Pico questions are a tool used in evidence-based practice to identify and articulate a specific clinical question. They are designed to help focus the search for evidence, and are comprised of four elements: population, intervention, comparison, and outcome. A well-formed pico question can be used to guide a literature search, and the results of that search can be used to inform clinical decision-making.
One example of a pico question might be: "In adult patients with type 2 diabetes, does a low carbohydrate diet compared to a standard carbohydrate diet result in improved glycemic control as measured by HbA1c levels?"
In this question, the population is "adult patients with type 2 diabetes," the intervention is a "low carbohydrate diet," the comparison is a "standard carbohydrate diet," and the outcome is "improved glycemic control as measured by HbA1c levels."
Another example of a pico question might be: "In patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, does the use of non-invasive ventilation compared to invasive ventilation result in improved patient outcomes as measured by length of stay in the intensive care unit?"
In this question, the population is "patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome," the intervention is "non-invasive ventilation," the comparison is "invasive ventilation," and the outcome is "improved patient outcomes as measured by length of stay in the intensive care unit."
It is important to note that pico questions are not the same as research hypotheses. A research hypothesis is a statement that proposes a relationship between two variables, while a pico question is a tool used to identify and articulate a specific clinical question.
Overall, pico questions are a valuable tool in the field of evidence-based practice. They help to focus the search for evidence, and the results of that search can be used to inform clinical decision-making. By using pico questions, healthcare professionals can ensure that they are basing their clinical decisions on the best available evidence, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.
Best PICOT Question Examples 2022
Keep in mind, you may not have all the pieces depending on your type of question, but it's a great jumping off point. In other words, the type of your PICO question may dictate what types of research, sources, or levels of evidence that you are looking for. Amongst children with sepsis, what are the measurable effects of extending ICU stays and antibiotic consumption amongst children with sepsis? READ: Interesting Speech Topics In middle-aged men with suspected myocardial infarction P , are serial 12-lead ECGs I compared with one initial 12-lead ECG C more precise in identifying an acute myocardial infarction O? They may end up starting with weak or general points that tend to confuse the reader. This is mostly the case when a student does their assignment last minute. There are several types of PICO questions. The result we can select to use in our case is mortality, given that it is easy to measure the mortality rate. They are developed to help in determining which test is more reliable and accurate in the diagnosis of a particular disease.
PICO Practice
Note that at times you may have several questions you want to address regarding your topic. C when compared to the absence of self-management or DSME education O , there will be a reduction in A1c T within three months. Some EBP experts add T to the standard PICO framework. Population: adults Intervention: d-dimer assay Control: ultrasound Outcome: more accurate diagnosis of DVT PICO Question 3 Among young children with an acute asthma exacerbation, is a single dose of intramuscular dexamethasone comparable to 5 days of oral prednisolone for the resolution of asthma symptoms? O Are teenagers P who have overweight adoptive parents I at bigger risk for obesity O compared with kids P without overweight adoptive parents C during the ages of 10 and eighteen years T? In hospitals, how does a call bell response time of less than 5 minutes compared to greater than 5 minutes affect patient satisfaction? State the diagnostic test or treatment you are considering using on behalf of the patient. Meaning: How do pregnant women P newly diagnosed with diabetes I perceive reporting their blood sugar levels O to their healthcare providers during their pregnancy and six weeks postpartum T? COPD patients what are probable after effects, in the form of bruises and other injuries, of herapin injection therapy? Step 3 Take time to conduct the research. For patients 65 years and older P , how does the use of an influenza vaccine I compared to not received the vaccine C influence the risk of developing pneumonia O during flu season T? Scenario: Your female patient is concerned about her risk of developing breast cancer. Using your PICO T to Guide the Search Adapted from the PICOT Questions Template; Ellen Fineout-Overholt, 2006.
