Introduction (Chapter 1)

This section introduces the thesis and the work to come. You should:

• Identify and select a nursing research topic relevant to Nursing in Singapore;
• Outline the reasons for the choice of topic, which may include a personal rationale (you have a particular interest in the subject), a professional one (the topic is increasingly important in health care) or a combination of both. You may use a more informal style of writing for this section and write in the first person, e.g., use the term “I” instead of “the author”;
• Background of the topic or subject area;
• Describe the scope of the thesis, i.e. the format of the research proposal.

Literature Review (Chapter 2)

This chapter will provide a selective and critical review of the relevant research literature. In particular, you should:

• Describe your clinical question, PICO/PEO framework, inclusion/exclusion criteria, search strategy, keywords employed, databases searched and the results of the searches. There is no set number of studies you should include in your review. Be guided by your topic and the availability of suitable literature;
• Present and discuss the critical appraisal and thematic synthesis of your selected literature;
• Finish by highlighting the research gap(s) and present an overall recommendation from the review that leads to a question to guide the research proposal or change innovation proposal.

Research Proposal (Chapter 3)

This should be presented in at least one chapter. The content should be organised to suit the topic and thesis approach you have chosen best. The content should provide a critical discussion, with references explaining the study’s design. In particular, you should include:

• A statement of the study aims and objectives;
• Research question/s;
• Justification of the approach to be adopted;
• Discussion of the research method;
• Consideration of the study setting and participants, sample size and recruitment issues;
• Any ethical implications and mechanisms for safeguarding the study participants (Note: an informed consent form and information sheet are required (these should be provided within the appendices) (See appendix 4 for a template);
• The proposed methods for data collection, analysis and establishing rigour;
• A timetable for the proposed research (Gantt Chart) and budgetary considerations (these should be provided within the appendices).

Conclusion (Chapter 4)

Your thesis should conclude with a short chapter that clarifies your conclusions and key messages, including the strengths and any perceived challenges/limitations of your proposal. In addition, you should include your plans for disseminating the finding(s).

Content Structure for the Practice Innovation (i.e. Change Management Proposal)

For this option, you will develop a proposal highlighting an aspect of practice that should be changed or implemented based on sound evidence. The proposal should be developed from the perspective that you will lead the change initiative.

Introduction (Chapter 1)

This section introduces the thesis and the work to come. You should:

• Identify and select an aspect of nursing practice that would benefit from change and be of significance in Singapore;
• Outline the reasons for the choice of topic, which may include a personal rationale (you have a particular interest in the subject), a professional one (the topic is increasingly important in health care) or a combination of both. You may use a more informal writing style for this section and write in the first person, e.g., use the term “I” instead of “the author”;
• Background of the topic or subject area;
• Describe the scope of the thesis, i.e., the change innovation proposal format.

Literature Review (Chapter 2)

This chapter will provide a selective and critical review of relevant literature to assess the need for the change (including advantages and disadvantages). You should:

• Describe your clinical question, PICO/PEO framework, inclusion/exclusion criteria, search strategy, keywords employed, databases searched and the results of the searches. You should include no set number of academic articles in your review. Be guided by your topic and the availability of suitable literature;
• Present and discuss the critical appraisal and thematic synthesis of your selected literature;
• Conclude with a statement of the proposed change, having demonstrated the strength of evidence to support it.

Change Management Proposal (Chapter 3)

This should be presented in at least one chapter. The content should be organised to suit the topic and thesis approach you have chosen best. The content should provide a critical discussion with references explaining the change management proposal. You should include:

• An overview of the principles of change;
• Identification of a model of change management for the proposal justifying its use with supporting references;
• The planned application of the model to include a critical discussion of facilitators and barriers to change;
• The leadership style required to implement the change and any challenges/opportunities this may present;
• Any ethical implications associated with the change proposal;
• Any quality/care delivery improvement aspects;
• A timetable for the planning and implementing the change (Gantt Chart) and any budgetary considerations (these should be provided within the appendices).

Conclusion (Chapter 4)

Your thesis should conclude with a short chapter that makes clear your conclusions and key messages including the strengths and any perceived challenges/limitations of your proposal. In addition, you should include your plans for evaluating the change and disseminating the outcome.