The following information is required during a consultation:

1. Title
2. Aim of the study
3. Research question
4. Research hypothesis
5. Statistical hypothesis
6. Research objectives
7. Study population(s) – comparison population if any
8. Sample – method of sample selection
9. Study design
   • Observational – prospective/retrospective/cross sectional- descriptive/explorative
   • Experimental
   • Qualitative
10. Time period
11. Study variables
    • Dependent/outcome/response variables
    • Design variables
    • Independent variables
    • Proxy variables and their justification
    • Other variables
12. Data collection tools/questionnaire tools
13. Effect measures/descriptive statistics
14. Scheme of statistical analysis
15. Introduction
    • Provide a general overview of the topic, then gradually narrow the focus to the specific subject
    • Existing knowledge
    • Gap in knowledge
    • Purpose of study: Explain the question that the research is trying to solve, and why it needs to be addressed
16. Methodology in brief
17. Master reference article