research topic in health records

77 interesting medical research topics for 2024

Last updated

25 November 2023

Reviewed by

Brittany Ferri, PhD, OTR/L

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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

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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.

16 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

I have been racking my brain for a while on what topic will be suitable for my PhD in health informatics. I want a qualitative topic as this is my strong area.

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• Published: 04 July 2024

Harnessing EHR data for health research

• Alice S. Tang   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-4745-0714 1 ,
• Sarah R. Woldemariam 1 ,
• Silvia Miramontes 1 ,
• Beau Norgeot   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-2629-701X 2 ,
• Tomiko T. Oskotsky   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-7393-5120 1 &
• Marina Sirota   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-7246-6083 1 , 3  

Nature Medicine volume  30 ,  pages 1847–1855 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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• Computational biology and bioinformatics
• Machine learning

With the increasing availability of rich, longitudinal, real-world clinical data recorded in electronic health records (EHRs) for millions of patients, there is a growing interest in leveraging these records to improve the understanding of human health and disease and translate these insights into clinical applications. However, there is also a need to consider the limitations of these data due to various biases and to understand the impact of missing information. Recognizing and addressing these limitations can inform the design and interpretation of EHR-based informatics studies that avoid confusing or incorrect conclusions, particularly when applied to population or precision medicine. Here we discuss key considerations in the design, implementation and interpretation of EHR-based informatics studies, drawing from examples in the literature across hypothesis generation, hypothesis testing and machine learning applications. We outline the growing opportunities for EHR-based informatics studies, including association studies and predictive modeling, enabled by evolving AI capabilities—while addressing limitations and potential pitfalls to avoid.

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

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

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

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

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

What Is Health Research?

Table of Contents

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

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

5 Useful Tips For Choosing Health Related Research Topics

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

Tip 1: Follow Your Interests

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

Tip 2: Consider Relevance

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

Tip 3: Check Available Resources

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

Tip 4: Keep It Manageable

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

Tip 5: Seek Guidance

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

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

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

1. Clear Title and Introduction

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

2. Methods and Data

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

3. Results and Conclusions

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

4. Citations and References

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

5. Clear Language and Organization

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

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

Health Related Research Topics

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

Mental Health Related Research Topics

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

Health Related Research Topics For College Students

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

Public Health Related Research Topics

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

Mental Disorder Research Topics

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

Nutrition and Diet-Related Research Topics

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

Chronic Disease Research Topics

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

Healthcare Policy and Access Research Topics

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

Environmental Health Research Topics

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

Infectious Disease Research Topics

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

Women’s Health Research Topics

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

Children’s Health Research Topics

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

Aging and Gerontology Research Topics

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

Health Technology and Innovation Research Topics

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

Global Health Research Topics

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

Health Disparities and Equity Research Topics

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

Cancer Research Topics

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

Pharmaceutical Research Topics

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

Epidemiology Research Topics

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

Alternative and Complementary Medicine Research Topics

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

Occupational Health and Safety Research Topics

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

Addiction and Substance Abuse Research Topics

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

Biomedical Research Topics

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

Maternal and Child Health Research Topics

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

Mental Health Stigma Research Topics

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

Health Education and Promotion Research Topics

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

Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety Research Topics

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

Health Informatics and Data Analytics Research Topics

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

Neurological Disorders Research Topics

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

Bioethics in Health Research Topics

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

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Points To Be Remembered While Selecting Health Related Research Topics

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

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

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

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

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Electronic health records to facilitate clinical research

Affiliations.

• 1 National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney Street, London, SW3 6HP, UK. [email protected].
• 2 Astra Zeneca R&D, Molndal, Sweden.
• 3 University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
• 4 Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, USA.
• 5 Servier, Paris, France.
• 6 Robertson Centre for Biostatistics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
• 7 University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
• 8 Daiichi-Sankyo, London, UK.
• 9 GlaxoSmithKline, Stockley Park, UK.
• 10 Boehringer-Ingelheim, Pharma GmbH & Co KG, Ingelheim, Germany.
• 11 Optum International, London, UK.
• 12 Bayer Pharma, Berlin, Germany.
• 13 Pfizer Ltd., Surrey, UK.
• 14 Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
• 15 Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA.
• 16 Campbell University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Campbell, NC, USA.
• 17 Edwards LifeSciences, Nyon, Switzerland.
• 18 INSERM, Centre d'Investigation Clinique 9501 and Unité 961, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Nancy, France.
• 19 Department of Cardiology, Nancy University, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France.
• 20 Glaxo Smith Kline, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, USA.
• PMID: 27557678
• PMCID: PMC5226988
• DOI: 10.1007/s00392-016-1025-6

Electronic health records (EHRs) provide opportunities to enhance patient care, embed performance measures in clinical practice, and facilitate clinical research. Concerns have been raised about the increasing recruitment challenges in trials, burdensome and obtrusive data collection, and uncertain generalizability of the results. Leveraging electronic health records to counterbalance these trends is an area of intense interest. The initial applications of electronic health records, as the primary data source is envisioned for observational studies, embedded pragmatic or post-marketing registry-based randomized studies, or comparative effectiveness studies. Advancing this approach to randomized clinical trials, electronic health records may potentially be used to assess study feasibility, to facilitate patient recruitment, and streamline data collection at baseline and follow-up. Ensuring data security and privacy, overcoming the challenges associated with linking diverse systems and maintaining infrastructure for repeat use of high quality data, are some of the challenges associated with using electronic health records in clinical research. Collaboration between academia, industry, regulatory bodies, policy makers, patients, and electronic health record vendors is critical for the greater use of electronic health records in clinical research. This manuscript identifies the key steps required to advance the role of electronic health records in cardiovascular clinical research.

Keywords: Cardiovascular diseases; Clinical trials as topic; Electronic health records; Pragmatic clinical trials as topic.

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Public Health Surveillance in Electronic Health Records: Lessons From PCORnet

ORIGINAL RESEARCH — Volume 21 — July 11, 2024

Nidhi Ghildayal, PhD 1 ; Kshema Nagavedu, MPH 1 ; Jennifer L. Wiltz, MD, MPH 2 ; Soowoo Back, MPH 1 ; Tegan K. Boehmer, PhD 3 ; Christine Draper 1 ; Adi V. Gundlapalli, MD, PhD 3 ; Casie Horgan, MPH 1 ; Keith A. Marsolo, PhD 4 ; Nik R. Mazumder, MD, MPH 5 ; Juliane Reynolds, MPH 1 ; Matthew Ritchey, DPT 3 ; Sharon Saydah, PhD 6 ; Yacob G. Tedla 7 ; Thomas W. Carton, PhD 8 ; Jason P. Block, MD, MPH 1 ( View author affiliations )

Suggested citation for this article: Ghildayal N, Nagavedu K, Wiltz JL, Back S, Boehmer TK, Draper C, et al. Public Health Surveillance in Electronic Health Records: Lessons From PCORnet. Prev Chronic Dis 2024;21:230417. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd21.230417 .

PEER REVIEWED

Introduction

Acknowledgments, author information.

What is already known on this topic?

Existing survey-based surveillance programs provide important information on the epidemiology of chronic and infectious diseases. Electronic health record (EHR) data can be used to supplement surveillance efforts.

What is added by this report?

In this study, we describe the attributes and challenges of using EHR data for disease surveillance. We describe surveillance case studies and future directions for enhancing opportunities to use EHR data for public health surveillance.

What are the implications for public health practice?

EHR data have an important role for public health surveillance both for chronic and infectious diseases, providing comprehensive information available soon after data collection. Strategic funding and financing models need to be developed, and federal, state, and local support could help establish EHRs as an important sustainable mechanism for surveillance.

PCORnet, the National Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network, is a large research network of health systems that map clinical data to a standardized data model. In 2018, we expanded existing infrastructure to facilitate use for public health surveillance. We describe benefits and challenges of using PCORnet for surveillance and describe case studies.

In 2018, infrastructure enhancements included addition of a table to store patients’ residential zip codes and expansion of a modular program to generate population health statistics across conditions. Chronic disease surveillance case studies conducted in 2019 assessed atrial fibrillation (AF) and cirrhosis. In April 2020, PCORnet established an infrastructure to support COVID-19 surveillance with institutions frequently updating their electronic health record data.

By August 2023, 53 PCORnet sites (84%) had a 5-digit zip code available on at least 95% of their patient populations. Among 148,223 newly diagnosed AF patients eligible for oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy, 43.3% were on any OAC (17.8% warfarin, 28.5% any novel oral anticoagulant) within a year of the AF diagnosis. Among 60,268 patients with cirrhosis (2015–2019), common documented etiologies included unknown (48%), hepatitis C infection (23%), and alcohol use (22%). During October 2022 through December 2023, across 34 institutions, the proportion of COVID-19 patients who were cared for in the inpatient setting was 9.1% among 887,051 adults aged 20 years or older and 6.0% among 139,148 children younger than 20 years.

Conclusions

PCORnet provides important data that may augment traditional public health surveillance programs across diverse conditions. PCORnet affords longitudinal population health assessments among large catchments of the population with clinical, treatment, and geographic information, with capabilities to deliver rapid information needed during public health emergencies.

Electronic health records (EHRs) contain extensive longitudinal health information about patients and populations (1). Over the last decade, prompted by federal meaningful use guidelines and incentives, EHRs have become ubiquitous in health care settings (2). Because of their wide availability, EHRs are a viable option for disease surveillance and have some advantages over traditional survey-based surveillance methods, such as the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System ( Table 1 ) (3,4).

Some of the most important attributes of EHRs for surveillance include timeliness of data and availability for large populations. EHR data are collected daily through routine clinical care delivery and can be made available quickly if resources are available for processing and data curation. In contrast, large national surveillance programs typically use surveys or field data collection, followed by data processing that can lead to extensive lag times between data collection and availability. The scope of EHR data available also can provide important granular information about subgroups. For example, although retrieving metro area and small area modeling estimates via national surveillance surveys is possible, these data are often restricted for privacy reasons and, in some cases, are imputed rather than directly measured (4–6). Furthermore, the sample size of surveys limits the availability of data on rare conditions or less common subgroups of individuals, such as among racial and ethnic minority groups (4,6). Because of the availability of data on vast populations that allow for numbers large enough to stratify by even uncommon subgroups, EHRs can provide data for specific geographic regions and populations (3,6,7).

Another area of potential benefit of EHRs for surveillance is the availability of longitudinal objective, measured data, such as vital signs and laboratory values. These data allow for more accurate definitions (ie, phenotypes) of disease, such as using a combination of medication prescriptions, laboratory values, and vital signs to define chronic disease (4). Measured data can also enable an objective determination of disease severity and disease control over time, such as defining whether patients are meeting guideline control targets for diabetes or hypertension by using glycosylated hemoglobin or measured blood pressure values. These data can provide information both cross-sectionally and longitudinally in cohorts that receive care over time. National surveillance surveys typically rely on self-reported information or single vital sign or laboratory values to define disease prevalence and incidence. Lastly, EHRs can offer longitudinal information with short latency, allowing for capture of information on changing health status, in contrast to that collected through the lengthy process of repeated survey administration (7).

EHR data present some challenges, including with data quality and representativeness. Missing data also are common for myriad reasons. The fragmented health care system in the US precludes comprehensive data integration across care settings, and patients often receive care in multiple institutions with different data systems (8,9). Even when information from other health care institutions can be viewed within the health care system that serves as the medical home for a patient (eg, Care Everywhere in Epic), that information may not be captured in clinical data warehouses that can be used for surveillance. Clinical notes written in free text may not be easily translated to structured data fields, resulting in missing information on symptoms and exposures (10). Furthermore, clinical data available in EHRs do not typically include information on social determinants, quality-of-life measures, and other health behavior information that could be more readily collected through national surveys. Some social determinants data can be integrated when available geographic information can be linked to community-level data from the US Census and other data resources (11,12). Another drawback of EHR surveillance is that data may not be representative, and clinical practice patterns may differ between sites, leading to heterogeneity in data available due solely to the differential ascertainment of diagnoses, for example. Exploration of the epidemiology of disease by geography also is heavily dependent on the number of institutions per geographic area providing data. EHR data have information on patients who are seeking care, likely biasing inferences toward certain demographic groups receiving more medical care and patients who have chronic conditions, have health insurance coverage, or live in urban areas (12). However, unlike claims data that are typically limited to commercial insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare separately, EHR data are typically agnostic to payer source and have information on patients with a diverse array of insurance sources, including those who are uninsured (13) ( Table 1 ).

In this article, we discuss the use of EHR data for public health surveillance in a large national research network and present case studies of its use for chronic disease and its later adaptation for COVID-19 surveillance during a public health emergency.

PCORnet as a data source for public health surveillance

PCORnet, the National Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network, is a research infrastructure program that was established to support use of health care data for comparative effectiveness research (14). This network-of-networks includes more than 60 health care systems embedded in 8 Clinical Research Networks (https://pcornet.org/network/), with a regulatory infrastructure that prioritizes data sharing while protecting patient privacy. Data from millions of patients from different source EHR systems are harmonized locally into a standard data set, called a Common Data Model (CDM). This CDM is updated over time to incorporate new and evolving data elements and is nearly identical across all participating institutions, allowing for centralized querying and interoperability of data across sites (15). The data elements include comprehensive clinical information, including prescriptions, diagnoses, procedures, vital measures, laboratory values, and geographic information, among other data elements, from all care settings relevant for a specific health care system (eg, ambulatory, emergency department, inpatient).

Quarterly data quality reviews allow for a comprehensive assessment of conformance, completeness, plausibility, and persistence, with feedback provided on issues discovered. Data sharing across the network is accommodated by a Master Data Sharing Agreement, with further regulatory processes outlined to accommodate varied circumstances required for research and operations (14,16). PCORnet also has a “front door” mechanism for investigators to request data queries or study collaborators (17).

PCORnet has a distributed query infrastructure, and users can submit a query and obtain a coordinated response that combines data across participating health systems (16). PCORnet also is an engaged network in which investigators, informatics specialists, clinicians, patients, and other partners from sites can provide context and information regarding the data available from that site.

Reusable SAS-based tools that have been developed for PCORnet are available for querying data, with regular updates for CDM changes and to enhance functionality for new data needs. These tools are modular descriptive programs that can be quickly adapted to create and characterize cohorts with aggregate data, using tables and variables defined in the PCORnet CDM. While PCORnet has protocols allowing for the transfer of patient-level data to requestors, the availability of a reusable process for obtaining aggregate data from partners allows for assessments that can often be completed quickly. While less flexible than centralized, pooled data available for analysis, aggregate data are typically sufficient for surveillance.

PCORnet has several capabilities that foster successful public health surveillance. As a national EHR surveillance program with multiple contributing entities, PCORnet contains data on more than 30 million patients annually (16). PCORnet has broad geographic representation with most sites providing data from both inpatient and outpatient settings (https://pcornet.org/data/). The network provides access to patients with longitudinal follow-up, often over many years; populations large enough to allow for examination of subgroups, such as by race and ethnicity, geography, and multimorbidity; and opportunities to capture adequate numbers of patients with rare diseases to make important inferences about prevalence. Data captured on race are considerably more complete than those found in some other commonly used clinical data sets (18). For example, among all patients with encounters in 34 PCORnet sites during October 2022 through December 2023, race and ethnicity information was missing for 9.5% of those younger than 20 years and 8.7% of those aged 20 years or older ( Table 2 ). Race and ethnicity missingness was lower for patients with diagnostic codes for COVID-19, positive laboratory tests for SARS-CoV-2, or recent prescriptions for COVID-19 medications: 7.6% for patients younger than 20 years and 5.1% for patients aged 20 years or older (data not shown).

In 2018, PCORnet began to expand capabilities of the network to conduct EHR-based surveillance, specifically focused on chronic disease. The program was initially used for pilot projects that built capacity for geographic data capture. In March 2020, the network began exploring whether its resources, including the newly established capabilities for chronic disease surveillance, could be adapted for COVID-19 surveillance. This shift required some changes, especially to provide more timely data. PCORnet expanded its infrastructure to include the ability to frequently, up to twice monthly, refresh data. With regularly refreshed data and modular programs, data can now be available for public health professionals and researchers in a matter of weeks. Simple analyses that only require basic counts and frequencies can be provided even more quickly.

Expanded data and tools for surveillance and case studies in PCORnet

Starting in 2019 with CDM version 5.0, PCORnet incorporated a new, optional CDM table containing patient-level geographic information. This table allowed sites to include patient information on 9- and 5-digit zip code, city, state, and the start and end date for that address information. To accommodate surveillance queries in PCORnet, we developed a geographic assessment module to query this address data (16). The module allows for the characterization of a cohort based on the most recent address stratified by zip code, city, state, or Census region. Queries also can pull patient-level data with zip-code or mapped US Census Bureau’s data elements. The geographic module was piloted at several PCORnet health systems for chronic disease surveillance case studies, including atrial fibrillation (AF) and liver cirrhosis.

Starting in April 2020, select PCORnet institutions collaborated on a response to the COVID-19 pandemic that would allow for more frequent querying of data. Institutions developed a CDM that contained data for a subset of their total patient population, including only patients who had a diagnostic code for a respiratory virus or infection or a viral laboratory test for SARS-CoV-2. The inclusion criteria for this subset CDM were later expanded to include COVID-19 therapeutics and vaccines. Filtering the broader population using these criteria allowed for quicker refreshes of data, facilitating reports on data with a latency of a few weeks, in contrast to the regular quarterly updates. This process also was a more practical approach for sites, given that frequent refreshes of their complete patient population data would take extensive effort and data storage. Sites initially updated their filtered CDM biweekly and then later monthly or on request.

The PCORnet team leading this surveillance effort also changed the modular statistical programs to allow for characterization of cohorts using results of qualitative viral testing information, available mortality information (ie, typically deaths reported to the health care system or in-hospital deaths) and records of vaccinations given in the health care system or populated in EHRs from state registry linkages, when available. The statistical programs also were updated to allow for distributed advanced analytics, including the use of multiple regression models that execute behind institutions’ firewalls and return only summary model output; these results can be combined across sites using meta-analytic techniques (19). Since October 2020, PCORnet has participated in a cooperative agreement funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide COVID-19 information from up to 43 PCORnet institutions on a biweekly basis.

The geographic query module was released for use in PCORnet in July 2019. Geographic data returned from queries were well distributed but contained many sparsely populated zip codes. Zip code data typically were not available retrospectively; many sites only began capturing the geographic information prospectively at the time of its CDM release. County information was added to the CDM during the release of CDM 6.1 in April 2023.

By August 2023, 62 of 63 (98%) PCORnet institutions had populated geographic information. Among sites, 59 (94%) had at least some information on 5-digit zip code, with 53 (84%) having 5-digit zip available on at least 95% of their patient population. For 9-digit zip codes, 42 (67%) sites had some information on patients, with 10 (16%) having this information populated for at least 75% of their population. The pilot projects on AF and liver cirrhosis tested the implementation of this geographic data table and use of the geographic query module.

Oral anticoagulant use

Oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy is proven to reduce the risk of stroke and is the standard treatment for stroke risk reduction in patients with AF (20,21). Some local studies have found that about half of patients with AF at risk of stroke do not get OAC prescriptions (22–25). However, little information exists on the rate of prescriptions of OACs across US states. We used data from 4 PCORnet Clinical Research Networks (CAPriCORN, STAR, REACHnet, and ADVANCE) and investigated the OAC prescription rate in 22 states. Patients newly diagnosed with AF between January 2014 and December 2019, with a CHADSVASC score of 2 or more, no history of stroke, and known zip code were included in our analysis. The CHADSVASC score includes information on risk factors for stroke among patients with AF and is used to calculate a predicted probability of stroke; a score of 2 or more is considered high risk for stroke (26). Among 148,223 newly diagnosed AF patients eligible for an OAC, 43.3% were on any OAC, 17.8% received any warfarin, and 28.5% received any novel oral anticoagulant (NOAC) in the year following AF diagnosis. OAC prescription rates varied greatly across states, ranging from 28.4% in Virginia to 54.0% in Indiana.

OAC prescriptions continue to be low in patients with AF and vary across health systems and geographic regions. These results are consistent with findings from previous studies (22–25). Our findings provided comprehensive information on OAC use across regions but were not nationally representative. The study only examined health systems that were part of the CRNs involved in the study: 6 from CAPriCORN, 2 from REACHnet, and 1 each from STAR and ADVANCE.

Cirrhosis, irreversible damage to the liver, is a leading cause of illness and death in the US (27). Despite its importance as a major medical condition, one of the most important challenges for determining population prevalence and geographic distribution is the lack of a unified repository of patients with cirrhosis. PCORnet provided an opportunity to explore the epidemiology of cirrhosis using diagnostic codes in EHRs. In this pilot study, we included any patient aged 18 years or older with a qualifying International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code for cirrhosis (ie, ICD-9 or ICD-10) who received care at a participating center during the calendar years 2015–2018. The study included 9 health systems from 3 Clinical Research Networks, with strong overlap with the AF pilot: STAR, CAPriCORN, and REACHnet. Patient zip code was assessed as zip code of residence both within 90 days of cohort inclusion and within any prior period before inclusion.

Overall, we identified 60,268 patients with ICD codes for cirrhosis. Patients were 58% (n = 34,908) male, 57% (n = 34,458) White race, and 81% (n = 48,646) non-Hispanic ethnicity, with a mean age of 58 years. The most common etiologies for cirrhosis were hepatitis C (n = 13,882; 23%) and alcohol (n = 13,187; 22%); however, nearly half of patients (n = 29,177, 48%) did not have a clear etiology of liver disease documented in the EHR. When geographic data were restricted to a period that was within 90 days of diagnosis of cirrhosis, residential zip code was highly missing (86% missing); missingness was much lower for records of any zip code documented in the EHR before study inclusion (33% missing). This study was conducted relatively soon after the geographic information was first provided in the CDM. Because most sites populated their geographic information prospectively, missingness will improve over time, allowing for PCORnet to be effectively used for important public health surveillance of cirrhosis by geography.

COVID-19 surveillance

PCORnet was able to quickly transition to infectious disease surveillance and began reporting COVID-19 national data in April 2020. Since October 1, 2020, working with CDC, 43 PCORnet institutions have been engaged in a broad surveillance effort in which queries are conducted up to twice monthly on varied topics, with aggregate data provided to CDC in support of pandemic response. The surveillance effort has led to over 50 data queries. In a recent query, focused on the period of October 1, 2022, to December 31, 2023, 34 of the participating PCORnet institutions recorded 887,051 patients aged 20 years or older and 139,148 patients younger than 20 years who tested positive for SARS-COV-2, received a COVID-19 therapeutic, or had an ICD-10 code for COVID-19, with geographic information available by state. Among these patients, 80,712 (9%) of the patients aged 20 years or older and 8,322 (6%) of the patients younger than 20 years were cared for in the inpatient setting. We have mapped zip code data available in this population to designated geographic variables, including US Census Bureau variables for rurality and urbanicity and area deprivation index. These variables were well populated with missing data for 3%–4% of the population. Most patients lived in urban settings (88%–89%). For area deprivation index scores, 44% of patients aged 20 years or older and 51% of patients younger than 20 years were in the top 2 quartiles (ie, higher area deprivation).

This COVID-19 surveillance program has generated important information on the prevalence of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (28), disparities in uptake of COVID-19 therapeutics (18,29), cardiac complications after COVID-19 mRNA vaccines and SARS-CoV-2 infection (30), and association of uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension and severe COVID-19 (19). Information also was captured on trends in chronic and infectious disease incidence and preventive care services before and during the pandemic and the incidence of and therapeutics for mpox to support CDC’s response. The infrastructure developed for this CDC-funded project also was leveraged for other large-scale research programs, such as providing preliminary data for the National Institutes of Health RECOVER Initiative (31).

With the availability of patient-level geographic information, large populations, and comprehensive longitudinal clinical data, PCORnet and similar networks can fill in gaps for existing national surveillance infrastructure. Pilot surveillance projects provided valuable lessons for use of PCORnet infrastructure that was leveraged for the national COVID-19 public health response.

Streamlined regulatory processes are critical to accommodate efficient surveillance work. For example, we pursued individual institutional review board (IRB) approvals for each chronic disease surveillance pilot project; all IRB approvals required more than 6 months to complete. Lead sites faced difficulties in coordinating single IRBs (eg, through SMART IRB) across participating sites and ascertaining whether sites should be obtaining IRB determination for limited or nonlimited data sets. These processes were streamlined during the COVID-19 pandemic. The collaborative PCORnet CDC COVID-19 project was exempt from IRB review because it constituted public health surveillance required or authorized by a public health authority, as specified under the Common Rule. Our experience demonstrates that clear network guidance on approvals necessary for varied types of data exchange could help streamline surveillance projects. Fewer requirements should be needed for projects using only aggregate data, even with the inclusion of some geographic information (32). This guidance will be most important for surveillance projects that are not directed by a public health authority and, thus, not exempt from IRB review (33).

Implementation of the pilot projects also revealed both issues and benefits that arose from using various organizing units for geographic data. The city variable was not useful due to varied spellings. Zip code was well-populated at the 5-digit level, providing expanded geographic capabilities that go beyond other data sources, such as insurance claims. Counties can be useful in some cases, such as for states that use geographic divisions other than standard ones (eg, Utah Small Area Codes); county was added as a new geographic unit for the PCORnet CDM in 2023. Ultimately, census tracts or block groups are likely most useful because these geographic units are typically more uniform than larger zip code areas. Regulatory processes could help ease the way for networks to use this information more readily. Direct linkage to US Census Bureau and other community-level data might also preclude the need to share actual geographic identifiers.

Implications for practice

EHR-based networks have important potential for surveillance of key priority areas that align with health and public health missions. When rapidly refreshed data with short latency are required, PCORnet has shown that it can be used for COVID-19 surveillance and other infectious disease outbreaks or epidemics, with data that are available with often very short latency from the time of collection. These rapidly available data in PCORnet allowed for timely reporting of infection trends, including information on patient demographics, comorbidities, and treatments used or prescribed. Timely data can also be important for chronic disease surveillance but may not require updates as frequently as for emerging infectious diseases.

EHR data could be improved to address some of the challenges for its use in surveillance. Developing and deploying population statistical weighting schemes for data in EHRs, which have data only on patients seeking care from designated health care institutions, could help alleviate issues related to generalizability of populations (34,35). Strategic funding and financing models should be developed, and federal, state, and local support could help establish EHRs as an important sustainable mechanism for surveillance (36). The continued success of using PCORnet for large-scale surveillance also can expand its engagement of partners to ensure that data can be used most efficiently to support population health priorities (36).

Dr Block and Dr Carton were co-senior authors and contributed equally to this article. This study was funded in part by a grant from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI 283-3709) and Cooperative Agreement number 6-NU38OT000316, funded by CDC. The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, or publication of this article. No copyrighted materials, surveys, instruments, or tools were used in this research.

Corresponding Author: Jason P. Block, MD, MPH, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, 401 Park Dr, Ste 401, Boston, MA 02215 ( [email protected] ).

Author Affiliations: 1 Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, Massachusetts. 2 National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia. 3 Office of Public Health Data, Surveillance, and Technology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia. 4 Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina. 5 Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan. 6 Coronavirus and Other Respiratory Viruses Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia. 7 Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee. 8 Louisiana Public Health Institute, New Orleans, Louisiana.

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• Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. PCORnet: progress, challenges, and opportunities ahead. Accessed March 28, 2024. https://www.pcori.org/blog/pcornet-progress-challenges-and-opportunities-ahead

Abbreviation: NA, not applicable. a Examples: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes ), Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS, www.cdc.gov/brfss ). b Example: National Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network (PCORnet).

Abbreviations: NH, Non-Hispanic; PCORnet, National Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network. a Includes any patients with a designated ethnicity as Hispanic, regardless of race. All racial groups had ethnicity categories of non-Hispanic or missing/other Hispanic ethnicity.

The opinions expressed by authors contributing to this journal do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Public Health Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the authors’ affiliated institutions.

Health Information Administration Research Guide

• How to Use this Guide
• Research health information management topics
• Research medical/disease topics
• Introduction to Research in HIA / HIM
• Evaluate health/medical information
• Get Full Text
• Search Techniques
• HIM 150 activities
• HIM150 videos

Introduction

This page will lead you to sources for finding credible information on health information management., continue below for these four (4) sections:.

• Find in-depth information in monographs (books) and find non-print material such as videos, audios, software, and multimedia .
• Find current information in magazine and journal articles and reports.
• Find federal and state rules and regulations, statutory law, and case law .

Find definitions, facts, statistics

Find in-depth information in monographs (books) and find non-print material such as videos, audios, software, and multimedia, find books and e-books with the following research databases. .

The first research database will also lead to video and audio materials.

• Bookshelf Growing collection of biomedical books that can be searched directly by typing a concept into the search box. Much of the content is accessible online. Bookshelf is provided by the U.S. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Searches of PubMed include the material in Bookshelf.

Find current information in magazine and journal articles and reports

Search for articles & reports using the following databases or websites..

SPECIAL NOTE: Not every health database will index the key journals for health information management. Your key professional journal Journal of AHIMA and other core professional journals (for example, Joint Commission Perspectives and Hospitals and Health Networks ) may be found by searching PubMed .

• Medline Plus This link opens in a new window MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends. It is a service of the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the world's largest medical library, which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). PubMed citations and abstracts include the fields of biomedicine and health, covering portions of the life sciences, behavioral sciences, chemical sciences, and bioengineering. PubMed citations often include links to the full-text article on the publishers' Web sites and/or in PubMed Central and the Bookshelf. [MEDLINE is the largest subset of PubMed. You may limit your PubMed search retrieval to MEDLINE citations by restricting your search to the MeSH controlled vocabulary or by using the Journal Categories filter called MEDLINE.]
• AHIMA publications online Web site provides access to articles and reports in "Journal of AHIMA" (including practice briefs, coding notes, plugged in, etc.) and other AHIMA publications. NOTE: Explore the "HIM Trends and Topics" tab at top
• CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) Web site provides statistics, reports and regulatory news (including links to rules & proposed rules in Federal Register) on Medicare, Medicaid & Child Health Insurance Programs. CMS is the federal agency that administers the Medicare, Medicaid and Child Health Insurance Programs.For regulations for different types of facilities such as Ambulatory Surgical, Home Health Agencies, etc., link to "Regulations and Guidance" and scan down to find the section "Provider Type."
• Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 18,000 health care organizations in the United States, including hospitals, health care networks, managed care organizations, and health care organizations that provide home care, long term care, behavioral health care, laboratory, and ambulatory care services. It publishes standards, etc.

Find federal and state rules and regulations, statutory law, and case law.

Find legal information  .

To successfully find legal information, you will need to select research databases and sources appropriate for finding the legal information you need.  This means choosing a resource that provides the correct:

1. category of law ( regulatory , judicial , or statutory )

• Regulatory law = rules and regulations developed by governmental agencies and departments in order for them to carry out the laws passed by legislatures.
• Judicial law = case law, that is laws arising from decisions made in courts.
• Statutory law = laws enacted by legislatures.

2. level of government ( federal or state )

Links to these legal research tools are further below :

For Federal REGULATIONS , use the following:

• Code of Federal Regulations
• Federal Register . 
• LexisNexis Academic includes the content of both the Code of Federal Regulations and the Federal Register.  Use the "search by content type" dropdown menu to select "Federal Statutes & Regulations."
• The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) website provides links to health care regulatory information published in the Federal Register and elsewhere.  On the CMS website, choose "Regulations & Guidance."

For State REGULATIONS , use the following:

• LexisNexis Academic includes the content of South Dakota Administrative Rules and South Dakota Register .  In LexisNexis use the "search by content type" dropdown menu to select "State Statutes & Regulations."
• Legislative Research Council of the South Dakota Legislature.  For rules and regulations, choose "Administrative Rules" and find rules using either the "Rules Search" or "Rules List."

For Federal CASE LAW , use:

• LexisNexis Academic . Use the "search by content type" dropdown menu to select "Federal & State Cases"

For State CASE LAW , use:

For Federal STATUTORY LAW , use: 

• LexisNexis Academic . Use the "search by content type" dropdown menu to select "Federal Statutes & Regulations." {Note: statutory laws may be found as "Public Laws" (that is, found by public law number which is a consecutive numbering system of laws during a given legislative session) or in the "U.S. Code" (that is, found in the codified laws in which laws related to a particular topic are grouped together}.

For State STATUTORY LAW , use:

• LexisNexis Academic . Use the "search by content type" dropdown menu to select "State Statutes & Regulations."
• Legislative Research Council of the South Dakota Legislature.  For statutory law, choose "Laws."
• Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) The CFR codifies (arranges numerically) the detailed rules and regulations used for carrying out the laws passed by the U. S. Congress. These regulations are devised by federal departments and agencies. So, the CFR is a comprehensive collection of all the rules and regulations in effect in the various agencies of the U.S. Government. Rules first appear in the daily publication called the Federal Register. After being finalized, they are incorporated into the CFR. Therefore, after searching the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), search the Federal Register for any new or changed federal rules that have not yet been added to the CFR.
• Federal Register (FR) Use the Federal Register (FR) to find new federal regulations that have been proposed or that have been published in final form in the Federal Register but have not yet been added to the Code of Federal Regulations. Rules and regulations are devised by federal departments and agencies to carry out the laws passed by the U.S. Congress. FR provides the text of proposed, final, interim, and temporary rules and is published daily, Monday - Friday. Provided by the U.S. Government Printing Office.
• Legislative Research Council (South Dakota) The Legislative Research Council of the South Dakota Legislature provides administrative rules and statutory laws. For rules and regulations, choose "Administrative Rules" and find rules using either the "Rules Search" or "Rules List." For statutory law, choose "Laws."

Statistics and Other Information about Hospitals and Physicians

The following sources provide a range of factual information and statistics about hospitals and physicians

• Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Has a "Research Tools & Data" section that includes MEPS (Medical Expenditure Panel Survey), HCUP (Healthcare Cost & Utilization Project), HCUPnet ( Interactive Tool for Hospital Statistics), HIV & AIDS Costs & Use, and more. HCUPnet is a tool for identifying, tracking, analyzing, and comparing statistics on hospitals at the national, regional, and State level. AHRQ is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
• AMA Doctor Finder This directory contains information on virtually every licensed physician in the United States (and its possessions), including more than 650,000 doctors of medicine (MD) and doctors of osteopathy or osteopathic medicine (DO). All physician credential data have been verified for accuracy and authenticated by accrediting agencies, medical schools, residency training programs, licensing and certifying boards, and other data sources.
• American Board of Medical Specialties This directory may be used to verify the certification status of any physician certified by one or more of the 24 member boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). Click on "Is Your Doctor Certified."
• HRET: Health Research & Educational Trust Provides information about hospitals, health care agencies, quality/cost/disparities, data analysis, payment reform, and much more.
• National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) NCHS is the primary Federal organization responsible for the collection, analyses, and dissemination of health statistics. The intent of this site is to provide users access to the health information that NCHS produces.

PRINT SOURCES IN LIBRARY:

• AHA Hospital Statistics Call Number: RA981.A2 A6234 Publication Date: annual This is a compilation of data compiled from AHA Annual Survey of Hospitals and is a print book in the Mundt Library. Note: Distance students may request the Library to copy and email specific sections.
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300+ Medical Research Topics & Ideas for Students to Choose

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

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

What Are Medical Research Paper Topics?

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

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

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

Characteristics of Good Medical Research Topics

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

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

How to Choose a Medical Research Topic?

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

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

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

List of Top Medical Research Topics

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

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

Good Medical Research Topics

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

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

Interesting Medical Research Topics

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

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

Easy Medical Research Topics

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

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

Best Medical Research Topics

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

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

Controversial Medical Topics for a Research Paper

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

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

New Medical Research Topics

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

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

Medical Research Topics Ideas for Students

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

Medical Research Topics for High School

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

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

Medical Research Topics for College Students

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

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

Medical Research Topics by Subjects

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

Medical Research Topics in Pediatrics

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

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

Medical Research Topics on Anatomy

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

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

Medical Anthropology Research Topics

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

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

Medicine Research Topics on Physiology

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

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

Medical Research Topics on Dermatology

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

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

Medical Research Paper Topics on Nursing

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

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

>> Read more: Nursing Research Paper Topics

Medical Research Topics on Primary Care

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

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

Medical Research Topics on Public Health

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

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

>> View more: Public Health Research Topics

Medical Research Topics on Mental Health

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

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

>> View more: Mental Health Research Paper Topics

Medical Ethics Research Topics

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

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

Extra Medical Research Papers Topics

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

Health Research Topics

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

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

Clinical Research Topics

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

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

Bottom Line on Medical Topics to Research

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

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eAppendix. Questions and Response Options in the 2019 National Electronic Health Records Survey

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Gaffney A , Woolhandler S , Cai C, et al. Medical Documentation Burden Among US Office-Based Physicians in 2019 : A National Study . JAMA Intern Med. 2022;182(5):564–566. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2022.0372

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Medical Documentation Burden Among US Office-Based Physicians in 2019 : A National Study

• 1 Department of Medicine, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, Massachusetts
• 2 Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
• 3 Hunter College, City University of New York, New York
• 4 Public Citizen Health Research Group, Washington, District of Columbia
• 5 Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts

Many physicians perceive that medical documentation is onerous, detracts from face time with patients, and drives burnout. 1 , 2 We assessed the burden of medical documentation on US office-based physicians.

In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed office-based physician responses to the 2019 National Electronic Health Records Survey, which collects nationally representative data on the use and burdens of the electronic health record (EHR). 3 The overall participation rate was 37.7%. 3 The Cambridge Health Alliance Institutional Review Board deemed this analysis of publicly available, deidentified data exempt from review. Respondents provided informed consent at the time of data collection. Reporting followed the STROBE reporting guideline.

We evaluated the time physicians devoted to documentation outside office hours based on the question, “On average, how many hours per day do you spend outside of normal office hours documenting clinical care in your medical record system?” (none, <1, 1-2, >2-4, or >4 hours). We estimated mean daily hours devoted to documentation outside office hours by recoding categorical responses at the midpoint (for the highest category, the minimum) of response. We also explored 5 measures of satisfaction with the EHR and time spent documenting. For the complete question text and an explanation of how some response categories were combined for this analysis, see the eAppendix in the Supplement . We assessed the proportion of physicians with each outcome stratified by specialty and then the correlation among 3 physician and practice characteristics and mean documentation time outside office hours: (1) EHR use; (2) staff support for documentation (eg, scribes); and (3) participation in an Accountable Care Organization or pay-for-performance program (hereafter, value-based purchasing [VBP] participation).

Physician responses on satisfaction with documentation are summarized as weighted percentages and time spent on documentation as means with 95% CIs. Analyses were performed using Stata SE, version 16.1 (StataCorp LLC) survey procedures module. Two-sided P  < .05 indicated statistical significance.

The 1524 respondents (78.6% aged ≥50 years; 69.9% men) represented 301 603 physicians nationwide. Across primary care, surgical, and medical specialties, 64.1% of respondents reported satisfaction with the EHR; 64.5% found documentation to be easy ( Table 1 ). However, 58.1% disagreed that the time spent documenting was appropriate and did not reduce time spent with patients, and 84.7% agreed that documentation solely for billing purposes increased total documentation time. Differences by physician specialty were not significant.

Overall, physicians spent a mean of 1.77 (95% CI, 1.67-1.87) hours daily completing documentation outside office hours ( Table 2 ). Differences by staff support for documentation (eg, scribes) were small and nonsignificant. Physicians who used EHRs spent a mean of 1.84 (95% CI, 1.74-1.94) h/d documenting outside office hours, significantly more than the 1.10 (95% CI, 0.83-1.37) h/d among those who did not use EHRs ( P  < .001). Physicians participating in VBP spent 2.02 (95% CI, 1.86-2.19) h/d on documentation outside office hours vs 1.58 (95% CI, 1.47-1.69) h/d among those who did not ( P  < .001). Assuming a 5-day work week and 47-week work year, 4 we estimated US physicians spent 125 million hours documenting outside office hours in 2019.

This cross-sectional study reveals that documentation burdens US physicians. Most respondents indicated that documentation time is inappropriate and takes time from patients.

The large majority of US physicians reported that billing-related tasks exacerbate their documentation burden, which suggests that payment strategies specific to the US, vs to EHRs per se, account for some of the overload. 5 Relative to EHR users in other nations, US physicians spend more time documenting in the EHR, 5 with outpatient notes approximately 4 times longer. 1

Per our analysis, VBP participation is associated with a higher documentation burden, a finding consonant with the doubling in length of EHR ambulatory notes in the VBP era (among EHR users). 1 Surprisingly, we did not find that scribe use was associated with less overall documentation time; however, this does not address whether scribe users saw more patients.

A limitation of our study is that data were cross-sectional, precluding firm causal inference. Moreover, all data were self-reported by physicians, and the survey did not define documentation . 3 Reassuringly, our estimate of time spent documenting outside office hours is comparable with some previous estimates based on other approaches. 6 Reconsideration of the US approach to medical documentation may be warranted.

Accepted for Publication: January 30, 2022.

Published Online: March 28, 2022. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2022.0372

Corresponding Author: Adam Gaffney, MD, MPH, Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, 1943 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139 ( [email protected] ).

Author Contributions: Dr Gaffney had full access to all of the data in the study and takes responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis.

Concept and design: Gaffney, Woolhandler, Bor, McCormick, D. U. Himmelstein.

Acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data: Gaffney, Cai, J. Himmelstein, McCormick, D. U. Himmelstein.

Drafting of the manuscript: Gaffney.

Critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content: All authors.

Statistical analysis: Gaffney, Woolhandler, D. U. Himmelstein.

Obtained funding: Bor.

Administrative, technical, or material support: Bor.

Supervision: Woolhandler, D. U. Himmelstein.

Conflict of Interest Disclosures: Dr Gaffney reported serving as a leader of the Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP), a nonprofit organization that favors coverage expansion through a single-payer program; he has not received compensation from PNHP, but some of his travel on behalf of the organization was previously reimbursed by it. His spouse is an employee of Treatment Action Group, a nonprofit research and policy think tank focused on HIV, tuberculosis, and hepatitis C treatment. Dr Woolhandler served as an unpaid policy adviser to Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren and cofounded PNHP but receives no financial compensation from the organization. Dr Cai reported receiving personal fees from the US House of Representatives, Office of Pramila Jayapal, as a summer health policy fellow and nonfinancial support from PNHP as a summer research intern and board member outside the submitted work. Dr J. Himmelstein reported receiving grants from the Institutional National Research Service outside the submitted work. No other disclosures were reported.

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Personal Health Records: A Systematic Literature Review

Alex roehrs.

1 Programa de Pós-Graduação em Computação Aplicada, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos, São Leopoldo, Brazil

Cristiano André da Costa

Rodrigo da rosa righi, kleinner silva farias de oliveira, associated data.

Selected portals.

List of editors.

List of users and profiles access.

Presentation of study.

Information and communication technology (ICT) has transformed the health care field worldwide. One of the main drivers of this change is the electronic health record (EHR). However, there are still open issues and challenges because the EHR usually reflects the partial view of a health care provider without the ability for patients to control or interact with their data. Furthermore, with the growth of mobile and ubiquitous computing, the number of records regarding personal health is increasing exponentially. This movement has been characterized as the Internet of Things (IoT), including the widespread development of wearable computing technology and assorted types of health-related sensors. This leads to the need for an integrated method of storing health-related data, defined as the personal health record (PHR), which could be used by health care providers and patients. This approach could combine EHRs with data gathered from sensors or other wearable computing devices. This unified view of patients’ health could be shared with providers, who may not only use previous health-related records but also expand them with data resulting from their interactions. Another PHR advantage is that patients can interact with their health data, making decisions that may positively affect their health.

This work aimed to explore the recent literature related to PHRs by defining the taxonomy and identifying challenges and open questions. In addition, this study specifically sought to identify data types, standards, profiles, goals, methods, functions, and architecture with regard to PHRs.

The method to achieve these objectives consists of using the systematic literature review approach, which is guided by research questions using the population, intervention, comparison, outcome, and context (PICOC) criteria.

As a result, we reviewed more than 5000 scientific studies published in the last 10 years, selected the most significant approaches, and thoroughly surveyed the health care field related to PHRs. We developed an updated taxonomy and identified challenges, open questions, and current data types, related standards, main profiles, input strategies, goals, functions, and architectures of the PHR.

Conclusions

All of these results contribute to the achievement of a significant degree of coverage regarding the technology related to PHRs.

Introduction

The physician-patient relationship traditionally consists of the total dependence of the patient on the physician. Physicians need to keep accurate record systems to store information about patients and use the records to make diagnoses and recommendations [ 1 ]. In this sense, one important milestone is the use of the electronic health record (EHR). Health records are collections of patient health data, and the EHR is defined as a digital repository of the health status of patients [ 2 - 4 ]. The EHR evolved from a number of electronic methods of storing patients’ health data that became a structured and interoperable approach [ 5 , 6 ]. However, EHRs have some limitations because their records are based entirely on data reported by health care providers [ 3 ]. One trend is allowing patients to have access to their own health data, making them the owner of such data [ 7 , 8 ]. Therefore, personal health records (PHRs) emerged from the EHR and are defined as health records related to patient care that are controlled by the patient [ 6 , 9 ]. The PHR can also be defined as a representation of the health information, wellness, and development of a person [ 10 ]. The main advantages of the PHR refer to the ability of patients to maintain data on their health. However, many challenges need to be overcome to promote widespread PHR adoption, including how to achieve interoperability using the EHR, implementation costs, privacy, security, and the assessment of the effective benefits that the patient may have [ 1 ].

PHRs allow patients to maintain information on their medical conditions, drugs, and behaviors related to self-care and self-monitoring of their health [ 11 ]. Nevertheless, access controlled by the patients represents an ever-present concern because it requires a free but safe balance between system customizations, privacy, and security controls [ 12 ]. In particular, without the application of security practices, no privacy is available for the data [ 13 - 15 ]. Another possibility is that the PHRs accept data obtained from health-related equipment, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, wireless scales, wristbands, and smartwatches. The proliferation of these technologies is called the Internet of Things (IoT) [ 16 , 17 ]. Among IoT application domains, health care is one of the most attractive, giving rise to many health-related devices [ 18 ]. Data collected from these objects can complement the PHRs and help detect risks to the patients’ health [ 16 ]. Nonetheless, existing PHRs have limited intelligence and can only inform a small subset of users’ health care needs [ 19 ]. In addition, processing PHR data automatically and combining data from sensors with stored records for transformation into useful knowledge is another challenge [ 20 ].

The PHR works as a platform for patients’ and health care providers’ use, enabling the exchange of information with health care systems [ 21 ]. PHR has also emerged as a mechanism for patients to make appointments with their health care providers. The aim is to address patients’ evolving needs by using specific methods to improve their care and foresee health issues. The technologies used to process health-related data include machine learning, pattern recognition, applied mathematics, statistics, expert systems, data sharing, and artificial intelligence algorithms [ 22 - 24 ]. Moreover, advances in information and communication technology (ICT) have allowed both the storage and easy access of large amounts of data, allowing the release of physical space, facilitating research and the correlation of data within hospitals. However, the increasing number of patients who need care, especially with the increased life expectancy of people in several countries, has been an obstacle to managing huge databases of medical records.

The health community is constantly facing global epidemics and issues that transcend countries, such as cancer, influenza, AIDS, diabetes, and obesity. Patients who migrate or travel from one country to another could make use of their own PHR to obtain faster and more efficient health services. With the increase in the adoption of wireless technology and mobile devices, this creates opportunities to deliver health care services to patients through a world-standard PHR, although many challenges remain in achieving these benefits [ 25 ].

Electronic Health Records

The EHR, also called the electronic medical record, refers to a structure in digital format of patients’ health data that is maintained throughout their life and is stored accurately in a repository [ 2 ]. Health care providers use EHRs, whose data can vary greatly and can include vital signs (such as body temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure), age, weight, medications, allergies, medical examination results, and radiology images that are used to diagnose conditions [ 2 , 4 ]. The EHR is used to support health care professionals and health organizations (eg, hospitals, laboratories, or clinics) for the improved management of patient health data [ 26 ]. However, these health records are usually not stored with the same structure in different health organizations. These factors hinder the interoperability of health information among hospitals, clinics, and laboratories [ 27 ]. To address some of these problems, the PHR concept was proposed in 2006 [ 6 ] and was defined as an ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standard (ISO/TR 14292) in 2012 [ 10 ].

Personal Health Records

The PHR refers to a representation of health records related to the care of a patient that is managed by the patient [ 6 ]. In other words, the PHR refers to archives containing health data about each patient, but, unlike the EHR, it is managed by the patient [ 1 , 10 ]. With a PHR, patients can choose to share their health data with health care providers or keep them private [ 6 ]. Figure 1 illustrates how the PHR and EHR differ in their goals, although they can be integrated to exchange information that is relevant to the patient's health [ 10 ].

Personal health record (PHR) and electronic health record (EHR) relationships. IoT: Internet of Things.

Multiple EHRs for the same patient can coexist, but only one PHR would exist. The PHR can integrate data from many sources, ranging from devices connected to the patient to health data from EHRs stored in health care provider systems [ 6 ].

Although the term PHR may refer to records regardless of format (and can be on paper), the records are implemented electronically and are accessible through mobile devices (mHealth). In this sense, PHRs have allowed patients to self-monitor and manage their own health conditions [ 23 ]. Another alternative is medical-oriented PHR, which includes features that are not patient-centered [ 11 , 28 ]. This PHR can be “tethered” (tied) to where the data subsets are provided, including organizations that maintain patient data electronically [ 6 ]. In this case, PHRs may be stored in a stand-alone computer or service portal to which only the user has access [ 29 ].

Some variant names for PHR appeared in the literature, such as ePHR (electronic PHR) [ 7 ] or UHR (universal health record) [ 30 ]. The first concept refers to the use of PHR in an electronic format, while the second proposes PHR-sharing data with health care providers. Another term is intelligent PHR (iPHR), which uses medical knowledge to anticipate the health needs of patients and promote tools to guide searches for diseases and recommendations for nursing activities or medical products [ 19 ]. Although these different nomenclatures are used, we use the term PHR throughout this work.

To identify the technology for the PHR and to discuss the main open issues, this work surveyed the main contributions of the scientific community over the last decade. The purpose was to review the PHR literature and describe the existing models. As a way of mapping this scenario, we used the systematic literature review methodology to choose the studies [ 31 - 33 ]. As a result, we propose an updated and wide taxonomy for PHRs and indicate further directions for study.

Study Design

This section focuses on describing the study protocol, which introduces the adopted procedures and outlines the main subsequent decisions. As previously mentioned, this study presents a systematic literature review designed to provide a wide overview of the PHR research area, establish whether research evidence exists on a topic, and provide quantitative evidence [ 31 , 34 ]. We selected this type of literature review approach because our goal was to summarize the technology regarding PHRs and identify promising directions, which do not require an in-depth analysis and synthesis. With this in mind, we followed widely recognized empirical guidelines [ 31 , 34 ] to plan and run systematic mapping studies. Moreover, to mitigate threats to validity, we followed the well-documented study protocol available in the studies by Biolchini et al [ 35 ] and Qiu et al [ 36 ].

The presented systematic literature review method was carried out by defining the following activities:

1. Research questions—introduce the research questions investigated;

2. Search strategy—outline the strategy and libraries explored to collect data;

3. Article selection—explain the criteria for selecting the studies;

4. Distribution of studies—present how studies are distributed chronologically;

5. Quality assessment—describe the quality assessment of the selected studies;

6. Data extraction—compare the selected studies and research questions.

The following sections describe how this process of mapping the study was carried out.

Research Questions

According to Kitchenham and Charters [ 31 ] and Petticrew and Roberts [ 34 ], the definition of research questions is the most important part of any systematic review. Therefore, we seek to identify and classify the technology related to PHRs; the features, problems, challenges, and solutions that are currently being considered; and the research opportunities that exist or are emerging. In this sense, we have defined general and specific research questions. The general research questions have been refined into more specific questions to better provide a thorough classification and thematic analysis, as well as to pinpoint promising research directions for further investigation. Our research questions are classified into two categories: general question (GQ) and specific question (SQ). Table 1 lists all the research questions investigated.

Research questions.

a PHR: personal health record.

The GQ group of research questions concerns a broader classification and some challenges concerning PHRs. GQ1 refers to the question of classifying and defining the taxonomy for PHRs. This research question focuses on the interoperability capacity that a PHR can have. This question highlights integration issues of a PHR that is created and maintained by systems that are developed using heterogeneous technologies. GQ2 refers to the key challenges and issues in using PHRs. This is the main factor that will serve as a direct influence in the PHR survey. The purpose is to identify the types of issues that have been raised in the literature in the last decade. The research focuses on identifying the main problems affecting the spread of PHR adoption by patients and health care providers. For this question, we are able to reason with regard to the issues and factors that consequently influence PHR adoption.

With the general research questions, we have also explored some derived specific research questions (SQ group) to improve the study filtering process. These questions have been proposed to pinpoint questions surrounding the adoption of the PHR. SQ1 seeks to identify the data types that a PHR can contain. SQ2 investigates the types and profiles of users who interact with a PHR. SQ3 examines the types of standards that are used in PHR implementations. SQ4 seeks to show the interaction types that a patient has with a PHR. SQ5 concentrates on evaluating the techniques or methods used to input data into a PHR. SQ6 investigates the purposes of a PHR. Finally, SQ7 concentrates on the types and models of PHR architecture.

Search Strategy

The next step was to find a complete set of studies related to the research questions. This process involved the designation of search keywords and the definition of search scope [ 34 ]. In the construction of search keywords phase, we defined keywords to obtain accurate search results. In their report, Kitchenham and Charters [ 31 ] suggest breaking down the research question into individual facets as research units, where their synonyms, acronyms, abbreviations, and alternative spellings are all included and combined by Boolean operators. In addition, Petticrew and Roberts [ 34 ] propose the PICOC (population, intervention, comparison, outcome, and context) criteria, which can be seen as guidelines to properly define such research units.

In focusing on defining the PHR technology, we defined broader PICOC criteria based on the general research questions. Our goal was to refine and answer the specific research questions, which are derived from the general research questions with a restricted focus. Therefore, under the PHR scenarios, we defined the PICOC criteria as follows.

The populations involve keywords, related terms, variants, or the same meaning for the technologies and standards on PHRs. Therefore, the following search string in Textbox 1 was defined for the selection.

Search string. PHR: personal health record; PHA: personal health application; PHM: personal health management; PHI: private health information.

(((“personal” or “patient” or “private”) and (“health”) and (“record” or “application” or “management” or “information”)) or (“patient” and (“access” or “portal”)) or (“PHR” or “PHA” or “PHM” or “PHI”))

Intervention

We used the following terms to better filter studies in line with the purposes: health data, health services monitoring and reporting, patient monitoring devices, remote health monitoring, and mobile health care devices.

This case refers to the comparison of different architecture types and models of implementation of the PHR. In addition, we compared the different PHR types regarding coverage and localization.

The outcomes related to factors of importance to practitioners (eg, improved reliability) and, in particular, to the patient. With respect to PHRs, this might refer to reducing the cost of collecting data, improving health information quality, anticipating potential problems, and allowing the patients to interact with their health data.

In this regard, we analyzed the context of PHR information coverage in terms of content such as standardization, information grouping, and security and privacy in the relationships between patients and health care providers.

Hence, the final keyword set is displayed in Textbox 2 .

Final keyword set.

Keywords = PICOC = Population AND Intervention AND Comparison AND Outcome AND Context

In the definition of search scope phase, the source studies were obtained from selected electronic databases by searching using the constructed research keywords.

Article Selection

Once we found all the related articles, we proceeded to remove the studies that were not as relevant and kept only those that were the most representative. Therefore, we removed the studies that did not address PHR specifically. To apply the exclusion criteria, we used the terms of population and intervention criteria as follows:

• Exclusion criterion 1: article does not address PHR or related acronyms (population criterion I).
• Exclusion criterion 2: article does not address “health data” or “health services” (intervention criterion II).

The steps of the filtering process are as follows: (1) impurity removal, (2) filter by title and abstract, (3) removal of duplicates, and (4) filter by full text.

First, the impurities of the search results were removed. Some impurities, for example, the names of conferences correlated to the search keywords, were included in the search results because of the characteristics of the different electronic databases.

Second, we analyzed the title and abstract of the articles and excluded those that did not address PHR as a subject.

Third, all the remaining studies were grouped and the duplicates were removed because some studies were in more than one database.

Some studies remained that were not particularly related to this survey. We analyzed the full text to remove those that were not relevant.

Quality Assessment

Since it is important and essential to assess the quality of the selected studies, the quality criterion is intended to verify that the article is really a relevant study [ 31 ]. We evaluated the selected articles with regard to the purpose of research, contextualization, literature review, related work, methodology, the results obtained, and the conclusion in accordance with objectives and indication of future studies. For this purpose, the quality was evaluated according to Table 2 , where the questions to which the articles were submitted to validate that these studies met the quality criteria are listed.

Quality assessment criteria.

Data Extraction

We also developed an evaluation form for the selected articles in order to gather information about the studies and the sections where we found answers to general and specific research questions, which are presented in Table 3 . This table shows each item of the study related to the research question, allowing us to assess and extract details of the articles and understand how the studies have addressed the issues related to the proposed research questions. The aim was to direct the survey to specific points that would answer the research questions.

Review articles related to the research questions.

a GQ: general question.

b SQ: specific question.

Recruitment

In this section, we present the results obtained from the 48 fully assessed studies related to the research topic. We seek to answer each proposed research question in the following subsections through elaborative information synthesis. As a result, aside from answering the research questions, we have also proposed contributions in the PHR field from the study of related works, which are an updated taxonomy and an updated vision about main challenges and issues, as well as an updated survey about data types, standards, user types, profiles, and input techniques.

Conducting the Search Strategy

To cover as many related studies as possible, we selected 12 electronic databases as our search scope, which are listed in Multimedia Appendix 1 . These portals cover the most relevant journals and conferences within the computer science and health care field. In Multimedia Appendix 2 , we present the publishers or organization editors and the respective publications of the selected studies. Duplicated results produced from different databases were excluded by manual filtering in the study selection. To limit our search, we set the years to range from 2006 to 2016.

Proceeding With Article Selection

The selection process is summarized in Figure 2 , which shows the filtering process.

Systematic mapping study—article selection. SciELO: Scientific Electronic Library Online.

We found 5528 articles in the initial search before applying the exclusion criteria; of these, 3237 (58.55%) articles were identified as impurities. We applied the first exclusion criterion to the studies that remained after we withdrew these articles. Continuing the process, 1429/2291 (62.37%) articles were filtered through a title review, and 453/862 (52.5%) articles were filtered through abstract analysis. We grouped the studies that remained, and 205/409 (50.1%) articles were identified as duplicates and were removed. After this stage, exclusion criterion 2 was applied to the full text and only 97/204 (47.5%) remained.

When analyzing the 97 candidate articles in the list, we noticed that some of these studies were from the same author or research group and were similar in many respects. Some of these articles had been more recent or were even more complete versions but they remained essentially the same methods and techniques. For articles that were repeated, the most representative article was selected. Thus, 49 (50%, 49/97) articles were excluded at this stage. Finally, 48 articles were selected as the baseline for the study. An overview of all primary studies is presented in Table 4 with the identifier, reference, publication year, publisher, and type, which are sorted in ascending order by publication year.

List of articles.

a Oxford: Oxford University Press.

b JMIR: JMIR Publications.

c IEEE: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

d BioMed: BioMed Central.

e MLA: Medical Library Association.

f ACM: Association for Computing Machinery.

g ACP: American College of Physicians.

In Figure 3 , we present the evolution of the selected publications over the years, ranging from 2006 to 2016. The studies were analyzed according to the main objectives, as seen in the figure legend, where the articles were divided into the groups “Structures,” “Architectures,” and “Functions.” Above each year, the number of articles published in that year is shown. Each item label includes the publisher of the work, and the journal and conference articles are distinguished by the box format.

Publication chronology. The numbers above years indicate the number of articles published. Oxford: Oxford University Press; JMIR: JMIR Publications; IEEE: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; BioMed: BioMed Central; MLA: Medical Library Association; ACM: Association for Computing Machinery; ACP: American College of Physicians.

Performing the Quality Assessment

In Figure 4 , we present the quality criteria score of the articles based on the quality assessment criteria proposed in Table 2 .

Quality assessment of the articles.

The quality criteria score each article obtained is shown on the vertical axis and the studies themselves on the horizontal axis, from 1 to 48. Upon analysis, most articles met all the criteria for evaluation, responding positively to at least 6 out of 7 quality assessment criteria. For instance, several articles do not comment on or cite possible future studies in general because they are conclusive articles, with a conclusion on its assessment.

Data Extraction and Answers to the Research Questions

Finally, to address the general research questions , we have identified the following.

GQ1: How Would the Taxonomy for PHR Classification Appear?

We identified studies that investigated a number of current issues that were addressed in the PHR field. Therefore, we managed to build the proposed taxonomy to gather and organize the various possibilities for PHRs. By analyzing the selected articles and seeking to answer this general research question, we propose a taxonomy for PHR based on important characteristics of the models, and we believe that this taxonomy could help to classify, compare, and evaluate different PHR types. Moreover, this classification can provide an overview of possible alternatives in terms of aims, content, and architectures. The proposed taxonomy for the PHR classification is summarized in Table 5 , which is broadly divided into three groups: (1) Structures, (2) Functions, and (3) Architectures. Beside each item in Table 5 is a brief description of each classification. The specific research questions (SQ1 to SQ7) are included in the taxonomy, which was developed through analysis of the selected articles.

Personal health record taxonomy.

a PHR: personal health record

b SQ: specific question

GQ2: What Are the Challenges and Open Questions Related to PHRs?

To answer this question, we listed and identified challenges, open questions, aspects, issues, and common concerns in the adoption of PHR among the analyzed studies. These aspects were collected and are presented in Table 6 . As seen, the content is split to group some of the common characteristics of challenges and concerns (GCC, group of challenges and concerns) related to collaboration and communication (GCC1), privacy, security, and trust (GCC2), infrastructure (GCC3), and integration (GCC4). The subject matter that is most commonly cited is separated by item, with the identifiers ranging from CC01 to CC15.

Personal health record challenges and concerns.

a GCC: group of challenges and concerns.

b CC: challenge and concern.

c IoT: Internet of Things.

d AI: artificial intelligence.

In GCC1 group, there are challenges and issues related to collaboration and communication, ranging from data types to be stored and made available in the PHR to policy barriers to limit the provided information type. Some articles mention the PHR data that are available according to the context awareness, such as CC01, and some articles discuss wearable computing and IoT, such as CC02. Other articles examine artificial intelligence that is applied to the health sector in CC03. The customization, usability, familiarity, and comfort when using the PHR is the subject matter of several articles in CC04, and the management of medications contained in the PHR is reviewed in CC05. The GCC2 group presents issues related to privacy, security, and reliability that are presented in PHRs: CC07 addresses confidentiality and integrity issues. CC08 refers to data repositories and their owners. CC09 examines access control technologies. CC10 includes a discussion on data transport protocols. The GCC3 group treats issues related to the infrastructure of PHRs, in which CC11 discusses the portability of devices and equipment used with a PHR. In CC12, issues on the efficient construction of computer systems and the scalability of the infrastructure used to support PHR solutions are discussed. Finally, in the GCC4 group, concerns about integration are examined, such as in CC13, which concerns patterns in collecting medical data. CC14 presents concerns about the terminology used to collect and store PHRs. Additionally, CC15 addresses issues about interoperability.

Regarding the specific research questions , we have identified the following:

SQ1: What Are the Data Types That Are Included in a PHR?

To answer this research question, we analyzed all selected studies that involved research of the data types used in PHRs, which are summarized in Table 7 . Through the analysis of proposals and references in selected articles, we were able to obtain an updated set of data types related to PHRs. The data types ranged from information cited in many studies, such as those on allergies, immunizations, and medications, to types that are not frequently mentioned, such as genetic information and home monitoring data.

Personal health record data types.

SQ2: What Are the Standards That Apply to PHRs?

Some providers use proprietary formats to organize their health records that are used only by internal applications, each of which has a different format [ 7 , 65 ]. Thus, to answer this question, we focused on open standards, which are summarized in Table 8 and present a vast number of data organizational patterns for health records. Table 8 lists the referenced standards (group of standards, GS) according to their goals: nomenclature and terminology (GS1), privacy (GS2), structural and semantic (GS3), and templates and technology platforms (GS4). In group GS1, standards regarding nomenclature and terminology were grouped. Group GS2 contains only one standard that addresses privacy. In the GS3 group, several structural and semantic standards are presented. Finally, the GS4 group is related to templates and technology platform standards. We were able to identify some standards from the research on integrations and related projects, such as openEHR [ 67 ], which is integrated with the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) standard and others.

Main personal health record–related standards.

a GS: group of standards.

b HNA/NIC: Home Nursing Activities/Nursing Interventions Classification

c EHR: electronic health record.

d ISO: International Organization for Standardization.

SQ3: What Are the User Types and Profiles That Interact With a PHR?

Upon analyzing the selected articles, we identified a set of profiles or user types that have access to the electronic patient record, which vary from the physician, who is primarily responsible for the PHR information, to the patient. The types of access also include the possibility that some data may be publicly available, for example, on social networks [ 19 ]. There are multiple stakeholders involved in accessing the PHR, such as patients, providers, employers, payers, governments, and research institutions [ 6 ]. In Multimedia Appendix 3 , we present the details of the profiles that have been identified. We can see that the physician is widely referenced, while the nurse and administrative profiles are not cited as often. Among the laity, the patient profile is often cited; however, the relative or guardian profile is less commonly cited. We also included a public profile because patients might share their information anonymously in some cases or for other cases in which public administration sectors provide open statistical data.

In the following section, we present a brief description of the perceived profiles:

Physician or doctor—the physician, in this assessment, is the health professional profile responsible for reporting patient data in consumer electronic records.

Nurse—according to the International Standard Classification of Occupations [ 68 ], nursing professionals provide treatment, support, and care for people who need nursing care owing to the effects of aging, injury, disease, or other physical or mental impairments or face potential risks to their health.

Administrative—this profile refers to all administrative health professionals who are not directly linked to the data generation but have informational access for bureaucratic, statistical data gathering or financial information needs.

Patient or consumer—this profile refers to the PHR principles; some authors also refer to the patient as a consumer of health care [ 14 , 26 ].

Relative—this profile is composed of parents, guardians, caregivers, responsible legal individuals, or anyone who has the patient’s permission to access his or her PHR.

Public or anonymous—this refers to profiles with external access in an anonymous or public way, such as institutions, the government, researchers, health plans, third parties, and even social networks.

SQ4: What Are the Interaction Types of a Patient With a PHR?

This research question seeks to describe the interaction types of a patient with a PHR, that is, the types of relationships that a patient has using the PHR. In the following section, we present a brief description of the interaction types that were identified when analyzing the articles:

Direct—in this case, the patients are the owners and manage their health data in the PHR. Reference articles: A02, A05, A09, A12, A25, A26, A31, A48.

Indirect—in this case, the patient has read-only access and cannot edit the data. The health care providers are the owners, and the patient can only download or print the health records. Reference articles: A01, A05, A22, A25, A26, A40, A41, A42.

Outsourced—in this case, the patient authorizes a third party to handle the health data or the responsible parties (eg, parents) manage the patient's health records. Reference articles: A02, A03, A04, A07, A18, A24, A25, A28, A37, A48.

SQ5: Which Are the Techniques or Methods Used to Input Information Into a PHR?

Another result was the identification of techniques and actors that interact in the process of data collection for inputting into a PHR. Table 9 presents some answers to this specific research question, summarizing the techniques of inputting the relevant data into PHRs.

Techniques for inputting information into personal health records.

a T: technique.

b PHR: personal health record.

This information follows standards and is intended to structure and standardize the data provided. We list the main actors that provide the data, including health professionals and the patients themselves, which are gathered from the environment, including anonymously. The techniques (T) identified for inputting data range from data collaboration (T1), to patient reports (T2), adaptive platforms (T3), and anonymization (T4). Table 9 also includes articles in which these techniques and actors are cited. In short, this was the actors’ group that was identified with a relevant interaction in collecting data for inputting data into the PHR.

SQ6: What Are the Goals of a PHR?

This research question includes the main goals of the PHR. This question is intended to identify the purpose that a PHR has in a broad context and that applies to any profile that has access. In the following section, we present a brief description of the interaction types:

Consult—in this case, the purpose is to allow the profile to only consult (in read-only mode). Reference articles: A01, A03, A07, A10, A13, A15, A16, A17, A21, A39, A47.

Maintain—in this case, the user profile is allowed to maintain and control the health records. Reference articles: A09, A16, A18, A22, A29, A33, A37, A46.

Monitor—in this case, the PHR is in monitoring mode and can send alerts or warnings for one or more profiles; the goal is to help the patients monitor their health. Reference articles: A01, A07, A10, A20, A23, A25, A29, A40, A43, A45.

SQ7: What Are the Types or Models of Architecture of PHRs?

The purpose of this question is to identify the types or models of architecture in which a PHR can be implemented. When analyzing the articles, as seen in Table 10 , the architecture types (architecture group, AG) were split into two groups: model (AG1) and coverage (AG2). The first group, AG1, describes the main architecture models. The second group, AG2, divides the data based on the physical location, that is, the scope of the PHR.

Personal health record architecture types or models.

a AG: architecture group.

Principal Findings

In this study, we sought to identify a quantitative and qualitative sample of studies that enabled us to obtain a clear overview of the technology regarding PHRs in the last 10 years from a number of candidate articles. This research sought to highlight some of the most relevant studies of the field according to certain systematic selection criteria. The survey sought to identify several common aspects of studies by answering a number of research questions. As a result, we were able to propose a PHR taxonomy and identify gaps to be further researched that represent challenges and issues that have been detected in recent years. These aspects range from patients’ concerns to providers’ problems regarding PHR adoption. In addition, we have identified the data types included in PHRs, an updated tabulation of the data standardization, access profiles and their characteristics, and, finally, a classification of input techniques. We also identified other common and related aspects. These opportunities are discussed as follows.

For the GQ1 research question , we sought to define a PHR taxonomy, which is presented in Table 5 . Our proposed taxonomy illustrates the PHR types and their organization according to several studies that were analyzed. We primarily identified three major groups of PHR organization types: (1) Structures, (2) Functions, and (3) Architectures. From these groups, we were able to examine the PHR types in depth to understand each one of them. These groups also showed that there are PHR application initiatives on several fronts with concerns that range from features and content to architectural format in terms of PHR implementation [ 54 ].

For the GQ2 research question , we sought to define the main challenges and issues regarding the use of PHRs. There are many open questions to be further researched in the area of PHR. The challenges and constraints in the adoption of PHRs are diverse. Some research results indicate problems of usability, privacy, security, and complexity in the use of PHRs, ranging from fears of including erroneous data to the difficulty of interpretation as the main difficulties [ 1 , 48 ]. In Table 6 , we describe some challenges and issues that may give rise to future studies. According to the number of items in each group in the table, we notice a greater concern with the first three groups, although we cannot claim this assessment as being definitive. One possibility that we touch upon for this observation is that the integration of standards and interoperability, as well as the nomenclatures and terminologies, are already in a stage of stability and consolidation. This leads us to reinforce the thesis that the concerns of the authors at this time are the issues raised by the first three groups of problems. That is, the concerns and challenges are more focused on discussions regarding confidentiality, integrity, authorization, access control, portability, efficiency, scalability of solutions, and issues related to user experience.

With respect to the SQ1 research question , we sought to define an updated ranking on data types in PHRs. Upon analyzing the studies, we observed that PHR data types have evolved since the first PHRs [ 6 , 37 ]. The data types found include groups that are not usually included in EHRs. Among the EHR stored data are medications, prescriptions, scheduled appointments, vital signs, medical history, laboratory information, immunizations, summaries, scanned documents, billing information, and progress notes about changes in the patient's health [ 4 ]. However, in PHRs, new data types have emerged, including genetic information [ 47 , 51 ], medical advice (recommendations), and prevention concerning the patient's health, as well as data types with recommendations for prevention and home monitoring data [ 9 , 15 ]. Other data types that appear in PHRs are allergies, patient registration data, and insurance plan information, including demographic data such as age, sex, and education. Furthermore, information on the patient’s family, social history, lifestyle, food, diet, daily activities, and a list of providers who treated the patient previously are included in PHRs.

For the SQ2 research question , we sought to define a current view of PHR standards. The result was the identification of the current list of existing data standards used in PHRs. We observed several standards that were maintained by various stakeholders that were located in different countries and regions. We were also able to observe a consolidation of some patterns in the articles’ citations, such as ISO [ 4 , 10 ] and HL7 (Health Level Seven) [ 29 ], which are used to define and establish interoperability between the systems. When analyzing the articles, it was observed that all the standards listed can be used directly or indirectly with a PHR. However, their purposes are diverse. Some standards have specific goals, for example, DICOM [ 42 ] and SNOMED CT [ 65 ], while others have broader purposes, for example, HL7 [ 29 ] and openEHR [ 67 ], which can be integrated with other specific standards to render the solution. Finally, we identified some open systems or platforms that serve as templates, which use some of the listed standards to propose management solutions for patients’ health data.

In the SQ3 research question , we sought to define the PHR user types and profiles that address PHR. The result was the identification of updated profiles as well as their characteristics. For the security and privacy of the health data, the answer to this research question offered a clear definition of the profiles that are allowed access to the PHR and what their responsibilities are [ 11 ]. In terms of access profiles, although the PHR is focused on personal use, the idea is that a patient can also delegate access to third parties by choice or necessity, as in the case of children or people who need special care. These third parties can access all or only specific parts of the PHR dataset. Patients can share their PHR for various purposes. Such patients may be minors whose parents need to share their health data with physicians, people with special needs who require constant monitoring, or even patients who wish to share their health data with other physicians. By analyzing the selected articles, it was possible to find multiple profiles that have access to the PHR. We can therefore highlight the following profiles: patients, physicians, nurses, relatives, administrators, and the public. A physician’s tasks include recording the health information and medical history of the patients as well as exchanging information with practitioners and other health care professionals [ 68 ].

In cases where patients need emergency care, a primary care physician usually treats them. If more specialized care is needed, the physician indicates the need for a specialist. Furthermore, physicians must report births, deaths, and notifiable diseases to the government. Because the PHR is composed of health data that are stored for a lifetime, many physicians edit the PHR over time. Otherwise, in the case of an administrative profile, these professionals usually have limited and controlled access to the medical records. This profile is considered internal access, which is not to be confused with external access institutions. With the patient profile, the user can manage the information provided in his or her repository. The purpose is for patients to have access to their health data and use them throughout their lives [ 65 ]. This set of information is established at different moments over time, for example, for each medical consultation, laboratory test, and hospital admission. Nevertheless, there is a clear distinction between what was reported by health professionals and what the patient reports. Thus, the PHR offers an exact distinction between what was reported from each profile in its repository. In the case of a relative profile, some authors distinguish these profiles in terms of accessing the PHR with some limitations or full access with the permission of the patient [ 5 , 23 , 65 ]. Additionally, in the case of public or anonymous profiles, the health data can be accessed in a limited or shared way, in which the PHR has a public and social nature to help other patients [ 47 ].

In the SQ4 research question , we were able to identify three types of patient interactions with the PHR. In the first type, according to the definition of the PHR in ISO 14292 [ 10 ], the patient manages and controls the health data directly. In the second case, the patient only acts in a supporting role as a complementation of EHRs but does not have effective control. Finally, in the third type the patient outsources the management of the health data to a responsible person.

Regarding the SQ5 research question , we sought to define the main techniques to input data into the PHR. As a result, with the analysis of the selected articles presented in Table 9 , we can identify the techniques and profiles of the actors who use them. In the data collaboration (T1) technique, different health professionals access the PHR aside from the patient. The patient remains the PHR owner, but health professionals collaborate on input records in an identifiable and controlled way. In the second case, patient reports (T2), patients alone are in charge of inputting their medical record data without any support. In the third form, adaptive platforms (T3), the reported data and the data collected from the EHR are integrated with the PHR data. In this case, data obtained from different sources and contexts are combined. The purpose is to provide better management of the patient's condition. For instance, it would be possible to provide real-time access to sensitive patient information and ease communication among patients and providers. In the case of the anonymization (T4) technique, medical data can be integrated with a social network, where the patient can share his or her status anonymously and receive contributions from other users.

In the SQ6 research question , we sought to identify the PHR use purposes. This research question is related to the specific question SQ3, which aims to identify the objectives of the user profiles when accessing the PHR. We have identified three objective types. In the first case, the user profile accesses the PHR to only verify the health data without manipulating them. One example here includes health professionals or administrators who have permission to only view the data. In the second case, the user profile has permission to manipulate the data. In this situation, it is important to highlight the need to identify and control the profile that has changed the data and which data have been changed. In the third case, the user profile only monitors the records. An example of this might be a case in which the PHR receives data from sensors (IoT) and can send alerts depending on a situation.

Finally, in the SQ7 research question , we identified the architectures related to PHRs. We divided them into two groups: types (AG1) and coverage areas (AG2), as seen in Table 10 . In the case of architecture models, some articles state that health data are still stored on paper in many places, and other institutions have evolved into the proposed hybrid architectures with the PHR distributed inside and outside the health care organizations. In the case of the possibilities of coverage areas, we identified types ranging from a stand-alone PHR on a single machine to PHRs that can be taken from one country to another following an open international standard.

Limitations

This research is limited to aspects related only to PHRs rather than also including EHRs or electronic medical records, for example. In this sense, the review focused exclusively on articles addressing the inherent PHR concepts. This research sought to answer the research questions that were proposed in order to obtain an outline of the current literature related to PHRs without specifically assessing any computer system that refers to the use of PHR. The research was limited to obtaining articles published in a number of scientific portals related to ICT and health. Our research was reduced to studies found from these websites when we implemented the steps of the systematic literature review methodology. We focused our work on scientific articles and did not address commercial or more technological approach solutions.

This study aimed to raise and discuss the main issues regarding PHRs and identify the concepts of the technology in this area. To answer the research questions in this paper, we sought first to systematize and qualify the information that served as a source for the survey. For the completion of the work, we were able to identify and propose a broad taxonomy for the scope of work, which was created after an analysis of the relevant articles in the last decade. In the taxonomy, we were able to identify and group a number of types and PHR classifications ranging from “Structures” and types associated with “Functions” to the types of “Architectures” applied to PHRs. Having established the taxonomy, it was possible to observe other important relationships to understand PHRs. We noticed aspects regarding concerns and challenges in the adoption of PHRs as well as the main data types. In addition, we were able to identify several standards regarding PHR, where it was possible to verify those that were most important in the current scenario. Regarding user profiles, we identified the main users representing these types of profiles, as well as their responsibilities when they access PHRs. We were able to identify the techniques and methods used in the input of information into PHRs.

Finally, aside from answering all the specific research questions and relating them in the taxonomy, we can also rank the PHR with regard to goals, negotiation types, and architectures. The answers and classifications obtained contribute to the achievement of a coverage degree of searches that are identified in various aspects regarding the PHR. The physician-patient relationship traditionally consists of total dependence of the patient on the physician. In addition, the fragmented nature of the health system can impose a costly burden on physicians. The PHR can be a solution to this problem, although obstacles still persist, including support for reaching this paradigm, where the ownership of the data belongs to the patient.

In future studies, we envision a focus on the challenges and issues related to security, privacy, and trust, which directly affect the users’ confidence in adopting the PHR. Although these questions have existed for a long time, they do not have definitive answers yet. Other aspects that can be studied and that are important to improving the user experience are questions about usability, personalization, familiarity, and comfort. Another aspect that can serve as a future study is to explore the models of architecture and the implementation of PHR following the expansion of the use of technologies such as wearable computing, IoT, and artificial intelligence that are applied to health.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) for supporting this work.

Abbreviations

Multimedia Appendix 1

Multimedia appendix 2, multimedia appendix 3, multimedia appendix 4.

Conflicts of Interest: None declared.

Transforming the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses.

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Looking at My Genes: What Can They Tell Me About My Mental Health?

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What are genes?

Genes are segments of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), the biological “blueprint” for proteins that form the building blocks of our cells. Your DNA is passed down from your biological parents and varies a little from person to person. These variations contribute to differences in appearance, personality, and health. Certain genes, along with biological and environmental factors, can be associated with mental disorders, which are health conditions that can affect how you think, feel, and cope with life.

How do genes affect your mental health?

Common mental disorders like depression and anxiety are likely the result of a combination of life experiences, environment, and genetic variation. These variations can impact how your genes are turned “on” and “off” throughout life and play a role in the onset of some diseases.

Most genetic variants don’t directly cause mental disorders. However, in rare cases, some uncommon gene variants can increase the risk of developing mental disorders. If you or a relative has one of these rare variants, it’s a good idea to talk to a health care provider about the risks. 

Should I visit a genetic counselor?

Genetic counseling can give you information about how genetic conditions might affect you or your family. A geneticist or genetic counselor will collect your personal and family health history to determine how likely it is that you or a family member has a genetic condition. They can then help you decide whether a genetic test might be right for you or your relative. Genetic testing is often done before or during pregnancy, soon after birth, or if your health care provider suspects you may have a genetic disease.

To learn more about genetic counseling, visit the Genetic Counseling FAQ  page of the National Human Genome Research Institute website and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Genetic Counseling  webpage.

Can genetic testing help predict my risk of developing a mental disorder?

Currently, genetic tests cannot accurately predict your risk of developing a mental disorder. Although research is underway, researchers are still learning about the ways genes can contribute to mental disorders—or protect against them. Of those genes that are linked to mental disorders, most raise the risk by tiny amounts.

While recent studies have begun to identify the genetic markers associated with certain mental disorders and eventually may lead to better screening and more individualized treatment, it is still too early to use genetic tests to diagnose or treat mental disorders.

What is the difference between clinical genetic testing and direct-to-consumer genetic reports?

Clinical or diagnostic genetic testing.

Clinical genetic testing can help predict the risk of some diseases, such as cancer, but is not yet very useful for predicting the risk for mental disorders. Health care providers may order genetic testing for people who may have a high risk for rare genetic diseases. During testing, health care providers may search for a single gene or a few genes that are strongly associated with a specific disease.

There are many different types of genetic tests that may help to:

• Identify genetic variants that may increase the risk of developing a disease
• Diagnose disease
• Guide health care providers in deciding on the best medicine or treatment for certain people

If a disease runs in your family, your health care provider can tell you if it’s detectable with genetic testing. Learn more about clinical or genetic testing  .

Direct-to-consumer genetic reports

The purpose and audiences of direct-to-consumer genetic reports differ from clinical or diagnostic genetic testing.

For a fee, anyone can mail a saliva sample to companies that sell a direct-to-consumer genetic report. While advertisements may say that the company can provide information based on a person's genetic variation about their risks of developing specific diseases, these reports typically cannot help predict one’s risk for developing mental disorders.

Because direct-to-consumer genetic reports for mental disorders are not accompanied by a health care provider’s guidance, their results should be interpreted cautiously. These reports have varying levels of scientific support, may or may not be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and can be misleading. If you decide to undergo direct-to-consumer genetic testing, the results should be discussed with your health care provider or genetic counselor before taking any action, such as changing your medications. Learn more about direct-to-consumer tests  .

How can my family health history help me understand my health risks?

Some mental disorders run in families, and your family’s mental health history may be an important clue for determining your risk of developing a mental disorder. Having a close relative with a mental disorder could mean you are at a higher risk, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you will develop that disorder. Many other factors play a role.

Knowing your family’s mental health history can help you and your health care provider look for early warning signs and help your health care provider recommend ways to reduce your risk.

Talk to your relatives

The first step in creating a family health history is to talk to your relatives. The most helpful information comes from “first-degree” relatives—parents, brothers, sisters, and children. Health histories from “second-degree” relatives—such as nieces, nephews, half-brothers, half-sisters, grandparents, aunts, and uncles—also can be helpful but are less informative for your own risk.

Don’t worry if you can’t get complete information for every relative. Some people may not want to talk, and others may be unable to remember information accurately. That’s okay. Whatever information you can collect will be helpful.

Keep a record of your family history

Free programs like the Surgeon General’s “My Family Health Portrait”   can help you create a family health history. You can use the program to record information about your family’s health and share it with your health care provider or family members. 

New or updated information can be added as a family grows or family members are diagnosed with health conditions. It may take a little time and effort, but this record can improve your family’s health for generations.

Talk with a mental health professional

If mental disorders run in your family, consider talking with a mental health professional who can help you understand the illness’ risk and ways to prevent or treat it. Asking questions and providing information to your health care provider can improve your care and results and increase safety and satisfaction. For tips and information about speaking with your health care provider from NIMH and the Agency for Healthcare Research Quality  .

What research is NIMH doing on genetics?

NIMH funds and conducts research to help answer important scientific questions about mental disorders. NIMH is currently studying and supporting research on the human genetic variations that contribute to the risk of different mental disorders. These include but are not limited to the following:

• Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorders, and bulimia nervosa
• Mood disorders, such as anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and depression
• Neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Psychosis and schizophrenia

Research investigating these topics will help the field take steps toward better screening and personalized treatment. Basic research efforts enhance our understanding of the underlying causes of disease and might result in improved clinical treatments. Learn more about ongoing research efforts .

Where can I find more information about genetics?

For information about how genes affect your risk for developing a disease or disorder, visit:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Family Health History 
• National Human Genome Research Institute 
• MedlinePlus: Genetics 

How can I find help for mental disorders?

You can learn more about getting help on the NIMH website. You can also learn about finding support  and locating mental health services  in your area on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website.

What are clinical trials and why are they important?

Clinical trials are research studies that look at ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions. These studies help show whether a treatment is safe and effective in people. Some people join clinical trials to help doctors and researchers learn more about a disease and improve health care. Other people, such as those with health conditions, join to try treatments that aren’t widely available.

NIMH supports clinical trials across the United States. Talk to a health care provider about clinical trials and whether one is right for you. Learn more about participating in clinical trials .

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Hitting the gravel to fuel cancer research at Pelotonia’s Gravel Day

Gravel cycling event attracts new riders to annual event.

Contributing writer Ohio State Wexner Medical Center

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Kate Bartalon wanted to be part of a new chapter in Pelotonia ’s history, while Matthew Old, MD , was determined to keep his iron-cyclist streak going.

“I’ve always regretted not being part of the first Pelotonia (in 2009),” says Bartalon, executive director of development at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James). Pelotonia is the fundraising bicycle event that has raised more than $283 million for cancer research  at the OSUCCC – James .

Before the 2023 ride, Pelotonia announced it would offer something new: its inaugural Gravel Day ride , held a month after the traditional Pelotonia ride weekend in August.

Moving from blacktop to gravel

“I signed up for the gravel ride; I wanted to be part of an inaugural Pelotonia event,” says Bartalon, who had ridden in seven previous Pelotonia events. “The gravel ride was an absolutely wonderful experience, and I was grinning from ear to ear the whole ride.”

Dr. Old, director of the OSUCCC – James Head and Neck Cancer program, is one of the few who has ridden every mile of every Pelotonia, from its inaugural year in 2009, a total of more than 2,500 miles.

“At first, when I heard about the gravel ride, I was anxious and worried,” Dr. Old says.

He wasn’t worried about riding on gravel. “I was nervous it would be on a weekend where I already had a commitment and wouldn’t be able to ride and keep the streak going,” Dr. Old says. Fortunately, his schedule worked out and Dr. Old rode the longest gravel route (50 miles), in addition to riding the longest routes of Pelotonia Ride Weekend, to keep his every-mile streak alive.

“Pelotonia is important to me because it’s something much bigger than any one of us. Seeing this support and connection with the community is so important and a great reminder of why we do what we do,” Dr. Old says.

The growth of gravel

Gravel riding has become increasingly popular in the past decade, and Ohio is filled with miles and miles of rural, gravely roads.

“The idea came mainly from feedback from the community,” says Joe Apgar, CEO of Pelotonia.

“More and more of our riders had started riding on gravel and it came up more and more in conversations within the Pelotonia community. A lot of us felt there was a space for us to add a gravel ride the same way there was a space in 2009 to start Pelotonia.”

Pelotonia’s first Gravel Day ride in 2023, attracted 190 riders who chose between 20-, 30- and 50-mile loops near Nelsonville in rural Athens County. About half of these history-making gravelers were new to Pelotonia, which advanced the goal of attracting new cyclists. “It was one of the most fun days I’ve ever had on a bike,” Apgar says.

The number of gravel riders is expected to double in 2024 for the second Gravel Day on Sept. 21 according to Apgar. In addition to the 22-, 30- and 52-mile routes, Gravel Day 2024 will offer a Friday Night Community Gathering and overnight camping options for riders and volunteers the entire weekend.

David Cohn, MD, MBA , interim CEO and chief medical officer of the OSUCCC – James, has ridden in every Pelotonia and wasn’t about to miss the first gravel ride. “We can’t do what we do in creating a cancer-free world and trying to get to tomorrow’s discoveries today without Pelotonia,” Dr. Cohn says.

Astounding funding for cancer research

Dr. Old is a member of the Team Head and Neck peloton , a team of riders that includes members of The James staff as well as some of the patients treated by Dr. Old and his team. The peloton is captained by his wife, Molly Old. Under her leadership, the Team Head and Neck peloton has raised $1.4 million for cancer research at the OSUCCC – James. Their peloton is part of the Team Buckeye superpeloton that has raised $37 million.

“It’s our patients who inspire and push me,” says Dr. Old when asked to describe his determination to ride every mile of every Pelotonia.

“No matter how much we’re suffering on a ride, they’re suffering more during their treatment and that pushes you to keep going and to do more,” Dr. Old says.

Several of Dr. Old’s patients are Pelotonia riders and volunteers, and others line the route and finish line to cheer on the riders and reconnect with their treatment team.

“Every year I see some of my patients and that’s so inspiring,” Dr. Old says. “To see patients who are still here because of what we do and because of the research and discoveries that are funded by the Pelotonia community motivates me.”

His grandfather’s head and neck cancer journey, which ultimately ended in his death, helped inspire Dr. Old’s career choice and commitment to his patients. “Due to the research and advances we’ve made, I believe there’s a good chance he would still be here if he was diagnosed today,” Dr. Old says.

Dr. Old needed a bit of motivation as he rode the longest of the gravel routes. “It was really hard in terms of the elevation gain,” he says. “But knowing that we’re doing this for our patients and for the research we’re funding made it easy to keep going.”

Community connections

Bartalon waited until June 12 to sign up for Pelotonia and the gravel ride, several months after registration began, but she wasn’t procrastinating. “That’s the anniversary of my mom’s passing,” she says. “I ride for my mom and for my dad, who we lost to cancer.”

Bartalon has seen the power of Pelotonia and how it connects members of The James with thousands of members of the community in central Ohio and beyond. “So many members of the Pelotonia community are here because they’ve connected with one of our doctors,” she says. “That’s one of the things I enjoy the most at Pelotonia, seeing so many of our physicians and research scientists riding alongside of us and seeing all the survivors and people riding for the loved ones they’ve lost. To be part of this community and experience is extraordinary.”

Like Dr. Old and Dr. Cohn, Bartalon was a gravel rookie. She borrowed a friend’s gravel bike (gravel bikes have wider tires and often shock absorbers). “I was a little nervous as a new gravel rider, but the beauty of Athens County and being on Pelotonia’s first gravel ride and the excitement at the finish made it an incredible experience,” Bartalon says.

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Herbal Medicines’ Safety and Clinical Application: New Strategies for Overcoming Therapeutic Challenges

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The use of herbal medicines is one of the oldest health practices, typically involving plants, fungi, their metabolites, and minerals with the traditions passed on orally or in written records. Dietary and complementary/alternative medicine has become an important element in healthcare. In many regions of East Asia, these approaches are integrated into formal medical treatments. In the United States, surveys indicate that more than 50% of adults use herbal medicines. Historically, herbal medicines have often not been classified as "medicines/drugs" but as "foods," leading to a general perception of them as harmless. Studies show that patients often do not inform their doctors about their use of herbal medicines, which may result in potential drug interactions and adverse events. This is concerning as improper use of herbal medicines is associated with risks such as liver injury and cardiovascular diseases. Due to their complex composition and multi-target properties, various herbal medicines can cause multiple adverse reactions. Drug-induced liver injury is a recognized clinical problem, and herb-induced liver injury has received increasing attention. Studies indicate that the use of drugs and herbal medicines accounts for a significant proportion of acute liver failure cases. Although improper use of herbal medicines can lead to various health problems, the underlying mechanisms are often not fully understood. With technological advances, the application of multi-omics (including genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, etc.) and the use of artificial intelligence present new opportunities for understanding such risks of herbal medicines. These technologies aid in understanding the complex nature of herbal medicines and their biological effects. We encourage the submission of different types of contributions including original research, reviews, clinical trials, and detailed case reports. We are particularly encouraging contributions that utilize advanced technologies in this field, such as multi-omics research, artificial intelligence-assisted technologies, clinical big data analysis, and reports on rare cases. All studies must be driven by empirical data and purely in silico studies are outside of the journal’s scope. These studies should focus on the following areas: • Pharmacological studies assessing the treatment of drug-induced liver injury caused by herbal medicines. • Novel research approaches and methods for assessing herb-drug interactions • Cardiovascular risks caused by herbal medicines, including arrhythmias, heart failure, atherosclerosis, and vascular inflammation. • Neurological damage caused by herbal medicines, including behavioral abnormalities. • Respiratory injuries caused by herbal medicines, such as pulmonary fibrosis. • Mechanisms of drug interactions caused by herbal medicines and developments of evidence-based applications of modified treatments in clinical practice, particularly in the elderly and children. Overall, by leveraging advanced methods and pharmacological strategies, we aim to deepen our understanding of the safety and clinical application of herbal medicines. Please note : 1) Please self-assess your MS using the ConPhyMP tool (https://ga-online.org/best-practice/), and follow the standards established in the ConPhyMP statement Front. Pharmacol. 13:953205. All the manuscripts need to fully comply with the Four Pillars of Best Practice in Ethnopharmacology (you can freely download the full version here ). Importantly, please ascertain that the ethnopharmacological context is clearly described (pillar 3d) and that the material investigated is characterized in detail ( pillars 2 a and b ). 2) Clinical trial articles will be accepted for review only if they are randomized, double-blinded, and placebo controlled. Statistical power analysis or a justification of the sample size is mandatory as is a detailed chemical characterization of the study medication (see the ConPhyMP statement). 3) In silico studies like network analyses or docking studies are generally not accepted unless they are combined with detailed in vitro or in vivo analysis of the material (extract) under investigation.

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Nearly half of insured Americans get surprise expenses in medical bills, survey finds.

Nearly half of Americans with health insurance said they received a recent medical bill or a charge that "should have been free or covered by their insurance," according to a survey released Thursday.

The survey, from the Commonwealth Fund in New York City, found 45% of working-age consumers last year were erroneously billed, however, fewer than half of those patients challenged their health insurance company or a medical provider about the unexpected charges.

More than 1 in 3 consumers who contested surprise medical bills said the extra work paid off and the costs were reduced or eliminated.

Officials at the Commonwealth Fund said the survey underscores a fundamental problem in the health care system. People expect their health insurance plan to provide access to timely medical care and protection from financial harm, but, instead, they frequently face unexpected medical bills or are denied care.

Sara Collins, Commonwealth's vice president for health care coverage and access, said the survey documents the reality many Americans are experiencing. Consumers often don't know what their insurance plans will cover or which services provided by their doctors or other providers will show up on their bills . The lack of transparency from officials overseeing insurance coverage and medical bills confuses patients and saps their confidence that they'll get the care they need.

The bottom line for consumers: Health insurance often does not guarantee affordable, timely care for consumers "without fear of incurring a lot of medical debt," Collins said.

Consumers don't know they can fight medical billing errors

The survey aimed to address a basic question: Why do so many Americans struggle to get their health insurance to work for them?

To answer that question, the survey polled more than 5,600 insured working-age adults under 65, between April 18 and July 31, 2023. The survey tracked figures based on consumers' insurance plan. It looked at employer-sponsored insurance and Affordable Care Act plans or Medicaid, the government insurance program for low-income families and individuals. Some survey respondents also had Medicare, the federal health insurance program for adults 65 and older. Disabled individuals are eligible for Medicare at a younger age.

Consumers said they were confused by their health plan's complex rules and coverage exclusions. While Affordable Care Act plans require preventive care coverage for annual checkups or colon cancer screening free of charge other types of insurance do not mandate these services to be offered for free. Individual states can also impose specific requirements about what services must be covered.

More than half of the people who said they didn't challenge medical billing errors said they were unaware they had the right to do so. The survey said consumers under 50, people with low-to-moderate incomes and Hispanic residents were the least likely to challenge a medical bill.

Another 17% of consumers said their insurance plans denied coverage for a doctor-recommended medical service or procedure. When an insurance plan refused to cover care, 47% of consumers said their health condition worsened.

Rising health care prices drive consumer angst

The underlying reason so many consumers get unexpected medical bills is the expensive prices set by hospitals, doctors and drug companies, said Ge Bai, a Johns Hopkins University professor of accounting and health policy and management.

"A fundamental reason is our health care prices are so expensive, and many employers will go to high-deductible plans," Bai said.

High-deductible health insurance plans typically require consumers to pay a set amount out of pocket before most coverage kicks in. The Internal Revenue Service defines a high-deductible health plan as one that charges an annual deductible of at least $1,600 for an individual or $3,200 for family coverage.

Most employers who provide health insurance for working-age adults have turned to high-deductible plans. This allows companies to deduct less from workers' paychecks for premiums. The tradeoff is people need to shoulder more of the cost at the hospital, doctor's office or pharmacy before their coverage kicks in.

Bai recommends consumers evaluate what type of health care they need before selecting a health insurance plan. If they pick a plan with a high deductible, they can budget for expenses when they visit a doctor or pharmacy.

Healthy people can expect to cover most of their health care costs because more often than not they don't meet their plan's deductible, Bai said. But they still need catastrophic coverage in the event they need emergency care or are diagnosed with a costly medical condition, such as cancer.

Consumers with chronic medical conditions such as cancer might choose a health insurance plan with more robust coverage.

A recent American Cancer Society study found nearly 3 in 5 working-age  adults with cancer  faced at least one financial challenge. They took unpaid leave or lost jobs or health insurance, the study found. In the aftermath of these losses, they suffered financial problems that made it difficult to cover  costly cancer care . Some were forced to delay treatment and many reported the situation caused them stress.

The issue of Americans grappling with rising health care costs and medical debt has captured the attention of Congress.

In July, The Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee held a hearing last month about potential fixes to the nation's growing medical debt problem. More than four in 10 adults reported having some medical debt. More than 1 in 10 Americans owed $10,000 or more in unpaid medical bills, according to Senate HELP committee documents.

"Medical debt is a symptom of a larger problem – the high cost of health care," Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Louisiana said during the Senate HELP committee meeting.

Ken Alltucker is on X at @kalltucker, contact him by email at [email protected] .