How to write ENT Protocol?

Introduction
An ENT Protocol (also called an ENT Synopsis) is a structured plan for an MD, MS, or DNB thesis that defines your study’s objectives, scope, and methods in investigating ear, nose, and throat conditions, interventions, or diagnostic procedures. A well-written ENT Protocol guides each step of your research and ensures institutional approval.

1. Introduction to the Topic

• Define the ENT condition, procedure, or parameter under investigation (e.g., tympanoplasty outcomes, nasal airflow dynamics, laryngeal lesion characterization).

• Specify the patient population (age range, comorbidities) and clinical relevance.

• Use both “ENT Protocol” and “ENT Synopsis” to refer to your document.

2. Demographics & Prevalence

• Identify who is affected (age groups, sex distribution, occupational or environmental risk factors) and cite recent data on incidence or prevalence.

• Highlight geographic or institutional patterns that justify your ENT Protocol.

3. Gap in Existing Knowledge

• Summarize current understanding of the ENT issue (e.g., variability in surgical success rates) and pinpoint unanswered questions.

• Explain how your ENT Synopsis will generate new evidence to fill these gaps.

4. Need and Rationale for Study

• Explain why this research matters for postgraduate training (MD, MS, DNB) and patient care.

• Outline limitations in existing diagnostic protocols, surgical techniques, or outcome data.

• State the potential impact on clinical guidelines, surgical standards, or diagnostic accuracy.

• Mention alignment with national ENT care or hearing health initiatives, if applicable.

5. Review of Literature

• Historical Background: trace the evolution of diagnosis or treatment in your ENT area.

• Current State of Knowledge: summarize recent peer-reviewed studies on epidemiology, diagnostics, or outcomes.

• Key Findings: highlight study designs (cohort, case–control, randomized trials) and major results.

• Gaps in Literature: identify what existing ENT Synopses have overlooked.

• Relevance: show how your ENT Protocol builds on and extends prior work.

6. Lacunae in Literature

• List specific deficiencies or under-researched areas (e.g., pediatric hearing loss prevalence in your region).

• Explain how your ENT Synopsis addresses each lacuna.

7. Materials and Methods

• Source of Data/Samples: patient records, audiology lab data, imaging archives (CT/MRI), surgical logs.

• Study Design: cross-sectional, cohort, case–control, interventional trial—state clearly in your ENT Protocol.

• Study Population: define inclusion and exclusion criteria (e.g., patients aged 18–60 years undergoing septoplasty; exclude revision surgeries).

• Study Period: precise start and end dates (mm/yyyy–mm/yyyy).

• Sample Size Calculation: present the formula, parameters (expected prevalence or effect size, α, power), and final number.

• Procedural Details: step-by-step description of diagnostic tests (audiometry, endoscopy) or surgical technique.

• Data Collection Procedures: how clinical, audiological, or histopathological data will be recorded.

• Statistical Analysis: specify software, statistical tests (chi-square, t-test, regression), and significance threshold (p < 0.05).

8. Ethical Considerations

• Informed Consent: procedures for obtaining voluntary, written consent from participants.

• Confidentiality: anonymization of patient identifiers and secure data storage measures.

• Risk Minimization: safety protocols for performing procedures (e.g., sedation, radiation exposure).

• Ethics Committee Approval: name of the Institutional Review Board and approval ID.

9. Limitations of the Study

• Sample Size Constraints: potential under-representation of subgroups (e.g., pediatric or elderly).

• Measurement Bias: variability in test administration or observer interpretation.

• Selection Bias: referral patterns or exclusion of complex cases.

• Generalizability: applicability of findings to other centers or populations.

10. Annexures

• Consent Form: template ensuring participants understand study aims, procedures, risks, and benefits before agreeing.

• Patient Information Sheet: clear summary of study purpose, procedures, and contact details written in lay language.

• Data Collection Form: structured sheet for recording demographics, clinical findings, test results, and follow-up data consistently.

Conclusion
A concise ENT Protocol (ENT Synopsis) tailored for MD, MS, and DNB postgraduate students meets academic standards and provides a clear framework for conducting and presenting your ENT research. Cover each section above thoroughly to ensure scientific rigor and clarity.