identify the problem/issue (what is wrong with the current situation), g., increasing prevalence of a health condition and insufficient evidence for a solution;
describe the background (what is the nature of the problem, or the context of the situation, that readers need to understand);
explain the scope of the problem (how big is the problem and how many people are affected);
describe the consequences of the problem (economic implications; the impact of the problem on population health; what will happen if we don’t address the issue);
identify the knowledge gaps (what information about the problem is lacking)
describe the proposed solution (how will the new study contribute to the solution of the problem) and;
indicate a research question that arises for you as you consider the literature related to the problem/issue and its significance (questions end in a question mark).