Nursing Research Protocal
Paper Guidelines for writing and presenting your project protocol.
Throughout, justification / defence of chosen methods should be provided from available literature.
I. Introduction (approx. 100 words):
Provide a brief outline / signposting to your project protocol.
Introduce your topic, concisely describe your chosen topic, and present your research question (using framework PICOT).
II. Research design and rationale for chosen design. (approx. 600 words):
Depending on the type of study (research design) to be conducted, a different tool/checklist should be used. To assist with research protocol preparation, the following checklists can be used as a template:
Tool / checklist name Hyperlinked abbreviated name Intended study type
Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology STROBE checklist
Observational studies
Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trial CONSORT Statements
Randomised controlled trials
Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research SRQR recommendations
Qualitative Research
Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence SQUIRE guidelines
Quality improvement studies
III. Setting (approx. 275 words):
This should include details of how participants will be sampled. Inclusion and exclusion criteria. Explore how your will sample be accessed.
IV. Data collection (approx. 275 words):
Explore data collection methods. Include a timeframe for data collection.
Data collection tools presented in an appendix will not be included in assessment word count.
Explore potential ethical considerations.
V. Data management and analysis (approx. 325 words):
Describe how data will be managed.
Present a data analysis plan.
VI. Potential implications for practice (approx. 250 words):
Present how your intended research will improve practice.
VII. Conclusion (approx. 100 words):
Provide a summary of the main points covered in your project protocol. All claims and opinions should be supported by available evidence.
