Critical Care Medicine Thesis Topics

Critical Care Medicine Thesis Topics

Critical Care Medicine deals with the assessment and management of life threatening illness in the intensive care unit, including sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), shock, multi organ dysfunction, renal replacement therapy, invasive monitoring, and post intensive care syndrome. This page presents a structured, search engine optimised list of one hundred practical Critical Care Medicine thesis topics suitable for DM Critical Care Medicine thesis topics, Indian ICU dissertation topics, Arab Board and GCC intensive care research projects, and fellowship level critical care research. The topics are framed as observational, cross sectional, and comparative studies that can be feasibly conducted in busy Indian and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) intensive care units, with a focus on clinically meaningful outcomes, pragmatic designs, and real world relevance for residents and fellows.

Whether you are searching for DM Critical Care Medicine thesis topics in India, ICU research topics for Saudi, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain residents, or Arab Board intensive care dissertation ideas, these super speciality level titles are designed to align with the case mix and resources of tertiary care hospitals in both India and GCC countries.

1. Sepsis, Septic Shock and Infectious Diseases in the Intensive Care Unit

Prospective observational study of sepsis and septic shock: clinical profile, microbial spectrum, and outcomes in a mixed medical–surgical intensive care unit. This study describes presenting features, focus of infection, microbiology including antimicrobial resistance patterns, initial resuscitation measures, and hospital mortality in adult patients admitted with sepsis and septic shock.
Comparative study of outcomes in culture positive and culture negative sepsis in an intensive care unit. The project compares baseline illness severity, organ dysfunction, antibiotic exposure, length of stay, and mortality between patients with microbiologically documented sepsis and those treated for culture negative sepsis.
Observational study of adherence to Surviving Sepsis Campaign bundle elements in the first six hours and its impact on outcomes. This thesis audits compliance with early identification, lactate measurement, blood cultures, fluid resuscitation, vasopressor initiation, and timely antibiotics, and correlates bundle completion with mortality and organ failure.
Study of epidemiology and outcomes of hospital acquired and ventilator associated pneumonia in an intensive care unit. The research evaluates incidence, risk factors, microbial profile including multidrug resistant organisms, adequacy of empirical therapy, and clinical outcomes of ICU acquired pneumonia.
Cross sectional study of candidemia and invasive fungal infections in critically ill patients. This project describes risk factors such as central venous catheters and broad spectrum antibiotics, species distribution, antifungal susceptibility, and mortality associated with invasive fungal disease in the ICU.
Observational study of tropical infections presenting as severe sepsis in a tertiary care intensive care unit in India or GCC. The thesis analyses clinical patterns, laboratory features, and outcomes of tropical infectious diseases such as dengue, malaria, leptospirosis, scrub typhus, or Middle East respiratory infections manifesting as severe sepsis.
Study of antimicrobial stewardship interventions in the intensive care unit and their effect on antibiotic utilisation. This research evaluates baseline prescribing patterns, implementation of stewardship rounds or restriction policies, and subsequent changes in antibiotic usage, resistance patterns, and costs.
Prospective observational study of bloodstream infections in the intensive care unit: sources, organisms, and outcomes. The project documents central line associated bloodstream infections and other bacteraemias, sources of infection, appropriateness of empirical antibiotics, and association with ICU and hospital outcomes.
Study of Clostridioides difficile infection and antibiotic associated diarrhoea in critically ill patients receiving broad spectrum antibiotics. This thesis investigates incidence, risk factors, diagnostic approaches, and treatment outcomes of C. difficile and other antibiotic associated diarrhoeal illnesses in the ICU.
Observational analysis of infection prevention bundle compliance and device associated infection rates in the intensive care unit. The research audits adherence to bundles for central lines, urinary catheters, and ventilators and correlates compliance with device associated infection rates over time.

2. Respiratory Failure, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Mechanical Ventilation

Prospective observational study of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): aetiology, ventilator strategies, and outcomes in an intensive care unit. This study characterises risk factors, severity based on standard criteria, lung protective ventilation practices, adjunctive therapies, and mortality in adult ARDS patients.
Comparative study of outcomes with non invasive ventilation versus high flow nasal cannula oxygen in acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure. The project compares intubation rates, ICU length of stay, and mortality in patients managed primarily with non invasive ventilation versus high flow nasal cannula for defined respiratory failure indications.
Observational study of ventilator associated events and factors associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation. This thesis evaluates frequency of ventilator associated events, risk factors such as sedation and neuromuscular blockade, and characteristics of patients requiring prolonged ventilation beyond a specified duration.
Study of driving pressure and plateau pressure during mechanical ventilation and their association with outcomes in ARDS. The research measures ventilator parameters, calculates driving pressures, and analyses their relationship with ventilator free days and mortality in mechanically ventilated ARDS patients.
Prospective observational study of weaning practices and weaning outcome predictors in invasively ventilated patients. This project evaluates spontaneous breathing trial methods, respiratory and non respiratory predictors of successful extubation, and causes of weaning failure in a mixed ICU population.
Study of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) requiring ventilatory support in the intensive care unit. The thesis describes demographic profile, precipitating factors, use of non invasive versus invasive ventilation, complications, and outcomes in COPD exacerbations admitted to ICU.
Cross sectional study of lung ultrasound findings in patients with acute respiratory failure and correlation with clinical diagnoses. This research evaluates lung ultrasound profiles in cardiogenic pulmonary oedema, ARDS, pneumonia, and other causes, and assesses its utility as a bedside diagnostic tool.
Observational analysis of sedation and analgesia practices in mechanically ventilated patients and their association with duration of ventilation. The project documents sedative and analgesic drugs used, depth of sedation, daily sedation interruption practices, and relationship with ventilator free days and delirium.
Study of awake prone positioning in non intubated patients with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure. This thesis evaluates feasibility, oxygenation response, tolerance, and rates of intubation in patients undergoing awake proning as part of respiratory support.
Prospective observational study of tracheostomy practices in mechanically ventilated patients: timing, indications, and outcomes. The research analyses early versus late tracheostomy, procedure related complications, duration of ventilation and ICU stay, and decannulation rates.

3. Hemodynamic Monitoring and Shock Management

Prospective observational study of different shock phenotypes in an intensive care unit and their outcomes. This thesis classifies patients into septic, cardiogenic, hypovolemic, obstructive, and mixed shock, describes haemodynamic features, resuscitation strategies, and mortality in each group.
Study of dynamic fluid responsiveness indices and their utility in guiding fluid resuscitation in shock. The project evaluates pulse pressure variation, stroke volume variation, or passive leg raise induced changes where feasible, and correlates them with fluid administration decisions and outcomes.
Observational study of vasopressor use in septic and other shock states in a tertiary care intensive care unit. This research documents choice of first line and adjunct vasopressors, dose and duration of therapy, haemodynamic targets, and association with organ dysfunction and mortality.
Study of point of care echocardiography for haemodynamic assessment in shock. The thesis evaluates how focused cardiac ultrasound findings influence diagnosis of shock type, fluid resuscitation, and vasopressor or inotrope selection in critically ill patients.
Cross sectional analysis of lactate kinetics during initial resuscitation of shock and their relationship with outcomes. This project measures baseline and serial lactate levels, calculates lactate clearance, and examines association with organ dysfunction resolution and survival.
Study of acute cardiogenic shock in the intensive care unit: aetiology, management strategies, and outcomes. The research documents causes such as acute coronary syndromes and cardiomyopathies, use of inotropes, mechanical circulatory support where available, and short term outcomes.
Observational study of volume overload and fluid balance in patients with shock and its association with organ dysfunction. This thesis analyses cumulative fluid balance over the first few days, incidence of fluid overload, and relationship with respiratory failure, renal dysfunction, and mortality.
Study of invasive versus non invasive blood pressure monitoring in haemodynamically unstable patients. The project compares agreement between invasive and non invasive blood pressure readings, factors leading to discrepancy, and impact on therapeutic decisions.
Cross sectional analysis of shock in postoperative surgical patients admitted to intensive care. This research examines causes of shock after major surgery, recognition and resuscitation practices, and outcomes including reoperation requirements and mortality.
Observational analysis of use of central venous oxygen saturation or other markers of global perfusion in shock management. The thesis evaluates frequency of use, correlations with other haemodynamic variables, and associations with clinical outcomes where these measurements are available.

4. Renal Failure, Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy and Acid–Base Disorders in the Intensive Care Unit

Prospective observational study of acute kidney injury in critically ill patients: incidence, risk factors, and outcomes. This thesis describes stages of acute kidney injury, precipitating factors, requirement for renal replacement therapy, and impact on length of stay and mortality.
Study of different renal replacement therapy modalities used in intensive care and their indications. The project compares continuous renal replacement therapy, intermittent haemodialysis, and sustained low efficiency dialysis in terms of patient selection, haemodynamic tolerance, and resource utilisation.
Observational study of timing of initiation of renal replacement therapy in acute kidney injury and association with outcomes. This research categorises patients by early versus delayed initiation based on prespecified criteria, and analyses renal recovery, dialysis dependence, and mortality.
Study of electrolyte disorders in critically ill patients with and without acute kidney injury. The thesis evaluates prevalence and patterns of hyponatraemia, hypernatraemia, dyskalaemias, hypophosphataemia, and other disturbances, and their association with morbidity and mortality.
Cross sectional analysis of acid–base disorders using arterial blood gases in an intensive care unit. This project categorises metabolic and respiratory acidosis and alkalosis, including mixed disorders, and correlates patterns with underlying diagnoses and outcomes.
Study of fluid composition and dose in continuous renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients. The research examines prescribed versus delivered dose, type of replacement and dialysate fluids, and association with metabolic control and patient outcomes.
Observational study of contrast associated acute kidney injury in intensive care unit patients undergoing radiological procedures. This thesis evaluates incidence, risk factors, preventive strategies, and subsequent renal outcomes after contrast exposure in high risk critically ill patients.
Study of urine output patterns and their prognostic significance in critically ill patients. The project analyses oliguria, anuria, transient versus persistent low urine output, and association with kidney injury stage and mortality.
Cross sectional study of nephrotoxic drug exposure in intensive care and its relationship with acute kidney injury. This research quantifies use of potentially nephrotoxic medications, cumulative exposure, and contribution to acute kidney injury development.
Observational analysis of long term renal outcomes in patients discharged from intensive care after acute kidney injury. The thesis follows survivors for development of chronic kidney disease, progression of renal dysfunction, and need for long term dialysis where feasible.

5. Neurological Emergencies and Neurocritical Care

Prospective observational study of acute stroke patients admitted to intensive care: indications for ICU admission and outcomes. This thesis describes types of stroke, neurological severity, need for ventilatory or haemodynamic support, complications, and mortality or functional outcomes at discharge.
Study of severe traumatic brain injury in the intensive care unit: monitoring practices and factors associated with outcome. The project evaluates use of intracranial pressure monitoring where available, sedation strategies, osmotherapy, and association of physiological variables with neurological outcome.
Observational study of status epilepticus requiring intensive care admission. This research documents aetiology, seizure types, antiepileptic drug protocols, need for anaesthetic infusions, and outcomes including neurological recovery and mortality.
Study of Guillain–Barré syndrome and other acute neuromuscular respiratory failure in the intensive care unit. The thesis evaluates clinical features, need for ventilatory support, immunotherapy received, complications such as autonomic dysfunction, and short term outcomes.
Cross sectional analysis of delirium in neurologic and non neurologic intensive care unit patients. This project assesses prevalence of delirium using a validated tool, risk factors, sedative and analgesic drug exposure, and association with ICU and hospital outcomes.
Study of prognostication tools in comatose patients after cardiac arrest admitted to intensive care. The research evaluates clinical, electrophysiological, and imaging parameters used for prognosis and correlates them with neurological outcomes at defined time points.
Observational study of intracerebral haemorrhage patients managed in intensive care. This thesis analyses haemorrhage location and volume, blood pressure control strategies, surgical or conservative management, and short term functional outcomes.
Study of sedation and neuromuscular blockade practices in patients with raised intracranial pressure. The project documents sedative regimens, monitoring of depth of sedation, use of neuromuscular blocking agents, and impact on intracranial pressure control and complications.
Cross sectional analysis of ventilator associated complications in patients with primary neurologic diagnoses in intensive care. This research examines incidence of pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis, and pressure injuries in neurologic ICU patients and associated risk factors.
Observational analysis of functional status at discharge and early follow up in survivors of neurocritical illness. The thesis measures basic functional scores and documents cognitive and mobility deficits in patients recovering from severe neurologic conditions treated in intensive care.

6. Nutrition, Sedation, Delirium and Quality of Life in the Intensive Care Unit

Prospective observational study of nutritional practices in intensive care and adequacy of calorie and protein delivery. This thesis compares prescribed versus delivered nutrition, route of feeding, feeding interruptions, and association between nutritional adequacy and outcomes such as length of stay and infection.
Study of early versus delayed enteral nutrition in mechanically ventilated patients where practice variation exists. The project compares complications such as aspiration and diarrhoea, incidence of infection, and length of stay in patients receiving early compared to later initiation of enteral feeding.
Observational study of sedation practices and sedation depth in mechanically ventilated patients. This research documents sedative agents, use of sedation scales, daily interruption practices, and association with delirium, ventilator days, and ICU stay.
Cross sectional study of delirium incidence in intensive care unit patients and modifiable risk factors. The thesis assesses frequency of delirium using a validated screening tool, identifies risk factors such as benzodiazepine use and sleep disruption, and suggests potential preventive strategies.
Study of analgesia and pain assessment practices in critically ill patients, including those unable to self report. The project evaluates use of pain assessment tools, analgesic choices, undertreatment or overtreatment of pain, and relationship with patient outcomes.
Observational study of sleep quality and circadian disruption in an intensive care unit. This research assesses subjective and simple objective measures of sleep, environmental noise and light levels, and links between poor sleep and delirium or recovery.
Study of family satisfaction and communication in the intensive care unit. The thesis uses validated family satisfaction questionnaires to assess communication quality, involvement in decision making, and psychological impact on relatives of critically ill patients.
Cross sectional analysis of health related quality of life at three to six months after intensive care discharge. This project uses standard instruments to measure physical, emotional, and social functioning in survivors of critical illness and identifies factors predicting poorer quality of life.
Study of palliative care integration and end of life decision making in intensive care. The research describes frequency and nature of discussions regarding goals of care, do not resuscitate orders, and referral to palliative services, and examines their impact on patient and family experience.
Observational analysis of post traumatic stress symptoms in intensive care survivors and their family members. The thesis evaluates occurrence of anxiety, depression, and post traumatic stress symptoms after ICU discharge and explores associated risk factors.

7. Intensive Care Unit Procedures, Point of Care Ultrasound and Airway Management

Prospective observational study of central venous catheter insertions in the intensive care unit: complications and ultrasound guidance use. This thesis documents success rates, mechanical and infectious complications, and compares outcomes in procedures performed with versus without ultrasound guidance where both techniques are used.
Study of arterial line placement practices and complications in critically ill patients. The project evaluates indications, sites of insertion, duration of catheter use, and frequency of complications such as thrombosis, infection, and limb ischaemia.
Observational study of point of care ultrasound (POCUS) utilisation in an intensive care unit and its impact on clinical decision making. This research analyses common POCUS indications such as assessment of shock and respiratory failure, examines how findings change management, and identifies barriers to wider usage.
Study of bedside percutaneous tracheostomy: procedural safety, complications, and outcomes. The thesis evaluates indications, procedural technique, immediate and late complications, and long term airway outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous tracheostomy in the ICU.
Cross sectional analysis of airway management in critically ill patients requiring emergency intubation. This project examines preoxygenation methods, number of attempts, use of video laryngoscopy where available, complications during intubation, and subsequent outcomes.
Study of chest tube insertions in intensive care: indications, techniques, and complication rates. The research documents causes such as pneumothorax and pleural effusion, approach used, malposition, infection, and duration of chest tube use in ICU patients.
Observational study of bedside ultrasound guided procedures in the intensive care unit. This thesis evaluates use of ultrasound for thoracentesis, paracentesis, nerve blocks, and vascular access, and compares complication rates with traditional landmark techniques.
Study of ICU staff competence and training in point of care ultrasound and invasive procedures. The project assesses current skill levels, training received, self reported confidence, and perceived barriers to achieving procedural competence among residents and fellows.
Cross sectional analysis of checklists and standard operating procedures in invasive procedures in intensive care. This research evaluates presence, adherence, and perceived usefulness of checklists for central line insertion, intubation, and other procedures, and associations with complication rates.
Observational analysis of non invasive airway support strategies prior to intubation and their effectiveness. The thesis assesses high flow nasal cannula oxygen, non invasive ventilation, and awake positioning as preintubation strategies and their impact on oxygenation and complication rates.

8. Cardiac Emergencies and Cardiac Intensive Care

Prospective observational study of acute coronary syndrome patients requiring intensive care unit admission. This thesis describes clinical profile, reperfusion strategies, haemodynamic complications, need for mechanical ventilation, and ICU outcomes in acute coronary syndrome.
Study of acute heart failure and cardiogenic shock in the intensive care unit. The project evaluates precipitants, echocardiographic findings, use of inotropes and vasopressors, mechanical circulatory support where available, and short term outcomes.
Observational study of arrhythmias in critically ill patients and their management. This research documents frequency of atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmias, and conduction disturbances, associated conditions, and treatments such as pharmacotherapy and cardioversion.
Study of cardiac arrest and resuscitation outcomes in intensive care and high dependency areas. The thesis analyses pre arrest clinical status, initial rhythm, resuscitation measures, return of spontaneous circulation rates, and neurologic outcomes in survivors.
Cross sectional analysis of haemodynamic monitoring methods used in cardiac surgical and medical intensive care units. This project compares use of invasive, minimally invasive, and echocardiography based monitoring techniques and evaluates their association with management decisions in cardiac patients.
Study of postoperative cardiac surgical patients admitted to intensive care: complications and resource utilisation. The research documents complications such as bleeding, arrhythmias, and respiratory failure, duration of ventilation, and factors associated with prolonged ICU stay.
Observational study of non cardiac surgery patients with perioperative myocardial injury managed in intensive care. This thesis describes risk factors, presentation, diagnostic workup, treatment strategies, and outcomes of perioperative myocardial injury or infarction.
Study of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction presenting with acute decompensation requiring intensive care. The project evaluates precipitating factors, response to decongestive therapy, and outcomes compared with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
Cross sectional analysis of anticoagulation practices in cardiac intensive care unit patients with atrial fibrillation or prosthetic valves. This research examines adherence to anticoagulation guidelines, time in therapeutic range where vitamin K antagonists are used, and bleeding and thrombotic complications.
Observational analysis of cardiac biomarkers and their prognostic value in critically ill cardiac and non cardiac patients. The thesis assesses levels of troponins and natriuretic peptides, their association with organ dysfunction, and their predictive value for ICU mortality.

9. Intensive Care Unit Outcomes, Scoring Systems and Quality Metrics

Prospective observational study of severity of illness scores and their performance in predicting intensive care unit mortality. This thesis evaluates commonly used scoring systems such as APACHE, SAPS, or SOFA where available, calculates calibration and discrimination, and assesses their utility in the local ICU population.
Study of intensive care unit readmission rates and factors associated with unplanned readmission. The project identifies patient and organisational factors contributing to ICU readmission within the same hospitalisation and examines associated outcomes.
Observational study of unplanned extubations and accidental device dislodgements in the intensive care unit. This research documents incidence, contributory factors, need for reintubation, and subsequent morbidity, and evaluates preventive strategies such as securement methods and sedation policies.
Cross sectional analysis of intensive care bed occupancy, case mix, and outcome trends over a defined period. The thesis evaluates utilisation patterns, throughput, and temporal changes in mortality and length of stay, and relates them to staffing or organisational changes.
Study of adverse events and medical errors in the intensive care unit. The project uses a structured tool to detect adverse events and near misses, categorises them by type and severity, and suggests system level interventions to reduce their occurrence.
Observational study of handover quality and communication between intensive care unit teams and ward teams at transfer. This research assesses handover structure, completeness of information, and associations with early post transfer adverse events and readmissions.
Study of infection control indicators and antibiotic consumption as quality metrics in the intensive care unit. The thesis tracks device associated infection rates, multidrug resistant organism trends, and defined daily doses of antibiotics, and uses them to monitor quality improvement initiatives.
Cross sectional analysis of nurse to patient ratios and their relationship with intensive care unit outcomes. This project explores associations between staffing levels, patient acuity, and outcomes such as mortality, infection rates, and documentation quality.
Study of documentation completeness and accuracy in intensive care unit case records. The research audits key parameters such as vital signs, fluid balance, ventilator settings, and medication orders, and identifies areas for improvement in record keeping.
Observational analysis of implementation of checklists and bundles as quality improvement tools in intensive care. This thesis evaluates uptake of daily goals checklists or safety bundles and examines their effect on process measures and patient outcomes.

10. Post Intensive Care Syndrome, Long Term Outcomes and Rehabilitation

Prospective observational study of post intensive care syndrome in adult survivors of critical illness. This thesis evaluates physical impairment, cognitive dysfunction, and mental health symptoms at follow up after ICU discharge, using simple bedside tests and questionnaires.
Study of functional status and return to work in survivors of intensive care unit stay at three to twelve months. The project assesses independence in activities of daily living, mobility, work status, and socioeconomic impact in previously employed ICU survivors.
Observational study of early mobilisation practices in the intensive care unit and their influence on patient outcomes. This research documents physiotherapy led mobilisation activities, proportion of ventilated and non ventilated patients mobilised, and association with delirium, length of stay, and functional status.
Study of neuromuscular weakness acquired in intensive care and its clinical predictors. The thesis examines frequency of ICU acquired weakness, risk factors such as sepsis and steroid use, and impact on weaning from ventilation and rehabilitation needs.
Cross sectional analysis of caregiver burden among family members of intensive care survivors requiring prolonged recovery. This project assesses emotional, physical, and financial strain on caregivers and identifies support needs and coping strategies.
Study of structured post intensive care follow up clinics where available and their effect on recognition and management of post intensive care syndrome. The research compares outcomes in patients attending follow up clinics with those receiving usual fragmented follow up care.
Observational study of health related quality of life trajectory from intensive care discharge to six or twelve month follow up. This thesis uses repeated measures of quality of life to describe recovery patterns and identifies groups with persistently poor outcomes.
Study of physical rehabilitation resources and barriers in hospitals caring for intensive care survivors. The project maps availability of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and rehabilitation services, and explores barriers to their utilisation in resource constrained settings.
Cross sectional analysis of nutritional status at intensive care unit discharge and its association with long term outcomes. This research evaluates weight, muscle mass surrogates, and biochemical markers at discharge and correlates them with subsequent functional and survival outcomes where possible.
Observational analysis of patient and family perceptions of intensive care experience and recovery journey. The thesis uses semi structured interviews or questionnaires to capture experiences, expectations, and suggestions for improving care during and after intensive care stay.
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