research topics in health problem

Research Topics & Ideas: Healthcare

100+ Healthcare Research Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your Project

Finding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation, thesis or research project. If you’ve landed on this post, chances are you’re looking for a healthcare-related research topic , but aren’t sure where to start. Here, we’ll explore a variety of healthcare-related research ideas and topic thought-starters across a range of healthcare fields, including allopathic and alternative medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, optometry, pharmacology and public health.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps . In this post, we’ll kickstart the process by sharing some research topic ideas within the healthcare domain. This is the starting point, but to develop a well-defined research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , along with a well-justified plan of action to fill that gap.

If you’re new to the oftentimes perplexing world of research, or if this is your first time undertaking a formal academic research project, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course. In it, we cover the process of writing a dissertation or thesis from start to end. Be sure to also sign up for our free webinar that explores how to find a high-quality research topic.

Overview: Healthcare Research Topics

• Allopathic medicine
• Alternative /complementary medicine
• Veterinary medicine
• Physical therapy/ rehab
• Optometry and ophthalmology
• Pharmacy and pharmacology
• Public health
• Examples of healthcare-related dissertations

Allopathic (Conventional) Medicine

• The effectiveness of telemedicine in remote elderly patient care
• The impact of stress on the immune system of cancer patients
• The effects of a plant-based diet on chronic diseases such as diabetes
• The use of AI in early cancer diagnosis and treatment
• The role of the gut microbiome in mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety
• The efficacy of mindfulness meditation in reducing chronic pain: A systematic review
• The benefits and drawbacks of electronic health records in a developing country
• The effects of environmental pollution on breast milk quality
• The use of personalized medicine in treating genetic disorders
• The impact of social determinants of health on chronic diseases in Asia
• The role of high-intensity interval training in improving cardiovascular health
• The efficacy of using probiotics for gut health in pregnant women
• The impact of poor sleep on the treatment of chronic illnesses
• The role of inflammation in the development of chronic diseases such as lupus
• The effectiveness of physiotherapy in pain control post-surgery

Topics & Ideas: Alternative Medicine

• The benefits of herbal medicine in treating young asthma patients
• The use of acupuncture in treating infertility in women over 40 years of age
• The effectiveness of homoeopathy in treating mental health disorders: A systematic review
• The role of aromatherapy in reducing stress and anxiety post-surgery
• The impact of mindfulness meditation on reducing high blood pressure
• The use of chiropractic therapy in treating back pain of pregnant women
• The efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine such as Shun-Qi-Tong-Xie (SQTX) in treating digestive disorders in China
• The impact of yoga on physical and mental health in adolescents
• The benefits of hydrotherapy in treating musculoskeletal disorders such as tendinitis
• The role of Reiki in promoting healing and relaxation post birth
• The effectiveness of naturopathy in treating skin conditions such as eczema
• The use of deep tissue massage therapy in reducing chronic pain in amputees
• The impact of tai chi on the treatment of anxiety and depression
• The benefits of reflexology in treating stress, anxiety and chronic fatigue
• The role of acupuncture in the prophylactic management of headaches and migraines

Topics & Ideas: Dentistry

• The impact of sugar consumption on the oral health of infants
• The use of digital dentistry in improving patient care: A systematic review
• The efficacy of orthodontic treatments in correcting bite problems in adults
• The role of dental hygiene in preventing gum disease in patients with dental bridges
• The impact of smoking on oral health and tobacco cessation support from UK dentists
• The benefits of dental implants in restoring missing teeth in adolescents
• The use of lasers in dental procedures such as root canals
• The efficacy of root canal treatment using high-frequency electric pulses in saving infected teeth
• The role of fluoride in promoting remineralization and slowing down demineralization
• The impact of stress-induced reflux on oral health
• The benefits of dental crowns in restoring damaged teeth in elderly patients
• The use of sedation dentistry in managing dental anxiety in children
• The efficacy of teeth whitening treatments in improving dental aesthetics in patients with braces
• The role of orthodontic appliances in improving well-being
• The impact of periodontal disease on overall health and chronic illnesses

Tops & Ideas: Veterinary Medicine

• The impact of nutrition on broiler chicken production
• The role of vaccines in disease prevention in horses
• The importance of parasite control in animal health in piggeries
• The impact of animal behaviour on welfare in the dairy industry
• The effects of environmental pollution on the health of cattle
• The role of veterinary technology such as MRI in animal care
• The importance of pain management in post-surgery health outcomes
• The impact of genetics on animal health and disease in layer chickens
• The effectiveness of alternative therapies in veterinary medicine: A systematic review
• The role of veterinary medicine in public health: A case study of the COVID-19 pandemic
• The impact of climate change on animal health and infectious diseases in animals
• The importance of animal welfare in veterinary medicine and sustainable agriculture
• The effects of the human-animal bond on canine health
• The role of veterinary medicine in conservation efforts: A case study of Rhinoceros poaching in Africa
• The impact of veterinary research of new vaccines on animal health

Topics & Ideas: Physical Therapy/Rehab

• The efficacy of aquatic therapy in improving joint mobility and strength in polio patients
• The impact of telerehabilitation on patient outcomes in Germany
• The effect of kinesiotaping on reducing knee pain and improving function in individuals with chronic pain
• A comparison of manual therapy and yoga exercise therapy in the management of low back pain
• The use of wearable technology in physical rehabilitation and the impact on patient adherence to a rehabilitation plan
• The impact of mindfulness-based interventions in physical therapy in adolescents
• The effects of resistance training on individuals with Parkinson’s disease
• The role of hydrotherapy in the management of fibromyalgia
• The impact of cognitive-behavioural therapy in physical rehabilitation for individuals with chronic pain
• The use of virtual reality in physical rehabilitation of sports injuries
• The effects of electrical stimulation on muscle function and strength in athletes
• The role of physical therapy in the management of stroke recovery: A systematic review
• The impact of pilates on mental health in individuals with depression
• The use of thermal modalities in physical therapy and its effectiveness in reducing pain and inflammation
• The effect of strength training on balance and gait in elderly patients

Topics & Ideas: Optometry & Opthalmology

• The impact of screen time on the vision and ocular health of children under the age of 5
• The effects of blue light exposure from digital devices on ocular health
• The role of dietary interventions, such as the intake of whole grains, in the management of age-related macular degeneration
• The use of telemedicine in optometry and ophthalmology in the UK
• The impact of myopia control interventions on African American children’s vision
• The use of contact lenses in the management of dry eye syndrome: different treatment options
• The effects of visual rehabilitation in individuals with traumatic brain injury
• The role of low vision rehabilitation in individuals with age-related vision loss: challenges and solutions
• The impact of environmental air pollution on ocular health
• The effectiveness of orthokeratology in myopia control compared to contact lenses
• The role of dietary supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, in ocular health
• The effects of ultraviolet radiation exposure from tanning beds on ocular health
• The impact of computer vision syndrome on long-term visual function
• The use of novel diagnostic tools in optometry and ophthalmology in developing countries
• The effects of virtual reality on visual perception and ocular health: an examination of dry eye syndrome and neurologic symptoms

Topics & Ideas: Pharmacy & Pharmacology

• The impact of medication adherence on patient outcomes in cystic fibrosis
• The use of personalized medicine in the management of chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease
• The effects of pharmacogenomics on drug response and toxicity in cancer patients
• The role of pharmacists in the management of chronic pain in primary care
• The impact of drug-drug interactions on patient mental health outcomes
• The use of telepharmacy in healthcare: Present status and future potential
• The effects of herbal and dietary supplements on drug efficacy and toxicity
• The role of pharmacists in the management of type 1 diabetes
• The impact of medication errors on patient outcomes and satisfaction
• The use of technology in medication management in the USA
• The effects of smoking on drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics: A case study of clozapine
• Leveraging the role of pharmacists in preventing and managing opioid use disorder
• The impact of the opioid epidemic on public health in a developing country
• The use of biosimilars in the management of the skin condition psoriasis
• The effects of the Affordable Care Act on medication utilization and patient outcomes in African Americans

Topics & Ideas: Public Health

• The impact of the built environment and urbanisation on physical activity and obesity
• The effects of food insecurity on health outcomes in Zimbabwe
• The role of community-based participatory research in addressing health disparities
• The impact of social determinants of health, such as racism, on population health
• The effects of heat waves on public health
• The role of telehealth in addressing healthcare access and equity in South America
• The impact of gun violence on public health in South Africa
• The effects of chlorofluorocarbons air pollution on respiratory health
• The role of public health interventions in reducing health disparities in the USA
• The impact of the United States Affordable Care Act on access to healthcare and health outcomes
• The effects of water insecurity on health outcomes in the Middle East
• The role of community health workers in addressing healthcare access and equity in low-income countries
• The impact of mass incarceration on public health and behavioural health of a community
• The effects of floods on public health and healthcare systems
• The role of social media in public health communication and behaviour change in adolescents

Examples: Healthcare Dissertation & Theses

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a healthcare-related research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses to see how this all comes together.

Below, we’ve included a selection of research projects from various healthcare-related degree programs to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• Improving Follow-Up Care for Homeless Populations in North County San Diego (Sanchez, 2021)
• On the Incentives of Medicare’s Hospital Reimbursement and an Examination of Exchangeability (Elzinga, 2016)
• Managing the healthcare crisis: the career narratives of nurses (Krueger, 2021)
• Methods for preventing central line-associated bloodstream infection in pediatric haematology-oncology patients: A systematic literature review (Balkan, 2020)
• Farms in Healthcare: Enhancing Knowledge, Sharing, and Collaboration (Garramone, 2019)
• When machine learning meets healthcare: towards knowledge incorporation in multimodal healthcare analytics (Yuan, 2020)
• Integrated behavioural healthcare: The future of rural mental health (Fox, 2019)
• Healthcare service use patterns among autistic adults: A systematic review with narrative synthesis (Gilmore, 2021)
• Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Combatting Burnout and Compassionate Fatigue among Mental Health Caregivers (Lundquist, 2022)
• Transgender and gender-diverse people’s perceptions of gender-inclusive healthcare access and associated hope for the future (Wille, 2021)
• Efficient Neural Network Synthesis and Its Application in Smart Healthcare (Hassantabar, 2022)
• The Experience of Female Veterans and Health-Seeking Behaviors (Switzer, 2022)
• Machine learning applications towards risk prediction and cost forecasting in healthcare (Singh, 2022)
• Does Variation in the Nursing Home Inspection Process Explain Disparity in Regulatory Outcomes? (Fox, 2020)

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are quite specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. This is an important thing to keep in mind as you develop your own research topic. That is to say, to create a top-notch research topic, you must be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

Need more help?

If you’re still feeling a bit unsure about how to find a research topic for your healthcare dissertation or thesis, check out Topic Kickstarter service below.

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15 Comments

I need topics that will match the Msc program am running in healthcare research please

Hello Mabel,

I can help you with a good topic, kindly provide your email let’s have a good discussion on this.

Can you provide some research topics and ideas on Immunology?

Thank you to create new knowledge on research problem verse research topic

Help on problem statement on teen pregnancy

This post might be useful: https://gradcoach.com/research-problem-statement/

can you provide me with a research topic on healthcare related topics to a qqi level 5 student

Please can someone help me with research topics in public health ?

Hello I have requirement of Health related latest research issue/topics for my social media speeches. If possible pls share health issues , diagnosis, treatment.

I would like a topic thought around first-line support for Gender-Based Violence for survivors or one related to prevention of Gender-Based Violence

Please can I be helped with a master’s research topic in either chemical pathology or hematology or immunology? thanks

Can u please provide me with a research topic on occupational health and safety at the health sector

Good day kindly help provide me with Ph.D. Public health topics on Reproductive and Maternal Health, interventional studies on Health Education

may you assist me with a good easy healthcare administration study topic

May you assist me in finding a research topic on nutrition,physical activity and obesity. On the impact on children

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What are the trending topics in Public Health and related disciplines?

You can identify some of the most discussed and influential topics with the help of Altmetric attention scores, which take into account several outlets including social media, news articles, and policy documents.

Drawing from a selection of Public Health and Medicine journals, we have compiled a list of the articles that have been mentioned the most over the past few months.

Discover the articles that are trending right now, and catch up on current topics in Public Health and related disciplines. We will update our collection every few weeks; come back to this page to be on top of the latest conversations in Public Health and Medicine. Previously featured articles are listed here .

You can also sign up for e-alerts to make sure you never miss the latest research from our journals.

*Last updated October 2021*

Age and Ageing

Alcohol and alcoholism, american journal of epidemiology, annals of work exposures and health, epidemiologic reviews, european journal of public health, family practice, health education research, health policy and planning, health promotion international, international health, international journal of epidemiology, international journal for quality in health care, journal of public health, journal of travel medicine, journal of tropical pediatrics, nicotine & tobacco research, transactions of the royal society of tropical medicine & hygiene, behaviour change interventions to increase physical activity in hospitalised patients: a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression.

There is moderate-certainty evidence that behaviour change interventions are associated with increased physical activity levels among older hospitalised patients.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Alcohol and Other Substance Use Disorders in Young Adulthood: Findings from a Canadian Nationally Representative Survey

This study from Canada found that one in three young adults with ADHD had a lifetime alcohol use disorder, and that young adults with ADHD were also three times more likely to develop a substance use disorder. Targeted outreach and interventions for this extremely vulnerable population are warranted.

Expiring Eviction Moratoriums and COVID-19 Incidence and Mortality

According to this study, resuming evictions in summer 2020 was associated with increased COVID-19 incidence and mortality in US states, with an estimated 433,700 excess cases and 10,700 excess deaths. Explore more research on COVID-19 in a curated collection from the AJE: https://academic.oup.com/aje/pages/covid-19

The Development of a Covid-19 Control Measures Risk Matrix for Occupational Hygiene Protective Measures

The British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) developed a control banding matrix for employers and others to help assess the risks of COVID-19 infection, and calls for further work to validate the reliability of the tool. Browse the Annals' collection on occupational hygiene for virus protection: https://academic.oup.com/annweh/pages/covid-19 

Immunization to Protect the US Armed Forces: Heritage, Current Practice, and Prospects

In 1777, George Washington ordered a mandatory inoculation program for his troops, in what would become the first mass immunization mandate in the US. This archival article discussess and contextualizes immunization practices for US Armed Forces.

Does face mask use elicit risk-compensation? Quasi-experimental evidence from Denmark during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Responding to concerns that that face mask use could elicit a false sense of security and lead to riskier behaviours, this study from Denmark found that mask use overall correlated positively with protective behaviours.

Evidence reversals in primary care research: a study of randomized controlled trials

While medical practice is often undermined by subsequent investigation, randomized trials relevant to primary care generally hold up over time.

Social media influencers can be used to deliver positive information about the flu vaccine: findings from a multi-year study

This study shows the potential for using social media influencers to inspire positive engagements on pro-vaccine health messaging. For more content on accurate information's importance for public health, browse the latest article collection from HER: https://academic.oup.com/her/pages/covid-19

COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plans from 106 countries: a review from a health systems resilience perspective

Current emergency response planning does not have adequate coverage to maintain health systems functionality for essential health service delivery alongside emergency-specific interventions and healthcare. The findings from this study can help align health emergency planning with broader population health needs.

Rise and demise: a case study of public health nutrition in Queensland, Australia, over three decades

This case study shows that that ongoing efforts are needed to improve sustainability of nutrition policy and programmes to address all diet-related diseases.

Institutional and behaviour-change interventions to support COVID-19 public health measures: a review by the Lancet Commission Task Force on public health measures to suppress the pandemic

This review article outlines evidence for a range of institutional measures and behaviour-change measures, and highlights research and knowledge gaps.

Quantifying impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic through life-expectancy losses: a population-level study of 29 countries 

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered significant mortality increases in 2020 of a magnitude not witnessed since World War II in Western Europe or the breakup of the Soviet Union in Eastern Europe.

Gender in the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) Checklist

The authors propose an update to the Equator’s Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist, with the aim of enhancing inclusivity.

Rate of reinfections after SARS-CoV-2 primary infection in the population of an Italian province: a cohort study

This study confirms previous findings on a low risk of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection. If confirmed, these findings suggest that more targeted restriction policies can be applied to the subjects that recovered after a first infection. Read highly cited papers on COVID-19 from the Journal of Public Health: https://academic.oup.com/jpubhealth/pages/covid-19

The reproductive number of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 is far higher compared to the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 virus

Given the Delta variant's high reproductive number associated with higher transmissibility, in a context of globally still low vaccine coverage rates and lower vaccine effectiveness, public health and social measures will need to be substantially strengthened. A high reproductive number also means that much higher vaccine coverage rates need to be achieved compared to the originally assumed.

Neurological Complications of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Neurological complications are rare in children suffering from COVID-19. Still, these children are at risk of developing seizures and encephalopathy, more in those suffering from severe illness.

Reactions to Sales Restrictions on Flavored Vape Products or All Vape Products Among Young Adults in the United States

The researchers examined support for and perceived impact of e-cigarette sales restrictions. Findings suggest that bans on flavored vape products could have a positive impact on lower-risk users, but that other young adult user subgroups may not experience benefit.

Covid-19 and Health at Work 

An editorial from the earlier stages of the pandemic highlights the importance of properly fitted respirators for worker safety and outlines occupational hygiene measures.

Lessons from the field: delivering trachoma mass drug administration safely in a COVID-19 context

Guidelines for safe mass drug administration for neglected tropical diseases were developed in a COVID-19 context; training and implementation were assessed through an observation checklist.

For more research on the impact of COVID-19 on NTDs, explore the March 2021 special issue: https://academic.oup.com/trstmh/issue/115/3

Previously featured

Age and frailty are independently associated with increased COVID-19 mortality and increased care needs in survivors: results of an international multi-centre study

Trajectories of Alcohol Use and Related Harms for Managed Alcohol Program Participants over 12 Months Compared with Local Controls: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Estimating the Effect of Social Distancing Interventions on COVID-19 in the United States

Selecting Controls for Minimizing SARS-CoV-2 Aerosol Transmission in Workplaces and Conserving Respiratory Protective Equipment Supplies

What Do We Know About the Association Between Firearm Legislation and Firearm-Related Injuries?

Denialism: what is it and how should scientists respond?

Acute cooling of the feet and the onset of common cold symptoms

The effect of falsely balanced reporting of the autism–vaccine controversy on vaccine safety perceptions and behavioral intentions

Climate change: an urgent priority for health policy and systems research

Power, control, communities and health inequalities I: theories, concepts and analytical frameworks

Research ethics in context: understanding the vulnerabilities, agency and resourcefulness of research participants living along the Thai–Myanmar border

Tobacco smoking and mortality among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults in Australia

Quality and safety in the time of Coronavirus: design better, learn faster

Years of life lost associated with COVID-19 deaths in the United States

In-flight transmission of SARS-CoV-2: a review of the attack rates and available data on the efficacy of face masks

Stability of the Initial Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder by DSM-5 in Children: A Short-Term Follow-Up Study

Impact of Tobacco Smoking on the Risk of COVID-19: A Large Scale Retrospective Cohort Study

Mental health of staff working in intensive care during COVID-19

The benefits and costs of social distancing in high- and low-income countries

A classification tree to assist with routine scoring of the Clinical Frailty Scale

Recent Advances in the Potential of Positive Allosteric Modulators of the GABAB Receptor to Treat Alcohol Use Disorder

The recent oubreak of smallpox in Meschede, West Germany

Your Hair or Your Service: An Issue of Faith for Sikh Healthcare Professionals During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Emerging Infections: Pandemic Influenza

Identifying the views of adolescents in five European countries on the drivers of obesity using group model building 

Novel multi-virus rapid respiratory microbiological point-of-care testing in primary care: a mixed-methods feasibility evaluation

Public health crisis in the refugee community: little change in social determinants of health preserve health disparities

In search of ‘community’: a critical review of community mental health services for women in African settings

COVID-19, a tale of two pandemics: novel coronavirus and fake news messaging 

Disrupting vaccine logistics

Use of directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) to identify confounders in applied health research: review and recommendations

Measurement and monitoring patient safety in prehospital care: a systematic review

Black Lives Matter protests and COVID-19 cases: relationship in two databases

The positive impact of lockdown in Wuhan on containing the COVID-19 outbreak in China

Severe Malnutrition and Anemia Are Associated with Severe COVID in Infants

A Single-Arm, Open-Label, Pilot, and Feasibility Study of a High Nicotine Strength E-Cigarette Intervention for Smoking Cessation or Reduction for People With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders Who Smoke Cigarettes

Healthcare workers and protection against inhalable SARS-CoV-2 aerosols

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Collection  29 March 2022

2021 Top 25 Health Sciences Articles

We are pleased to share with you the 25 most downloaded  Nature Communications  articles* in health sciences published in 2021. (Please note we have a separate collection on the Top 25 COVID-19 papers .) Featuring authors from around the world, these papers highlight valuable research from an international community.

Browse all Top 25 subject area collections  here .

*Data obtained from SN Insights (based on Digital Science's Dimensions) and normalised to account for articles published later in the year.

Research highlights

Association of sleep duration in middle and old age with incidence of dementia

Sleep dysregulation has been linked to dementia, but it is unknown whether sleep duration earlier in life is associated with dementia risk. Here, the authors show higher dementia risk associated with short sleep duration (six hours or less) in a longitudinal study of middle and older age adults.

• Séverine Sabia
• Aurore Fayosse
• Archana Singh-Manoux

Longitudinal analysis of blood markers reveals progressive loss of resilience and predicts human lifespan limit

Aging is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases and functional decline. Here, the authors investigate the fluctuations of physiological indices along aging trajectories and observed a characteristic decrease in the organism state recovery rate.

• Timothy V. Pyrkov
• Konstantin Avchaciov
• Peter O. Fedichev

Restoration of energy homeostasis by SIRT6 extends healthy lifespan

Aging is associated with increased frailty and disrupted energy homeostasis. Here, the authors show that SIRT6 overexpression extends the lifespan of male and female mice and demonstrate that SIRT6 optimizes energy homeostasis in old age, which delays frailty and preserves healthy aging.

• A. Roichman
• S. Elhanati
• H. Y. Cohen

Triptonide is a reversible non-hormonal male contraceptive agent in mice and non-human primates

No male contraceptive pills are currently available. Here, the authors use triptonide, a compound derived from a Chinese plant, to deform sperm so that they cannot move properly, thereby causing reversible infertility in male mice and monkeys.

• Zongliang Chang
• Weibing Qin

Fasting alters the gut microbiome reducing blood pressure and body weight in metabolic syndrome patients

Nutritional modification including fasting has been shown to reduce cardiometabolic risk linked to western diet. Here the authors show implementation of fasting resulted in alterations to the intestinal microbiota, and circulating immune cells, improving blood pressure and body weight in patients with metabolic syndrome.

• András Maifeld
• Hendrik Bartolomaeus
• Sofia K. Forslund

Transneuronal delivery of hyper-interleukin-6 enables functional recovery after severe spinal cord injury in mice

The CNS has limited ability to regenerate following injury, Here, the authors show that a single injection of AAV-hyper-interleukin-6 in the sensory motor cortex results in corticospinal and raphe spinal tracts regeneration in the injured spinal cord as well as functional recovery in mice.

• Marco Leibinger
• Charlotte Zeitler
• Dietmar Fischer

Spatially resolved transcriptomics reveals the architecture of the tumor-microenvironment interface

During tumor progression, cancer cells contact different neighboring cell types, but it is unclear how these interactions affect cancer cell behavior. Here, the authors use spatially resolved transcriptomics and single-cell RNA-seq to study the role of cilia at the tumormicroenvironment interface.

• Miranda V. Hunter
• Reuben Moncada
• Richard M. White

Adjuvant oncolytic virotherapy for personalized anti-cancer vaccination

Viruses expressing tumour antigens can prime and boost anti-tumour immunity but the efficiency of this approach depends on the capacity of the virus to infect the host. Here, the authors show that vaccination with oncolytic viruses co-administered with tumour antigenic peptides is as efficient as antigen-engineered oncolytic viruses.

• K. Geoffroy
• M.-C. Bourgeois-Daigneault

Detection and characterization of lung cancer using cell-free DNA fragmentomes

DNA from tumour cells can be detected in the blood of cancer patients. Here, the authors show that cell free DNA fragmentation patterns can identify lung cancer patients and when this information is further interrogated it can be used to predict lung cancer histological subtype.

• Dimitrios Mathios
• Jakob Sidenius Johansen
• Victor E. Velculescu

A randomized controlled trial of pharmacist-led therapeutic carbohydrate and energy restriction in type 2 diabetes

Community pharmacists are accessible healthcare providers with expertise in medication management. Here the authors show that a low-carbohydrate, low-energy diet implemented by community pharmacists reduced diabetes medication use and improved glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes.

• Cody Durrer
• Sean McKelvey
• Jonathan P. Little

A metabolome atlas of the aging mouse brain

Metabolites play an important role in physiology, yet the complexity of the metabolome and its interaction with disease and aging is poorly understood. Here the authors present a comprehensive atlas of the mouse brain metabolome and how it changes during aging.

• Oliver Fiehn

Investigating immune and non-immune cell interactions in head and neck tumors by single-cell RNA sequencing

The tumor microenvironment (TME) has an important role in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) progression. Here, using single-cell RNA sequencing and multiplexed imaging, the authors report the cellular complexity of the TME in patients with HNSCC, exploring inflammatory status, stromal heterogeneity and immune checkpoint receptor-ligand interactions.

• Cornelius H. L. Kürten
• Aditi Kulkarni
• Robert L. Ferris

Single-cell profiling of tumor heterogeneity and the microenvironment in advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Comprehensive profiles of tumour and microenvironment are critical to understand heterogeneity in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, the authors profile 42 late-stage NSCLC patients with single-cell RNA-seq, revealing immune landscapes that are associated with cancer subtype or heterogeneity.

• Fengying Wu
• Caicun Zhou

Biomimetic nanoparticles deliver mRNAs encoding costimulatory receptors and enhance T cell mediated cancer immunotherapy

Antibodies targeting OX40 or CD137, two T cell costimulatory receptors, have been shown to improve antitumor immunity. Here the authors design a phospholipid-derived nanoparticle to deliver OX40 or CD137 mRNA to T cells in vivo, improving efficacy of anti-OX40 and anti-CD137 antibody therapy in preclinical tumor models.

• Xinfu Zhang
• Yizhou Dong

Sexual dimorphism in glucose metabolism is shaped by androgen-driven gut microbiome

Male sex is a risk factor for impaired glucose metabolism and type 2 diabetes. Here the authors identify that androgen modulates the gut microbiome, which drives insulin resistance and contributes to sexual dimorphism in glucose metabolism in mice.

• Weiqing Wang

Blood n-3 fatty acid levels and total and cause-specific mortality from 17 prospective studies

Associations between of omega-3 fatty acids and mortality are not clear. Here the authors report that, based on a pooled analysis of 17 prospective cohort studies, higher blood omega-3 fatty acid levels correlate with lower risk of all-cause mortality.

• William S. Harris
• Nathan L. Tintle
• The Fatty Acids and Outcomes Research Consortium (FORCE)

Multi-omics analysis identifies therapeutic vulnerabilities in triple-negative breast cancer subtypes

Triple negative breast cancer can be divided into additional subtypes. Here, using omics analyses, the authors show that in the mesenchymal subtype expression of MHC-1 is repressed and that this can be restored by using drugs that target subunits of the epigenetic modifier PRC2.

• Brian D. Lehmann
• Antonio Colaprico
• X. Steven Chen

Daily caloric restriction limits tumor growth more effectively than caloric cycling regardless of dietary composition

Caloric restriction (CR) has been shown as an effective intervention to reduce tumorigenesis, but alternative less stringent dietary interventions have also been considered. Here, the authors show that in a murine model of breast cancer CR has a larger effect on preventing tumorigenesis and metastasis compared to periodic caloric cycling.

• Laura C. D. Pomatto-Watson
• Monica Bodogai
• Rafael de Cabo

Neoadjuvant immunotherapy with nivolumab and ipilimumab induces major pathological responses in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Immune checkpoint blockade has become standard care for patients with recurrent metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Here the authors present the results of a non-randomized phase Ib/IIa trial, reporting safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant nivolumab monotherapy and nivolumab plus ipilimumab prior to standard-of-care surgery in patients with HNSCC. .

• Joris L. Vos
• Joris B. W. Elbers
• Charlotte L. Zuur

9p21 loss confers a cold tumor immune microenvironment and primary resistance to immune checkpoint therapy

The molecular mechanisms of resistance to immune checkpoint therapy remain elusive. Here, the authors perform immunogenomic analysis of TCGA data and data from clinical trials for antiPD-1/PD-L1 therapy and highlight the association of 9p21 loss with a cold tumor microenvironment and resistance to therapy.

• Guangchun Han
• Guoliang Yang
• Linghua Wang

Gut bacteria identified in colorectal cancer patients promote tumourigenesis via butyrate secretion

Several bacteria in the gut microbiota have been associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) but it is not completely clear whether they have a role in tumourigenesis. Here, the authors show enrichment of 12 bacterial taxa in two cohorts of CRC patients and that two Porphyromonas species accelerate CRC onset through butyrate secretion.

• Shintaro Okumura
• Yusuke Konishi

Elevated circulating follistatin associates with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes

Follistatin promotes in type 2 diabetes (T2D) pathogenesis in model animals and is elevated in patients with T2D. Here the authors report that plasma follistatin associates with increased risk of incident T2D in two longitudinal cohorts, and show that follistatin regulates insulin-induced suppression lipolysis in cultured human adipocytes.

• Chuanyan Wu
• Yang De Marinis

Tau activates microglia via the PQBP1-cGAS-STING pathway to promote brain inflammation

Brain inflammation generally accelerates neurodegeneration but the mechanisms of this are not fully characterised. Here the authors show that PQBP1 in microglia is important for sensing extrinsic Tau 3 R/4 R proteins and triggers an innate immune response through cGAS and STING resulting in cognitive impairment.

• Hiroki Shiwaku
• Hitoshi Okazawa

Long-term treatment with senolytic drugs Dasatinib and Quercetin ameliorates age-dependent intervertebral disc degeneration in mice

Intervertebral disc degeneration is a leading cause of chronic back pain and disability. Here the authors show that long term treatment with senolytic compounds Dasatinib and Quercetin reduces disc senescence burden and ameliorates age-dependent degeneration in mice.

• Emanuel J. Novais
• Victoria A. Tran
• Makarand V. Risbud

DNA/RNA heteroduplex oligonucleotide technology for regulating lymphocytes in vivo

Using gene silencing to regulate lymphocyte function is a promising therapeutic approach for autommunity, inflammation and cancer. Here the authors use a heteroduplex oligonucleotide for improved potency, efficacy and longer retention times.

• Masaki Ohyagi
• Tetsuya Nagata
• Takanori Yokota

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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.

iResearchNet’s Custom Writing Services

At iResearchNet, we understand the challenges students face when it comes to writing healthcare research papers. To support you in your academic journey and ensure the highest quality of your work, we offer a comprehensive range of writing services. With a team of expert degree-holding writers and a commitment to excellence, we are dedicated to providing customized solutions tailored to your specific needs. Here are the features that set our writing services apart:

• Expert Degree-Holding Writers : Our team consists of highly qualified writers with advanced degrees in healthcare and related fields. They possess in-depth knowledge and expertise in various areas of healthcare, ensuring that your research paper is handled by professionals with subject matter expertise.
• Custom Written Works : We understand the importance of originality and uniqueness in academic writing. Our writers craft each research paper from scratch, tailoring it to your specific requirements and ensuring that it is entirely original and plagiarism-free.
• In-Depth Research : Our writers are skilled in conducting extensive research using reputable sources. They delve deep into the literature to gather the most relevant and up-to-date information, providing a solid foundation for your research paper.
• Custom Formatting : We offer custom formatting options to meet the specific guidelines of your institution and chosen citation style. Whether it’s APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, Harvard, or any other formatting style, our writers are well-versed in the intricacies of each.
• Top Quality : We are committed to delivering research papers of the highest quality. Our writers follow strict quality control measures to ensure that your paper meets the academic standards, including proper structure, clarity of writing, and logical flow of ideas.
• Customized Solutions : We recognize that every research paper is unique. Our writers work closely with you to understand your research objectives, guidelines, and preferences. They tailor their approach to ensure that your research paper reflects your vision and academic goals.
• Flexible Pricing : We offer flexible pricing options to accommodate students’ budgets. We understand the financial constraints students often face, and we strive to provide competitive and affordable pricing for our writing services.
• Short Deadlines : We understand that time is often a critical factor. We offer short turnaround times, allowing you to meet tight deadlines without compromising the quality of your research paper. With our dedicated team, we can handle urgent requests efficiently.
• Timely Delivery : We prioritize timely delivery to ensure that you receive your research paper well before your deadline. We understand the importance of submitting your work on time and offer our commitment to punctuality.
• 24/7 Support : Our customer support team is available 24/7 to assist you with any inquiries or concerns you may have. We are here to provide prompt and helpful assistance at any stage of the writing process.
• Absolute Privacy : We value your privacy and confidentiality. We have strict measures in place to protect your personal information and ensure that your identity remains anonymous throughout the process.
• Easy Order Tracking : We provide a user-friendly platform that allows you to track the progress of your order. You can stay updated on the status of your research paper and communicate directly with your assigned writer.
• Money-Back Guarantee : We are confident in the quality of our writing services. In the rare event that you are not satisfied with the final product, we offer a money-back guarantee, ensuring your peace of mind and commitment to your satisfaction.

At iResearchNet, we are dedicated to your success. We strive to exceed your expectations and provide you with a seamless and exceptional experience. Trust us with your healthcare research paper and let our expert writers bring your ideas to life with professionalism, accuracy, and academic excellence.

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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

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Find the answers to your biggest research questions from 2021. With collective views of over 3.7 million, researchers explored topics spanning from nutritional immunology and political misinformation to sustainable agriculture and the human-dog bond .

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Health problems in healthcare workers: A review

Aroop mohanty.

1 Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India

Ankita Kabi

2 Department of Emergency Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India

Ambika P. Mohanty

3 Department of Medicine, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

Much has been written about the well-being and quality of patients in recent years but little attention has been focused on well-being of healthcare workers (HCWs) who provide comprehensive healthcare to patients. It has been found that the HCWs are more stressed because of less staffs, increasing work load, longer working hours, high clientele expectation and peculiar problems and hazards of work place. There is increased morbidity in HCWs in comparison to general population. Though they are aware, measures of well being, engaging the HCWs in promotion of their workplace and making changes to enhance its realization needs to be done to improve their health by themselves, at administrative and institutional level.

Introduction

Healthcare workers (HCWs) deliver care and services to sick and ailing either directly as doctors and nurses or indirectly as assistants, technicians, aides or medical waste handlers. Much has been studied and written about the well-being and quality of care of patients and great strides have been made in the assessment of healthcare of patients, but little attention has been focused on the well-being of HCWs. Galen the Greek physician (130-200 AD) had said, “The physician will hardly be thought very careful of the health of his patients if he neglects his own”. In fact many physicians and other HCWs have lost sight of their own personal health and well-being while they confront the stresses of increased work load, rapidly expanding knowledge base, increasing government regulations, and malpractice suits and how to balance their personal and professional lives. In this article, an attempt is made to elaborate on the problems, prevalence, causes and remedial measures of health problems of HCWs.

Definition and Classification of HCWs

HCWs and professionals are all people engaged in actions whose primary intent is to enhance health. They study, diagnose, treat and prevent human illness, injury and other physical and mental impairments in accordance with the needs of the populations they serve. They also conduct research and improve or develop concepts, theories and operational methods to advance evidence-based healthcare. Their duties also include the supervision of other HCWs.[ 1 ]

The international classification of HCWs includes generalized medical practitioners, specialist medical practitioners, nursing professionals, midwifery professionals, traditional and complementary medicine professionals, paramedical practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, environmental and occupational health and hygiene professionals, physiotherapists, dieticians and nutritionists, audiologists and speech therapists, optometrists and ophthalmic opticians, medical and pathology laboratory technicians, paramedical technicians and assistants, medical and dental prosthetic technicians and their assistant or aides.[ 2 ]

Occupational Health and Hazards among HCWs

Modern technology has made healthcare very complex with many hazards. The type of hazards faced by the HCWs are physical, chemical, biological, radiation, reproductive health, stress, psychiatric disorders, stalking by patients and violence.[ 3 ] Needle stick injuries (NSIs), radiation exposure, violence, psychiatric disorders, and suicides are common in HCWs [ Table 1 ].

The frequency of occupational health hazards of HCWs

They are at high risk for musculoskeletal disorders, due to patient handling, compounded by increasing number of obese patients. Despite potential for exposure to hazards, many HCWs lack awareness about prevention. Also the system is not conducive, policies of prevention not clear, inaccessible, or there is attitude problem. Hence, HCWs continue to suffer, more so in developing countries.

Physical hazards

Major physical injuries in HCWs are musculoskeletal disorders seen highest in nurses, and orderlies. It is seen more than seven times of other industries, due to patient handling, positioning, lifting, bed making in extremely awkward postures, transferring to bed, chair, toilet, for diagnostics and therapy. These problems are compounded by increasing number of obese patients. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that 20% nurses leave patient care positions because of such risks. Sprains, strains are reported very often. Shoulders, low back, calf muscles, and hand muscles are most affected body parts. A study has revealed specialty-related musculoskeletal diseases affect mostly dental professionals at very early stage of their careers.

Chemical hazards

HCWs are exposed to a variety of chemical hazards including cleaning agents used for housekeeping throughout the hospital and waiting areas. The primary routes of exposure to cleaning agents are inhalation of aerosolized droplets, vapors and skin exposure. Some of these chemicals are Ethylene oxide, Formaldehyde, Gluteraldehyde, Methyl methacrylate, Gaseous by-products, Latex and Mercury. All these chemicals lead to irritation of the eyes, respiratory airways (causing sore throat, cough, and nasal irritation) and prolonged exposure may result in pneumonitis, hypersensitivity and asthma. Direct contact with the skin may result in itching, burning, redness, swelling, and cracking. Handling of many medications including anti neoplastic and other drugs is hazardous as this can cause skin rashes, and cancer. Many hospitals around the world are phasing out the mercury use in thermometers and BP apparatus.

Biological hazards

HCWs are exposed to a variety of infectious diseases [ Table 2 ].

Some biological hazards for HCWs by route of transmission

The primary routes of getting affected are direct contact, droplets, and airborne. Influenza, measles, rhinovirus, varicella, and SARS viruses can all be transmitted in healthcare settings by the airborne route. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report that more than 40% of the NSIs are suffered by nursing personnel even in developed countries. The circumstances in which most NSIs occur involve manipulating a needle (26%), sharp disposal (21%), collision with a worker or sharp (10%), clean-up (9%), and recapping needles (5%) or surgery. About one million annual accidental NSI have been reported every year in China, translating into one HCW getting an NSI every 30 seconds. The most common blood borne risks are of HBV, HCV, and HIV infection. WHO estimates that in 2003 approximately 16,000 HCV infections, 66,000 HBV infections and 1000 HIV infections occurred in HCWs worldwide from NSI.

Radiation hazards

Ionizing radiation from X-ray machines, fluoroscopes, and computed tomography used for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, image-guided procedures, cardiac catheterization, angiograms, pain management, and others are hazardous. Non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation has less energy and, therefore, is not powerful enough to cause ionization (or removal of electrons) of molecules.

Reproductive health hazards

Exposure to reproductive hazards in the workplace is an increasing health concern and can involve reproductive health such as menstruation, ovulation, fertility, and quality of life, and effects on the fetus. Attention is now shifting from concern for the pregnant woman and the fetus, to the entire spectrum of health hazards in the reproductive system of both genders. Reproductive hazards may cause infertility, miscarriage, and birth defects. Potential health effects also include development disorders in children. Agents which cause reproductive hazards include lead (chemical), radiation (physical), and viruses (biological).

“ No physician, however conscientious or careful, can tell what day or hour he may not be the object of some undeserved attack, malicious accusation, black mail or suit for damages. ” WHO reports that workplace violence, a phenomenon affecting every country, every workplace and every professional group, is such a common problem that it can be characterized as an epidemic. In all healthcare areas, employees face the risk of being a victim of violence. Workplace violence is one of the most complex and dangerous hazards faced by resident doctors, nurses and helpers. In healthcare, there is an increased anticipation of violence due to several factors, a patient population especially under the influence of intoxicants such as drugs and alcohol, metabolic disorders, trauma, psychosis, or personality disorders. It may also be due to increased stress levels in patients and relatives, long waiting hours, unrestricted visitor access, overcrowding and so on. Workplace violence can have a negative impact on both HCWs as well as patients.

Physician burnout

Physician burnout is an under-recognized and under-reported problem, characterized by a state of mental exhaustion, depersonalization, and a decreased sense of personal accomplishment. It affects more than 60% of HCWs. If unrecognized, the costs to the physician and to the healthcare system can be enormous because physician burnout is associated with increased rates of depression, alcohol and drug abuse, divorce, suicide, medical errors, and attrition. If properly recognized, appropriate treatments are available. Until recently, most initiatives to address physician burnout have focused on improving the resilience of individual physicians. These measures are necessary but insufficient. It is now recognized that organizations have a major role in causing, preventing, and mitigating physician burnout. Burnout must be addressed by organizational change.[ 4 ]

Sickness absenteeism

In a cross-sectional study, on sickness absenteeism in a teaching hospital in Tehran, the sickness absence rate (SAR) and absence frequency rate (AFR) were 0.011 and 0.68, respectively. Job type was the only factor that had a significant correlation with sickness absenteeism. A significant relationship was found between the nursing group and sickness absence episodes. The major disease-causing sicknesses were flu (21%) and musculoskeletal disorders (18.9%). Based on these findings, it can be concluded that factors such as availability of the flu vaccine and providing principles of personal protection and infection control can reduce sickness absence due to infectious diseases.[ 5 ]

Morbidity Status of HCWs

Metabolic syndrome and obesity.

Metabolic syndrome and obesity are risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, stroke and cancer. There is evidence worldwide of the high prevalence of these pathologies in HCWs. Even though HCWs are a group considered to be well informed about etiology and risks of overweight and obesity, studies conducted in most countries including USA, Mexico, South Africa and Nigeria have consistently found them to be disproportionately having a higher risk of overweight and obesity compared to the general population. In a cross-sectional study in England, obesity prevalence was high across all occupational groups including nurses, (25.1%) other healthcare professionals, (14.4%) non-health-related occupations (23.5%) and unregistered HCWs who had the highest prevalence of obesity (31.9%).[ 6 ] In another study from Botswana, 34% of the hospital HCWS had metabolic syndrome, 28.7% were obese, and 27.3% were overweight. Female gender was found to be strongly associated with metabolic syndrome.[ 7 ] In a study from India, Ramachandran and colleague surveyed 2499 doctors from urban and semi-urban areas and found that these physicians had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (obesity, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and impaired glucose tolerance) compared to age-matched individuals from the general population.[ 8 ]

Hypertension

In a cross-sectional study by Sobrion et al. , out of 485 normotensive HCWs prevalence of masked hypertension was 23.9%. The most prevalent-associated cardiovascular risk factors in the total population were smoking (24.9%), dyslipidemia (16.4%), a family history of premature cardiovascular disease (15.9%), and obesity (7.4%). A total of 45.4% of individuals had a family history of hypertension. The authors have concluded that the prevalence of masked hypertension in HCWs in Spain is almost 25% and recommended monitoring of 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring in routine occupational health checks in HCWs, especially men.[ 9 ]

In a longitudinal study to assess the incidence and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus between female nurses and female non-nurses where a total of 1,11,670 subjects were selected (55,835 nurses and 55,835 non-nurses) it was found that female nurses who were diagnosed with diabetes were younger compared with the non-nurses. However, the results show that the nurses showed a lower risk of developing diabetes compared with the non-nurses. The low degree of diabetes development among the nurses may be attributable to the fact that nurses possess substantial knowledge on healthcare and on healthy behaviors. The results of this study can be used as a reference to assess occupational risks facing nursing staff, prevent diabetes development, and promote health education.[ 10 ]

Mental health, suicides, substance misuse

HCWs report high levels of workplace stress, burnout and other “work-related” mental illness. One study suggested nursing staff had the highest level of “work-related” mental illness. Nursing is an extremely tough profession. When they are at work they are either full on or not, and therefore it is quite difficult for them to function properly if not well. A study of suicide in HCWs reports that the most common method was self-poisoning, often with drugs taken from work and anesthetists are at particular risk in many suicide deaths. All HCWs appear to be at risk of substance misuse, partly due to relatively easy access and tendency to self-medicate. There are high rates of alcohol and substance misuse among doctors, with emerging evidence of similar problems among other HCWs. Many HCWS, especially doctors and nurses are reluctant to seek help when they suffer from symptoms of mental disorder because of career progression. In the case of mental disorder, there is evidence that concerns over confidentiality are one of the main barriers preventing HCWs seeking help.

Mortality rates and causes among physicians

Though little is known about physicians’ age at death or causes of death, their mortality is of interest because physicians’ personal health habits may affect their practice, reflect their lifestyle choices and if so physicians health-related education and high socioeconomic strata should lead to lower relative mortality. In a systematic analysis of 572 obituaries in BMJ (1995-1996) DJM Wright had found that doctors born in Indian subcontinent died earlier than those born in UK.[ 11 ] In another study by Erica Frank[ 12 ], it was found that the average age at death of US physicians was older than for other same-race professionals and non-professionals. The top 10 causes of death for physicians were essentially the same as those of the general population, although they were more likely to die from cerebrovascular disease, accidents, and suicide, and less likely to die from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia/influenza, or liver disease than were other professionals. They had found lower mortality rates from chronic liver disease and cirrhosis and found that physicians are less likely to completely abstain from alcohol than others but they drink smaller amounts when they consume. Physicians’ lower lung cancer is also highly consistent with physicians’ helping to lead the smoking cessation movement for some time. Smoking rates were <4% for both male and female physicians versus >25% for the general population.

Which doctors die first?

In a national daily newspaper in November 2017, it was published that doctors, who are supposed to be professionals helping people live longer, die young compared to members of general public in Kerala. While the life expectancy of an Indian adult is 67.9 years, and that of a “Malayali” (as a native of Kerala is called) is 74.9 years, mean ‘age of death’ of a Malayali doctor was 61.75 years. This is surprising as it is expected that doctors should live longer, as they know what is good for them. There are several studies supporting the fact that doctors do not take care of their own health any better than is to be expected. Some studies report that doctors actually take fewer vaccinations, are careless about controlling their cardiovascular risk factors and receive fewer screening tests for cancer than the general population.

Which doctors by profession live longer?

Recent studies in UK have shown alarming trends for those working in the medical field: The specialty can determine how long you live. To put simply, there is such a thing as life expectancy by profession. So which doctors live the longest? Research has shown that, for example, if you are an anesthetist, you can expect a lifespan up to 10 years shorter than that of your colleagues in other fields, at just over 73 years. General practitioners enjoy a lifespan of almost 79 years. Pediatricians and psychiatrists suffer earlier mortality (psychiatrists seem to fall victim to IHD, although the research does not mention why) [ Table 3 ].

Life expectancy depending upon specialty

Remedial measures

Some of the HCWs are unaware that they are stressed. They do not have any formal training in de-stressing. They are usually not amenable to suggestions and deny if others identify the signs of stress in them. Organizations have a major role in causing, preventing, and mitigating physician burnout. Healthcare organizations must embrace their responsibility to build an efficient practice environment. Specific leadership behaviors and positive organizational cultures are required to decrease burnout of HCWs. There must be an institutional commitment to enhancing physician autonomy and transparent communication, reducing administrative and regulatory burdens. But onus remains on the HCWs to undergo preventive health checkups, engage in physical activity, and modify their individual health risk. Medical institutions should conduct periodic health checkups for their employees and provide exercise facilities near the work site. The HCWs should do exercise 30-60 minutes 5-7 days a week and should use stairs and office-place stepping device. The HCWs should be a role model for the patient and practice what they preach.[ 13 ] Health managers need to ensure that healthcare is geared toward assessment of hazards suffered by HCWs, their reasons, and do everything possible for prevention.

When the HCWs are well, they are best able to connect with the care for patients. However, challenges to health of HCWs are widespread, with problems such as dissatisfaction, burnout, high rates of depression, and increased suicide risk affecting their professional careers. These problems are associated with suboptimal patient care, lower patient satisfaction, decreased access to care, and increased healthcare costs. Only by applying robust measures of well-being, engaging HCWs in reflection and conversation about promoting it in their workplace, with a meaningful outcome, and making changes to enhance its realization, will HCWs thrive in their service to patients. Health managers need to ensure that healthcare is geared toward assessment of hazards suffered by HCWs, their reasons, and do everything possible for prevention.

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Conflicts of interest.

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Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World

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• Health Topics

Table of Contents

• Acknowledgements
• Health Information is a Popular Pursuit Online
• Profiles of Health Information Seekers
• Summary Charts
• Methodology

Health topics are listed from the most commonly-searched to the least.

Not surprisingly, some questions are perennially at the top of the list among internet users looking online for health information: What do I have? How do I treat it? Who can help me figure this out? Where should I go to get a procedure done? The Pew Internet Project and California HealthCare Foundation added some new topics to the list this year such as food safety, drug safety, and how to manage chronic pain.  What follows are all the health topics included in the survey, from the most commonly-searched to the least.

Specific disease or medical problem

66% of internet users look online for information about a specific disease or medical problem.

Caregivers, women, internet users with a college degree, and internet users living with chronic conditions (particularly those with high blood pressure) lead all other groups in their interest in researching specific diseases or medical problems. Fully three-quarters of each of these groups look online for this type of health information.

This topic has been in the top spot since the Pew Internet Project began measuring internet users’ interest in health topics in 2002, when 63% of internet users said they looked online for information about a specific disease or medical problem. 15

To give an idea of the types of information people are looking for online, we asked one of the top health websites, WebMD.com, for a list of the most commonly searched conditions in 2010:

• Gallbladder
• Hemorrhoids
• Skin Problems
• Heart Disease
• Sleep Disorders

Certain medical treatment or procedure

56% of internet users look online for information about a certain medical treatment or procedure.

Caregivers, women, those with a college degree, internet users living with chronic conditions (particularly those with lung conditions and high blood pressure), and parents with children living at home lead all other groups in their interest in researching certain medical treatments. Two-thirds of each of these groups looks online for this type of health information.

This topic has been the second-most popular topic since the Pew Internet Project began measuring internet users’ interest in health topics in 2002, when 47% of internet users said they looked online for information about a certain medical treatment or procedure.

The most commonly searched-for treatments on WebMD in 2010 were as follows:

• Pain relievers
• Anti-depressants
• High blood pressure medication
• Corticosteroids
• Hysterectomy
• Diabetes medication
• ADHD medication
• Antibiotics
• Colonoscopy
• Cholesterol-lowering medication

Doctors or other health professionals

44% of internet users look online for information about doctors or other health professionals.

Caregivers, women, those with a college degree, and parents with children living at home lead all other groups in looking online for information about doctors or other health professionals. Half of internet users in each of these groups look online for this type of health information.

Generation X internet users (ages 34-45) are the most likely age group to look online for information about health professionals: 51%, compared with 41% of internet users in their 20s and 42% of internet users between 56-64 years old, for example.

This is the second time Pew Internet has asked about this health topic and the results have not changed significantly over time: in 2008, 47% of internet users looked online for information about health professionals. 16

Hospitals or other medical facilities

36% of internet users look online for information about hospitals or other medical facilities.

Caregivers, women, those with a college degree, those between 34-45 years old, and parents with children living at home lead all other groups in looking online for information about this topic. Four in ten internet users in each of these groups look online for information about hospitals or other medical facilities.

In 2008, the first time hospitals were singled out in a question, 38% of internet users said they looked online for this type of information, which is not significantly different from the current measurement.

Health insurance

33% of internet users look online for information related to health insurance, including private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid.

Caregivers, college graduates, and those living with chronic conditions (particularly high blood pressure) are among the likeliest groups to research this topic online. Four in ten internet users in each of these groups look online for information about health insurance, either public or private.

Pew Internet has asked this form of the health insurance question since 2008 and interest has held steady at one-third of the internet population. Prior surveys split the question – one for health insurance, the other for Medicare/Medicaid – but the results were essentially the same. 17

Food safety

29% of internet users look online for information about food safety or recalls.

Caregivers, women, college graduates, those between 34-45 years old, and parents with children living at home lead all other groups in looking online for information about food safety. One-third of internet users in these groups have looked online for this type of information.

This is the first time Pew Internet has measured internet users’ interest in this topic.

Drug safety

24% of internet users look online for information about drug safety or recalls.

Caregivers, women, college graduates, and internet users living with chronic conditions (particularly those with lung conditions) lead all other groups in their interest in drug safety information. Age is also a significant predictor: 29% of Generation X internet users (34-45) say they have done this type of research online, compared with 21% of internet users ages 46-55 years old.

Environmental health hazards

22% of internet users look online for information about environmental health hazards.

This topic is of equal interest across the board when it comes to men, women, age groups, and those with various levels of education. Caregivers and those living with chronic conditions (particularly lung conditions) are more likely than other groups to look online for information about environmental health hazards.

Environmental health hazards has risen a bit in popularity among internet users since 2002, when 17% of internet users said they had researched this topic online.

Pregnancy and childbirth

19% of internet users look online for information about pregnancy and childbirth.

As one would expect, gender and age are the significant predictors of interest in this topic. One in four female internet users (24%) has looked online for information about pregnancy and childbirth, compared with 13% of male internet users. Fully 31% of internet users between the ages of 18 and 33 have looked online for information about pregnancy and childbirth, compared with 25% of those between 34-45 years old, and just 5% of internet users age 46 or older. Current parents are also more likely than internet users who do not have children living at home to do this type of research (32%, compared with 12%).

Memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer’s

17% of internet users look online for information about memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer’s.

Women, caregivers, and those living with chronic conditions (particularly lung conditions) outstrip other groups in their interest in this topic. One in four internet users in each of the groups named above use the internet to look for information about mental decline.

Medical test results

16% of internet users look online for information about medical test results.

College graduates, caregivers, and those living with chronic conditions are the most likely groups to use the internet to get information about medical test results.

This is the first time Pew Internet has measured internet users’ interest in this topic.

How to manage chronic pain

14% of internet users look online for information about how to manage chronic pain.

Caregivers and those living with chronic conditions (particularly lung conditions) report the highest interest in this topic.

This is the first time Pew Internet has measured internet users’ interest in chronic pain management.

Long-term care

12% of internet users look online for information about long-term care for an elderly or disabled person.

Women, those living with chronic conditions, and older adults are more likely than other groups to say they have looked online for this type of information. Not surprisingly, one in five caregivers has researched long-term care for a loved one, marking the highest level of interest among any group.

End-of-life decisions

7% of internet users look online for information about end-of-life decisions.

This topic garners essentially the same level of interest across all demographic groups, with a slight uptick among caregivers.

Any other health issue

28% of internet users look online for information about any other health issue.

This question is one of the “catch-all” questions included in a survey which sometimes reveal lost opportunities. For example, fully 40% of caregivers say yes to this question, showing that the survey may only have scratched the surface of the health topics they spend their time on.

• “Internet Health Resources” (Pew Internet Project: July 16, 2003). Available at: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/Reports/2003/Internet-Health-Resources.aspx ↩
• “The Social Life of Health Information” (Pew Internet Project: June 11, 2009). Available at: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/Reports/2009/8-The-Social-Life-of-Health-Information.aspx ↩
• “Online Health Search 2006” (Pew Internet Project: October 29, 2006). Available at: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/Reports/2006/Online-Health-Search-2006.aspx ↩

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