Synopsis rejections usually trace to three places: an unfeasible topic, a vague objective and a sample size with no justification. Settle those three and most of what is left is structure and formatting, which is what the rest of this guide covers.
1. Title
State the population, exposure or intervention, comparison and outcome. 'A prospective comparative study of X versus Y in patients with Z at a tertiary care centre' tells the committee everything.
2. Introduction and need for the study
Two to three paragraphs: burden of the problem, what is known, the gap, and why your setting can answer it. Cite recent Indian data where it exists.
3. Aims and objectives
One primary objective that maps to one outcome and one statistical test. Secondary objectives are fine but each should be measurable.
4. Methodology
- Study design and setting
- Study period (usually 18 months)
- Inclusion and exclusion criteria
- Sampling technique
- Sample size with formula, assumed values and the reference they came from
- Data collection tools and proforma
- Statistical analysis plan naming the tests
- Ethical considerations and consent
5. References
Vancouver style[4], numbered in order of appearance, 15 to 25 references for a synopsis.