The first step is to determine the broader research field of study and then to decide on a topic.

Here are some elements to consider when deciding upon a topic:

• Choose a topic which you are interested in, you will be looking at a lot of research surrounding that area so you want to ensure it is something that interests you. 
• Draw on your own experiences, think about your placement or your workplace.
• Think about why the topic is worth investigating.  

Once you have decided on a topic, it is a good practice to carry out an initial scoping search.

This requires you to do a quick search using LibrarySearch or Google Scholar to ensure that there is research on your topic. This is a preliminary step to your search to check what literature is available before deciding on your question. 

Look for existing literature to understand the current state of knowledge and identify gaps that your research could address.

Consider using a research question framework to structure your question. A framework will ensure that your question is specific and answerable.

There are different frameworks available depending on what type of research you are interested in and your research area.

• PICO: Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome

• PICOST: Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, Study Design, Timeframe

• PEO: Population, Exposure. Outcome

• PCC: Population, Concept, and Context

• SPICE: Setting, Population or Perspective, Intervention, Comparison, Evaluation

• ECLIPS: Expectations, Client group, Location, Impact, Professionals Involved, Service

• PESTEL: Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal Factors

PICO

Population - Who is the question focussed on? This could relate to staff, patients, an age group, an ethnicity etc.

Intervention - What is the question focussed on? This could be a certain type of medication, therapeutic technique etc. 

Comparison/Context - This may be with our without the intervention or it may be concerned with the context for example where is the setting of your question? The hospital, ward, community etc?

Outcome - What do you hope to accomplish or improve etc.

SPIDER

Sample - as this is qualitative research sample is preferred over patient so that it is not generalised. 

Phenomenon of Interest - reasons for behaviour, attitudes, beliefs and decisions.

Design - the form of research used. 

Evaluation - the outcomes.

Research type -qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods.  

All frameworks help you to be specific, but don't worry if your question doesn't fit exactly into a framework. 

Ensure your question is narrow enough to be manageable but broad enough to allow for comprehensive analysis.

Unfocused Research Question:

The use of ketamine in the treatment of sickle cell patients

X Too broad and general, lacking clarity and direction.

Focused Research Question (using PICO): 

Impact of ketamine as an alternative to morphine for pain reduction in sickle cell patients

V  Well balanced, giving much more focus specifying a particular population group, intervention, comparison, and outcomes.

• P (Population/Problem): Sickle Cell [Patients]
• I (Intervention): Ketamine
• C (Comparison): Morphine 
• O(Outcome): Pain Reduction

Formulating a focused research question will help you:

To stay on track and align your research with a specific objective. This prevents you from getting lost in irrelevant information.

To narrow down the vast amount of available literature, making it easier to identify and review the most pertinent studies.

To conduct a more thorough and detailed analysis, rather than a superficial overview of many topics.

To address significant issues and contributes valuable insights to your field.

Check and ensure that there is enough existing literature on the topic to support your review but at the same time ensure it is not excessive that it becomes unmanageable. Keeping the right balance is essential.