively). Spravato (which includes only the esketamine molecule), is approved as a nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression in adults and for depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder with acute suicidal ideation or behavior (in conjunction with an oral antidepressant). 

On February 16, 2022, FDA published a compounding risk alert describing the potential risks associated with at-home use of compounded ketamine nasal spray and several adverse event reports. The February 2022 compounding risk alert also provided information about Spravato, which is subject to a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) as part of its FDA approval. A REMS is a drug safety program that FDA can require for certain approved medications with serious safety concerns to ensure the benefits of the medication outweigh its risks. The Spravato REMS requires esketamine to be dispensed and administered in medically supervised health care settings that are certified in the REMS and agree to monitor patients for a minimum of two hours following administration because of possible sedation and dissociation and the potential for misuse and abuse. Compounded ketamine products are not FDA approved for any indication, including psychiatric disorders, and are, therefore, not part of a REMS program. This does not mean compounded ketamine products are safer for patients. In fact, because compounded ketamine products are not subject to monitoring requirements under a REMS, they may be less safe.

Since the publication of the February 2022 compounding risk alert, FDA has become aware of increasing public interest in the use of sublingual and oral dosage forms of compounded ketamine for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. FDA understands that the ability to obtain such products through telemedicine platforms and compounders for at-home use may be attractive to some patients. However, the lack of monitoring for adverse events, such as sedation and dissociation, by an onsite health care provider may put patients at risk. Additionally, FDA has identified safety concerns associated with compounded ketamine products as discussed below. Furthermore, FDA has not established safe or effective dosing of ketamine for any psychiatric indication because ketamine has not been approved for these uses. These factors may place the patient at risk for serious adverse events, misuse, and abuse. 

Potential Safety Risks Associated with Compounded Ketamine Products

Patients who receive compounded ketamine products from compounders and telemedicine platforms for the treatment of psychiatric disorders may not receive important information about the potential risks associated with the product. As previously noted, safety concerns that may be associated with ketamine products include, but are not limited to, risks of sedation, dissociation, psychiatric events or worsening of psychiatric disorders, abuse and misuse, increases in blood pressure, respiratory depression (breathing becomes slower and shallower and the lungs fail to exchange carbon dioxide and oxygen efficiently), and lower urinary tract and bladder symptoms. At-home administration of compounded ketamine presents additional risks because a health care provider is not available onsite to monitor for serious adverse outcomes resulting from sedation and dissociation. 

In April 2023, FDA received an adverse event report of a patient who experienced respiratory depression after taking compounded oral ketamine outside of a health care setting for the treatment of PTSD. The patient’s ketamine blood level appeared to be twice the blood level typically obtained for anesthesia. 

In addition to the potential risks associated with compounded ketamine products, patients and health care providers should be aware that information about use of these products is lacking. For example, FDA has not established safe or effective dosing of ketamine for any psychiatric indication. Furthermore, the dosages of the sublingual and oral compounded ketamine products marketed by compounders and telemedicine platforms may vary, which makes it challenging to predict which potential risks may be associated with these products. In addition to the concerns regarding the short-term use of compounded ketamine, the overall benefit-risk profile of ketamine for treatment of psychiatric disorders is unknown.

Conclusions

FDA is aware of increased interest in the at-home use of compounded ketamine products, including oral formulations, for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Patients and health care providers should be aware that FDA has identified potential safety concerns associated with the use of compounded ketamine products from compounders and telemedicine platforms, including abuse and misuse, psychiatric events, increases in blood pressure, respiratory depression, and lower urinary tract and bladder symptoms. Home use of compounded ketamine products presents additional risk because onsite monitoring by a health care provider is not available. Ketamine is not FDA approved for the treatment of any psychiatric disorder, and additional clinical studies are needed to adequately investigate ketamine’s benefit-risk profile and safe-use conditions in the treatment of psychiatric disorders.

FDA encourages compounders, patients, and health care providers to report adverse events associated with compounded ketamine products to FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.

• Complete and submit the report online at MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program ; or
• Download and complete the form , then submit it via fax at 1-800-FDA-0178.