FORMAT OF SYNOPSIS

TITLE: Should reflect the objectives of the study. It must be written after the whole synopsis has been written so that it is a true representative of the plan (i.e. the synopsis).

INTRODUCTION: Should contain brief background of the selected topic. It must identify the importance of study, its relevance and applicability of results. It must clearly state the purpose of the study.

OBJECTIVES: Objectives are statements of mentions. They inform the reader clearly what the researcher plans to do in his/her work. The must identify the variables involved in research. Objective should start with an action verb and be sufficiently specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time bound (SMART).

OPERATIONAL DEFINITION: May be required in some synopses. It is definition of a term specifically telling how it will be measured for e.g.:

1. Morbidity: this encompass a number of aspects viz. prolonged hospital stay, severe pain, immediate complications, long term sequelac. A research must define how a vague term will be measured.
2. Efficacy: These can by measured
   

i. Time taken in relieve of symptoms which may be pain, fever cough heartburn etc.
ii. Taking into account number of side effects.
iii. Time taken for complete recovery student is requirement to specify how he/she will measure efficacy.

HYPOTHESIS: A hypothesis is a statement showing expected relation b/w 2 variables. A hypothesis is needed in the following study designs:

i. All interventional studies
ii. Cohort
iii. Case control
iv. Comparative cross sectional.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

STUDY DESIGN: Mention the name of the appropriate study design.

SETTING: Name and place where the research work is to be conducted.

DURATION OF STUDY: How long will the study take with dates.

SAMPLE SIZE: How many patients will be included. If there are groups how many per group?

SAMPLING TECHNIQUE: Type of sampling technique employed.

SAMPLE SELECTION:
Inclusion criteria: on what bases will patients be inducted in the study.
Exclusion criteria: On what bases will patients be excluded from the study.

DATA COLLECTION PROCEDURE: A detailed account of how the researcher will perform research; how s/he will measure the variable. It includes:

Identification of the study variables
Methods for collection of data
Data collection tools (proforma/questionnaire)

DATA ANALYSIS PROCEDURE: Relevant details naming software to be used, which descriptive statistics and which test of significance if and when required, specifying variables where it will be applied.

REFERENCES:
In Vancouver style (for detail refer to page 132).

DATA COLLECTION INSTRUMENT:
The researcher must attach, as an annex, the proforma or questionnaire with the help of which he/she intends to collect data. The proforma/ questionnaire must match the objectives and must not contain irrelevant sections like inclusion and exclusion criteria etc.