How to write PSM Protocol?

Introduction
A PSM Protocol (also called a PSM Synopsis) is a structured plan for an MD, MS, or DNB thesis in Preventive and Social Medicine (Community Medicine) that outlines your study’s objectives, scope, and methods in addressing public health issues. A well-crafted PSM Protocol guides your research and secures institutional approval.

1. Introduction to the Topic

• Define the public health problem or intervention under investigation (e.g., prevalence of hypertension in urban slums, impact of health education on immunization uptake).

• Specify the population (age groups, setting—rural/urban, socioeconomic strata) and why this issue matters.

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

2. Demographics & Prevalence

• Identify who is affected (age, sex, occupation, income level) and cite recent data on prevalence or incidence.

• Highlight trends—geographic, seasonal, or socioeconomic—that justify your PSM Protocol.

3. Gap in Existing Knowledge

• Summarize what’s known from previous community surveys or intervention studies and pinpoint unanswered questions (e.g., barriers to care, knowledge–attitude–practice gaps).

• Explain how your PSM Synopsis will generate new data to address these gaps.

4. Need and Rationale for Study

• Explain why this research matters for MD, MS, or DNB training and for community health outcomes.

• Outline limitations in existing programs, policies, or guidelines.

• State the potential impact on service delivery, policy formulation, or health promotion strategies.

• Mention alignment with national health plans or Sustainable Development Goals, if applicable.

5. Review of Literature

• Historical Background: trace past community health interventions or survey methods relevant to your topic.

• Current State of Knowledge: summarize recent peer-reviewed studies, government reports, and WHO guidelines.

• Key Findings: highlight survey designs, intervention outcomes, and key statistics.

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

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

6. Lacunae in Literature

• List specific shortcomings or under-researched areas (e.g., lack of qualitative data on community perceptions).

• Explain how your PSM Synopsis addresses each lacuna.

7. Materials and Methods

• Source of Data: household surveys, clinic records, focus group discussions, key informant interviews.

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

• Study Population: define inclusion and exclusion criteria (e.g., adults ≥18 years; exclude those unable to consent).

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

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

• Sampling Technique: describe cluster sampling, systematic random sampling, or purposive sampling as used.

• Data Collection Tools: questionnaires (KAP, checklist), observational checklists, interview guides.

• Intervention Details (if applicable): content, delivery mode, frequency, and duration.

• Statistical Analysis: specify software, descriptive statistics, inferential tests (chi-square, logistic regression), and significance threshold (p < 0.05).

8. Ethical Considerations

• Informed Consent: procedures for obtaining written consent from participants or community leaders.

• Confidentiality: anonymization of personal identifiers and secure data storage.

• Risk Minimization: measures to protect participants’ wellbeing during surveys or interventions.

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

9. Limitations of the Study

• Sample Constraints: potential nonresponse or dropouts in community surveys.

• Information Bias: recall bias, social desirability bias in interviews.

• Selection Bias: coverage error in sampling frame or exclusion of hard-to-reach groups.

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

10. Annexures

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

• Participant Information Sheet: clear summary of study purpose, procedures, confidentiality, and contact details in local language.

• Data Collection Form: structured sheet for recording demographics, survey responses, and observational data consistently.

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