Writing a problem statement is one of the most essential parts of any dissertation, research paper, or thesis. It defines the research problem your study intends to solve, explains its context, and outlines why it matters.
This blog presents a problem statement example in research, illustrating how to structure and explain a research issue using clear, concise, and evidence-based writing.
Problem Statement Example
Research Problem
Patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in X hospital are having catheter-associated urinary tract infections.
As you can see, the research problem concisely highlights the core problem. It identifies the population (patients admitted to the ICU, the location (X hospital), and the specific issue (catheter-associated urinary tract infections or CAUTIs).
Catheter-associated urinary tract infections are among the most common hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) worldwide. They often occur when a urinary catheter introduces bacteria into the bladder, leading to complications, such as fever, prolonged hospital stays, and, in severe cases, sepsis.
In this example, the statement immediately pinpoints the healthcare challenge that requires attention and research.
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Context
According to a survey conducted at X Hospital, most patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) develop urinary catheter infections after spending some time in the ICU. The surveys show that the patients admitted to the ICU are already at risk, as most of the patients are using catheters after the doctors’ instructions.
Their relatives reported that the patient did not have a catheter-associated urinary tract infection before visiting the hospital. Further research is needed to identify the cause of this problem and develop effective control measures.
The context section provides a detailed background to help readers understand why the issue exists. It uses real data (survey results) and situational insights (feedback from patients’ families) to establish credibility.
Here are the takeaways from initial research:
- Out of 150 ICU patients surveyed, 60% developed urinary tract infections within 7 days of catheter insertion.
- The longer the catheter remains in place, the higher the chance of infection, typically increasing after 48 hours.
- The possible causes of the infection are poor catheter care, inadequate staff training, or non-adherence to infection control procedures.
This clearly demonstrates the magnitude of the problem and the necessity of the research.
Relevance
The condition of the patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is already at risk because they are already suffering from a severe wound, injury, or chronic disease. Most patients in the ICU use catheters, which in turn can lead to urinary tract infections.
The patient’s life is in danger once they catch the infection because they already suffer from an ailment. Therefore, it is vitally important to address this problem to save the patient’s life and investigate all possible causes to determine the reason.
Patients come to the hospital to be treated for their disease. So, if, after reaching the hospital, they develop another infection, which affects the patients’ health and adds to the time needed to cure the disease they were already suffering from. As a result, the problem will damage the hospital’s reputation.
This section explains why the research problem is significant. It not only emphasises the impact on patients but also the repercussions for the healthcare institution. The key points we get to learn are:
- Catheter-associated infections increase patient morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.
- Extended ICU stays increase the hospital’s workload and resource consumption.
- Hospitals have a duty to ensure patient safety and prevent avoidable infections.
- Frequent infections lead to negative reviews, lower trust, and even regulatory scrutiny.
For instance, in one reported case, a patient who had recovered from a critical condition contracted a urinary tract infection from a catheter that had been improperly maintained. The infection led to a secondary hospital admission lasting two additional weeks. Such incidents highlight the urgent need to improve infection control measures and staff training protocols.
The relevance section thus convinces the reader that this is not just a minor issue; it has far-reaching implications for patient care, public health, and hospital performance.
Aims and Objectives
Your research aim is a broad statement of what you intend to achieve, while the objectives are the specific, actionable steps that will help you reach that aim.
Aims
This research aims to identify the causes of why patients admitted to the ICU develop catheter-associated infections. After identifying the potential causes, the researcher will make some interventions to control the problem.
Objectives
- To assess the prevalence of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) among ICU patients in X hospital.
- To identify key factors contributing to the development of CAUTIs, such as duration of catheter use, hygiene protocols, or nurse-to-patient ratios.
- To evaluate existing infection control policies within the ICU and determine gaps in implementation.
- To propose evidence-based recommendations or training programs to reduce CAUTI incidents.
When researchers define the research objectives, they ensure that the study is structured, achievable, and impactful. Each objective directly contributes to understanding and mitigating the research problem.
Conclusion
You may notice that the problem mentioned in the above statement example does not include any solution or intervention. When writing your problem statement, ensure that it contains only one specified problem and does not present a solution of any kind.
A well-written problem statement is focused, specific, and researchable. It should not attempt to solve the problem immediately but rather lay the foundation for systematic investigation.
The above-given problem statement example involves all the essential questions required for writing a problem statement:
✔ What is wrong? (Catheter-associated urinary tract infections)
✔ Where did it happen? (X hospital’s Intensive Care Unit)
✔ When did it happen? (During the patients’ ICU stay)
✔ To what extent? (Affecting a significant portion of ICU patients)
✔ And I know that because? (Based on hospital surveys and patient reports)
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Frequently Asked Questions
The three parts of a problem statement are:
- Description of the current situation.
- Identification of the specific issue or gap.
- Explanation of the significance or impact of the problem, emphasising why it needs to be addressed.
To make your problem statement impactful:
- Focus on one main issue rather than multiple problems.
- Use facts, statistics, or existing studies to strengthen your argument.
- Avoid proposing solutions; just keep the focus on defining the problem.
- Make sure it answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions clearly.
- Keep it concise but detailed enough to demonstrate understanding of the issue.
The context section helps readers understand the background and scope of your problem. It establishes credibility and shows that your issue is based on real data or observations. Without context, the reader cannot assess the significance or urgency of your study.
