picot questions for nursing research

PICOT Question Examples for Nursing Research

Are you looking for examples of nursing PICOT questions to inspire your creativity as you research for a perfect nursing topic for your paper? You came to the right place.

We have a comprehensive guide on how to write a good PICO Question for your case study, research paper, white paper, term paper, project, or capstone paper. Therefore, we will not go into the details in this post. A good PICOT question possesses the following qualities:

• A clinical-based question addresses the nursing research areas or topics.
• It is specific, concise, and clear.
• Patient, problem, or population.
• Intervention.
• Comparison.
• Includes medical, clinical, and nursing terms where necessary.
• It is not ambiguous.

For more information, read our comprehensive PICOT Question guide . You can use these questions to inspire your PICOT choice for your evidence-based papers , reports, or nursing research papers.

If you are stuck with assignments and want some help, we offer the best nursing research assignment help online. We have expert nursing writers who can formulate an excellent clinical, research, and PICOT question for you. They can also write dissertations, white papers, theses, reports, and capstones. Do not hesitate to place an order.

List of 180 Plus Best PICOT Questions to Get Inspiration From

Here is a list of nursing PICO questions to inspire you when developing yours. Some PICOT questions might be suitable for BSN and MSN but not DNP. If you are writing a change project for your DNP, try to focus on PICOT questions that align to process changes. 

• Among healthy newborn infants in low- and middle-income countries (P), does early skin-to-skin contact of the baby with the mother in the first hour of life (I) compared with drying and wrapping (C) have an impact on neonatal mortality, hypothermia or initiation/exclusivity/ duration of breastfeeding (O)?
• Is it necessary to test blood glucose levels 4 times daily for a patient suffering from Type 1 diabetes?
• Does raising the head of the bed of a mechanically ventilated patient reduce the chances of pneumonia?
• Does music therapy is an effective mode of PACU pain management for patients who are slowly coming out from their anesthesia?
• For all neonates (P), should vitamin K prophylaxis (I) be given for the prevention of vitamin K deficiency bleeding (O)?
• For young infants (0-2 months) with suspected sepsis managed in health facilities (P), should third generation cephalosporin monotherapy (I) replace currently recommended ampicillin-gentamicin combination (C) as first line empiric treatment for preventing death and sequelae (O)?
• In low-birth-weight/pre-term neonates in health facilities (P), is skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth (I) more effective than conventional care (C) in preventing hypothermia (O)?
• In children aged 2–59 months (P), what is the most effective antibiotic therapy (I, C) for severe pneumonia (O)?
• Is skin-to-skin contact of the infant with the mother a more assured way of ensuring neonatal mortality compared to drying and wrapping?
• Are oral contraceptives effective in stopping pregnancy for women above 30 years?
• Is spironolactone a better drug for reducing the blood pressure of teenagers when compared to clonidine?
• What is the usefulness of an LP/spinal tap after the beginning of antivirals for a pediatric population suffering from fever?
• In children aged 2–59 months in developing countries (P), which parenteral antibiotic or combination of antibiotics (I), at what dose and duration, is effective for the treatment of suspected bacterial meningitis in hospital in reducing mortality and sequelae (O)?
• Does the habit of washing hands third-generation workers decrease the events of infections in hospitals?
• Is the intake of zinc pills more effective than Vitamin C for preventing cold during winter for middle-aged women?
• In children with acute severe malnutrition (P), are antibiotics (I) effective in preventing death and sequelae (O)?
• Among, children with lower respiratory tract infection (P), what are the best cut off oxygen saturation levels (D), at different altitudes that will determine hypoxaemia requiring oxygen therapy (O)?
• In infants and children in low-resource settings (P), what is the most appropriate method (D) of detecting hypoxaemia in hospitals (O)?
• In children with shock (P), what is the most appropriate choice of intravenous fluid therapy (I) to prevent death and sequelae (O)?
• In fully conscious children with hypoglycaemia (P) what is the effectiveness of administering sublingual sugar (I)?
• Is using toys as distractions during giving needle vaccinations to toddlers an effective pain response management?
• What is the result of a higher amount of potassium intake among children with low blood pressure?
• Is cup feeding an infant better than feeding through tubes in a NICU setup?
• Does the intervention of flushing the heroin via lines a more effective way of treating patients with CVLs/PICCs?
• Is the use of intravenous fluid intervention a better remedy for infants under fatal conditions?
• Do bedside shift reports help in the overall patient care for nurses?
• Is home visitation a better way of dealing with teen pregnancy when compared to regular school visits in rural areas?
• Is fentanyl more effective than morphine in dealing with the pain of adults over the age of 50 years?
• What are the health outcomes of having a high amount of potassium for adults over the age of 21 years?
• Does the use of continuous feed during emesis a more effective way of intervention when compared to the process of stopping the feed for a short period?
• Does controlling the amount of sublingual sugar help completely conscious children suffering from hypoglycemia?
• Is the lithotomy position an ideal position for giving birth to women in labor?
• Does group therapy help patients with schizophrenia to help their conversational skills?
• What are the probable after-effects, in the form of bruises and other injuries, of heparin injection therapy for COPD patients?
• Would standardized discharge medication education improve home medication adherence in adults age 65 and older compared to-standardized discharge medication education?
• In patients with psychiatric disorders is medication non-compliance a greater risk compared with adults experiencing chronic illness?
• Is the use of beta-blockers for lowering blood pressure for adult men over the age of 70 years effective?
• Nasal swab or nasal aspirate? Which one is more effective for children suffering from seasonal flu?
• What are the effects of adding beta-blockers for lowering blood pressure for adult men over the age of 70 years?
• Does the process of stopping lipids for 4 hours an effective measure of obtaining the desired TG level for patients who are about to receive TPN?
• Is medical intervention a proper way of dealing with childhood obesity among school-going children?
• Can nurse-led presentations of mental health associated with bullying help in combating such tendencies in public schools?
• What are the impacts of managing Prevacid before a pH probe study for pediatric patients with GERD?
• What are the measurable effects of extending ICU stays and antibiotic consumption amongst children with sepsis?
• Does the use of infrared skin thermometers justified when compared to the tympanic thermometers for a pediatric population?
• What are the roles of a pre-surgery cardiac nurse in order to prevent depression among patients awaiting cardiac operation?
• Does the increase in the habit of smoking marijuana among Dutch students increase the chances of depression?
• What is the direct connection between VAP and NGT?
• Is psychological intervention for people suffering from dementia a more effective measure than giving them a placebo?
• Are alarm sensors effective in preventing accidents in hospitals for patients over the age of 65 years?
• Is the sudden change of temperature harmful for patients who are neurologically devastated?
• Is it necessary to test blood glucose levels, 4 times a day, for a patient suffering from Type 1 diabetes?
• Is the use of MDI derive better results, when compared to regular nebulizers, for pediatric patients suffering from asthma?
• What are the effects of IVF bolus in controlling the amount of Magnesium Sulfate for patients who are suffering from asthma?
• Is the process of stopping lipids for 4 hours an effective measure of obtaining the desired TG level for patients who are about to receive TPN?
• What are the standards of vital signs for a pediatric population?
• Is daily blood pressure monitoring help in addressing the triggers of hypertension among males over 65 years?
• Does receiving phone tweets lower blood sugar levels for people suffering from Type 1 diabetes?
• Are males over the age of 30 years who have smoked for more than 1 year exposed to a greater risk of esophageal cancer when compared to the same age group of men who have no history of smoking?
• Does the increase in the use of mosquito nets in Uganda help in the reduction of malaria among the infants?
• Does the increase in the intake of oral contraceptives increase the chances of breast cancer among 20-30 years old women in the UK?
• In postpartum women with postnatal depression (P), does group therapy (I) compared to individual therapy (C) improve maternal-infant bonding (O) after eight weeks (T)?
• In patients with chronic pain (P), does mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (I) compared to pharmacotherapy (C) improve quality of life (O) after 12 weeks (T)?
• In patients with type 2 diabetes (P), does continuous glucose monitoring (I) compared to self-monitoring of blood glucose (C) improve glycemic control (O) over a period of three months (T)?
• In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does a vegetarian diet (I) compared to a regular diet (C) slow the decline in renal function (O) after one year (T)?
• In pediatric patients with acute otitis media (P), does delayed antibiotic prescribing (I) compared to immediate antibiotic prescribing (C) reduce antibiotic use (O) within one week (T)?
• In older adults with dementia (P), does pet therapy (I) compared to no pet therapy (C) decrease agitation (O) after three months (T)?
• In patients with chronic heart failure (P), does telemonitoring of vital signs (I) compared to standard care (C) reduce hospital readmissions (O) within six months (T)?
• In patients with anxiety disorders (P), does exposure therapy (I) compared to cognitive therapy (C) reduce anxiety symptoms (O) after 12 weeks (T)?
• In postpartum women with breastfeeding difficulties (P), does lactation consultation (I) compared to standard care (C) increase breastfeeding rates (O) after four weeks (T)?
• In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P), does long-acting bronchodilator therapy (I) compared to short-acting bronchodilator therapy (C) improve lung function (O) after three months (T)?
• In patients with major depressive disorder (P), does bright light therapy (I) compared to placebo (C) reduce depressive symptoms (O) after six weeks (T)?
• In patients with diabetes (P), does telemedicine-based diabetes management (I) compared to standard care (C) improve glycemic control (O) over a period of six months (T)?
• In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does a low-phosphorus diet (I) compared to a regular diet (C) decrease serum phosphate levels (O) after one year (T)?
• In pediatric patients with acute gastroenteritis (P), does probiotic supplementation (I) compared to placebo (C) reduce the duration of diarrhea (O) within 48 hours (T)?
• In patients with chronic pain (P), does acupuncture (I) compared to sham acupuncture (C) reduce pain intensity (O) after eight weeks (T)?
• In older adults at risk of falls (P), does a home modification program (I) compared to no intervention (C) reduce the incidence of falls (O) over a period of six months (T)?
• In patients with schizophrenia (P), does cognitive remediation therapy (I) compared to standard therapy (C) improve cognitive function (O) after one year (T)?
• In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (I) compared to angiotensin receptor blockers (C) slow the progression of renal disease (O) over a period of two years (T)?
• In postoperative patients (P), does chlorhexidine bathing (I) compared to regular bathing (C) reduce the risk of surgical site infections (O) within 30 days (T)?
• In patients with type 2 diabetes (P), does a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet (I) compared to a low-fat diet (C) improve glycemic control (O) over a period of six months (T)?
• In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P), does pulmonary rehabilitation combined with telemonitoring (I) compared to standard pulmonary rehabilitation (C) improve exercise capacity (O) after three months (T)?
• In patients with heart failure (P), does a nurse-led heart failure clinic (I) compared to usual care (C) improve self-care behaviors (O) after six months (T)?
• In postpartum women with postnatal depression (P), does telephone-based counseling (I) compared to face-to-face counseling (C) reduce depressive symptoms (O) after eight weeks (T)?
• In patients with chronic migraine (P), does prophylactic treatment with topiramate (I) compared to amitriptyline (C) reduce the frequency of migraines (O) after three months (T)?
• In pediatric patients with acute otitis media (P), does watchful waiting (I) compared to immediate antibiotic treatment (C) reduce the duration of symptoms (O) within seven days (T)?
• In older adults with dementia (P), does reminiscence therapy (I) compared to usual care (C) improve cognitive function (O) after three months (T)?
• In patients with chronic heart failure (P), does telemonitoring combined with a medication reminder system (I) compared to telemonitoring alone (C) reduce hospital readmissions (O) within six months (T)?
• In patients with asthma (P), does self-management education (I) compared to standard care (C) reduce asthma exacerbations (O) over a period of one year (T)?
• In postoperative patients (P), does the use of wound dressings with antimicrobial properties (I) compared to standard dressings (C) reduce the incidence of surgical site infections (O) within 30 days (T)?
• In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does mindfulness-based stress reduction (I) compared to usual care (C) improve psychological well-being (O) over a period of three months (T)?
• In adult patients with chronic pain (P), does biofeedback therapy (I) compared to relaxation techniques (C) reduce pain intensity (O) after eight weeks (T)?
• In patients with type 2 diabetes (P), does a low-glycemic index diet (I) compared to a high-glycemic-index diet (C) improve glycemic control (O) over a period of six months (T)?
• In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P), does regular physical activity (I) compared to no physical activity (C) improve health-related quality of life (O) after three months (T)?
• In patients with major depressive disorder (P), does mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (I) compared to antidepressant medication (C) reduce depressive symptoms (O) after eight weeks (T)?
• In postpartum women (P), does perineal warm compresses (I) compared to standard perineal care (C) reduce perineal pain (O) after vaginal delivery (T)?
• In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does a low-protein, low-phosphorus diet (I) compared to a low-protein diet alone (C) slow the progression of renal disease(O) after two years (T)?
• In pediatric patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (P), does mindfulness-based interventions (I) compared to medication alone (C) improve attention and behavior (O) after six months (T)?
• In patients with chronic pain (P), does cognitive-behavioral therapy (I) compared to physical therapy (C) reduce pain interference (O) after 12 weeks (T)?
• In elderly patients with osteoarthritis (P), does aquatic exercise (I) compared to land-based exercise (C) improve joint flexibility and reduce pain (O) after eight weeks (T)?
• In patients with multiple sclerosis (P), does high-intensity interval training (I) compared to moderate-intensity continuous training (C) improve physical function (O) after three months (T)?
• In postoperative patients (P), does preoperative carbohydrate loading (I) compared to fasting (C) reduce postoperative insulin resistance (O) within 24 hours (T)?
• In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P), does home-based tele-rehabilitation (I) compared to center-based rehabilitation (C) improve exercise capacity (O) after six months (T)?
• In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (P), does tai chi (I) compared to pharmacological treatment (C) reduce joint pain and improve physical function (O) after six months (T)?
• In postpartum women with postpartum hemorrhage (P), does early administration of tranexamic acid (I) compared to standard administration (C) reduce blood loss (O) within two hours (T)?
• In patients with hypertension (P), does mindfulness meditation (I) compared to relaxation techniques (C) reduce blood pressure (O) after eight weeks (T)?
• In elderly patients with hip fractures (P), does multidisciplinary geriatric care (I) compared to standard care (C) improve functional outcomes (O) after three months (T)?
• In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does aerobic exercise (I) compared to resistance exercise (C) improve renal function (O) after six months (T)?
• In patients with major depressive disorder (P), does add-on treatment with omega-3 fatty acids (I) compared to placebo (C) reduce depressive symptoms (O) after 12 weeks (T)?
• In postoperative patients (P), does preoperative education using multimedia materials (I) compared to standard education (C) improve patient satisfaction (O) after surgery (T)?
• In patients with type 2 diabetes (P), does a plant-based diet (I) compared to a standard diet (C) improve glycemic control (O) after three months (T)?
• In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P), does high-flow oxygen therapy (I) compared to standard oxygen therapy (C) improve exercise tolerance (O) after three months (T)?
• In patients with heart failure (P), does nurse-led telephone follow-up (I) compared to standard care (C) reduce hospital readmissions (O) within six months (T)?
• In postpartum women with postnatal depression (P), does online cognitive-behavioral therapy (I) compared to face-to-face therapy (C) reduce depressive symptoms (O) after eight weeks (T)?
• In patients with chronic migraine (P), does mindfulness-based stress reduction (I) compared to medication alone (C) reduce the frequency and severity of migraines (O) after three months (T)?
• In older adults with delirium (P), does structured music intervention (I) compared to standard care (C) reduce the duration of delirium episodes (O) during hospitalization (T)?
• In patients with chronic low back pain (P), does yoga (I) compared to physical therapy (C) reduce pain intensity (O) after six weeks (T)?
• In pediatric patients with acute otitis media (P), does watchful waiting with pain management (I) compared to immediate antibiotic treatment (C) reduce the need for antibiotics (O) within one week (T)?
• In patients with schizophrenia (P), does family psychoeducation (I) compared to standard treatment (C) improve medication adherence (O) over a period of six months (T)?
• In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does a low-phosphorus diet (I) compared to a regular diet (C) slow the progression of renal disease (O) after one year (T)?
• In postoperative patients (P), does wound irrigation with saline solution (I) compared to povidone-iodine solution (C) reduce the incidence of surgical site infections (O) within 30 days (T)?
• In patients with type 1 diabetes (P), does continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (I) compared to multiple daily injections (C) improve glycemic control (O) over a period of six months (T)?
• In postoperative patients (P), does the use of prophylactic antibiotics (I) compared to no antibiotics (C) reduce the incidence of surgical site infections (O) within 30 days (T)?
• In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P), does smoking cessation counseling (I) compared to no counseling (C) decrease the frequency of exacerbations (O) over a period of six months (T)?
• In patients with diabetes (P), does a multidisciplinary team approach (I) compared to standard care (C) improve self-management behaviors (O) over a period of one year (T)?
• In pregnant women with gestational hypertension (P), does bed rest (I) compared to regular activity (C) reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia (O) before delivery (T)?
• In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (I) compared to placebo (C) slow the progression of renal disease (O) over a period of two years (T)?
• In older adults with hip fractures (P), does early surgical intervention (I) compared to delayed surgery (C) improve functional outcomes (O) after six months (T)?
• In patients with major depressive disorder (P), does exercise (I) compared to antidepressant medication (C) reduce depressive symptoms (O) after eight weeks (T)?
• In children with autism spectrum disorder (P), does applied behavior analysis (I) compared to standard therapy (C) improve social communication skills (O) over a period of one year (T)?
• In postoperative patients (P), does the use of incentive spirometry (I) compared to no spirometry (C) decrease the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (O) within seven days (T)?
• In patients with hypertension (P), does a combination of diet modification and exercise (I) compared to medication alone (C) lower blood pressure (O) after six months (T)?
• In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P), does home oxygen therapy (I) compared to no oxygen therapy (C) improve exercise capacity (O) after threemonths (T)?
• In patients with heart failure (P), does a multidisciplinary heart failure management program (I) compared to standard care (C) reduce hospital readmissions (O) within six months (T)?
• In postpartum women with postnatal depression (P), does mindfulness meditation (I) compared to relaxation techniques (C) reduce depressive symptoms (O) after eight weeks (T)?
• In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does a low-sodium diet (I) compared to a regular diet (C) lower blood pressure (O) after six months (T)?
• In pediatric patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (P), does neurofeedback training (I) compared to medication (C) improve attention and behavior (O) after six months (T)?
• In patients with chronic pain (P), does transcranial direct current stimulation (I) compared to sham stimulation (C) reduce pain intensity (O) after eight weeks (T)?
• In older adults with osteoporosis (P), does a structured exercise program (I) compared to no exercise (C) improve bone mineral density (O) after six months (T)?
• In patients with type 2 diabetes (P), does a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet (I) compared to a standard diet (C) improve glycemic control (O) over a period of six months (T)?
• In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P), does mindfulness-based stress reduction (I) compared to usual care (C) improve dyspnea symptoms (O) after three months (T)?
• In postpartum women with postnatal depression (P), does online peer support (I) compared to individual therapy (C) reduce depressive symptoms (O) after eight weeks (T)?
• In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does resistance training (I) compared to aerobic training (C) improve muscle strength (O) after six months (T)?
• In pediatric patients with asthma (P), does a written asthma action plan (I) compared to verbal instructions (C) reduce emergency department visits (O) within six months (T)?
• In patients with chronic pain (P), does yoga (I) compared to pharmacological treatment (C) reduce pain interference (O) after eight weeks (T)?
• In older adults at risk of falls (P), does a multifactorial falls prevention program (I) compared to no intervention (C) reduce the rate of falls (O) over a period of six months (T)?
• In patients with schizophrenia (P), does cognitive-behavioral therapy (I) compared to medication alone (C) reduce positive symptom severity (O) after six months (T)?
• In postpartum women with breastfeeding difficulties (P), does breast massage (I) compared to no massage (C) improve milk flow (O) after four weeks (T)?
• In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P), does long-term oxygen therapy (I) compared to short-term oxygen therapy (C) improve survival rates (O) after one year (T)?
• In patients with major depressive disorder (P), does repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (I) compared to sham treatment (C) reduce depressive symptoms (O) after six weeks (T)?
• In patients with diabetes (P), does a digital health app (I) compared to standard care (C) improve medication adherence (O) over a period of six months (T)?
• In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does a low-potassium diet (I) compared to a regular diet (C) lower serum potassium levels (O) after one year (T)?
• In pediatric patients with acute gastroenteritis (P), does oral rehydration solution (I) compared to intravenous fluid therapy (C) reduce hospital admissions (O) within 48 hours (T)?
• In patients with chronic pain (P), does hypnotherapy (I) compared to no hypnotherapy (C) reduce pain intensity (O) after eight weeks (T)?
• In older adults at risk of falls (P), does a tai chi program (I) compared to no exercise program (C) improve balance and stability (O) after six months (T)?
• In patients with chronic heart failure (P), does a home-based self-care intervention (I) compared to standard care (C) reduce hospital readmissions (O) within six months (T)?
• In patients with anxiety disorders (P), does acceptance and commitment therapy (I) compared to cognitive-behavioral therapy (C) reduce anxiety symptoms (O) after 12 weeks (T)?
• In postpartum women with breastfeeding difficulties (P), does the use of nipple shields (I) compared to no nipple shields (C) improve breastfeeding success (O) after four weeks (T)?
• In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P), does a comprehensive self-management program (I) compared to usual care (C) improve health-related quality of life (O) after three months (T)?
• In patients with major depressive disorder (P), does internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (I) compared to face-to-face therapy (C) reduce depressive symptoms (O) after eight weeks (T)?
• Does the increase in the habit of smoking marijuana among Dutch students increase the likelihood of depression?
• Does the use of pain relief medication during surgery provide more effective pain reduction compared to the same medication given post-surgery?
• Does the increase in the intake of oral contraceptives increase the risk of breast cancer among women aged 20-30 in the UK?
• Does the habit of washing hands among healthcare workers decrease the rate of infections in hospitals?
• Does the use of modern syringes help in reducing needle injuries among healthcare workers in America?
• Does encouraging male work colleagues to talk about sexual harassment decrease the rate of depression in the workplace?
• Does bullying in boarding schools in Scotland increase the likelihood of domestic violence within a 20-year timeframe?
• Does breastfeeding among toddlers in urban United States decrease their chances of obesity as pre-schoolers?
• Does the increase in the intake of antidepressants among urban women aged 30 years and older affect their maternal health?
• Does forming work groups to discuss domestic violence among the rural population of the United States reduce stress and depression among women?
• Does the increased use of mosquito nets in Uganda help in reducing malaria cases among infants?
• Can colon cancer be more effectively detected when colonoscopy is supported by an occult blood test compared to colonoscopy alone?
• Does regular usage of low-dose aspirin effectively reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke for women above the age of 80 years?
• Is yoga an effective medical therapy for reducing lymphedema in patients recovering from neck cancer?
• Does daily blood pressure monitoring help in addressing the triggers of hypertension among males over 65 years?
• Does a regular 30-minute exercise regimen effectively reduce the risk of heart disease in adults over 65 years?
• Does prolonged exposure to chemotherapy increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases among teenagers suffering from cancer?
• Does breastfeeding among toddlers in the urban United States decrease their chances of obesity as pre-schoolers?
• Are first-time mothers giving birth to premature babies more prone to postpartum depression compared to second or third-time mothers in the same condition?
• For women under the age of 50 years, is a yearly mammogram more effective in preventing breast cancer compared to a mammogram done every 3 years?
• After being diagnosed with blood sugar levels, is a four-times-a-day blood glucose monitoring process more effective in controlling the onset of Type 1 diabetes?

Related: How to write an abstract poster presentation.

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If you need a personalized approach to choosing a good PICOT question and writing a problem and purpose statement, our nursing paper acers can help you.

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Formulating a PICOT Question

September 26, 2020

View all blog posts under Articles | View all blog posts under Doctor of Nursing Practice

The word PICOT is a mnemonic derived from the elements of a clinical research question – patient, intervention, comparison, outcome and (sometimes) time. The PICOT process begins with a case scenario, and the question is phrased to elicit an answer.

“The question needs to identify the patient or population we intend to study, the intervention or treatment we plan to use, the comparison of one intervention to another (if applicable) and the outcome we anticipate,” Kathy A. Jensen, MHA, RN, wrote in EBSCO Health’s whitepaper, “7 Steps To The Perfect Pico Search.” “Once a well-structured question is formulated, researchers will be in a better position to search the literature for evidence that will support their original PICO question.”

For RNs who are training in a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program, including an online DNP program , learning how to develop a comprehensive PICOT question is essential to nurse manager competencies. DNP students study PICOT question examples to determine the best process for crafting a question and finding an answer.

Learning the PICOT Process

The PICOT process generally begins with a vague clinical query. Each element of the process helps develop a well-structured question . Once established, researchers can search for evidence that will help answer the inquiry.

The elements of a PICOT question are:

P (Patient, population or problem)

Who or what is the patient, population or problem in question?

I (Intervention)

What is the intervention (action or treatment) being considered?

C (Comparison or control)

What other interventions should be considered?

O (Outcome or objective)

What is the desired or expected outcome or objective?

T (Time frame)

How long will it take to reach the desired outcome?

Using the PICOT process helps develop a careful and thoughtful question that makes the search for evidence easier, the University of Oxford’s world-renowned Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine said.

“The well-formed question makes it relatively straightforward to elicit and combine the appropriate terms needed to represent your need for information in the query language of whichever searching service is available to you,” the University of Oxford author said. “Once you have formed the question using the PICO structure, you can think about what type of question it is you are asking, and therefore what type of research would provide the best answer.”

Steps to the PICOT Process

In developing a PICOT question , researchers must identify a need or a reason for the study. In the EBSCO Health whitepaper, the general example used is this: A committee decides to conduct a case study to determine whether postoperative gum chewing for abdominal surgery patients can prevent postoperative ileus (lack of intestinal movement).

With the scenario in mind, researchers use seven steps to the PICOT search:

• Formulate the PICOT question in general terms: Based on the EBSCO Health example, the research question would be, “In patients recovering from abdominal surgery, is there evidence that suggests gum-chewing postoperatively, compared to not chewing gum, impacts postoperative ileus?”
• Identify the keywords for the PICOT mnemonic: P – Patients recovering from abdominal surgery I – Gum chewing C – Not chewing gum O – Impacts post-operative ileus
• Plan the search strategy: With the question in mind, researchers consider which databases and other search sites they might use to find information and answers. Researchers use strategies to maximize their search terms such as looking up synonyms and phrases that mean the same thing.
• Execute a search: At first, researchers search each PICOT element individually. For example, when researching patients recovering from abdominal surgery, use the search terms “abdominal surgery,” but also consider the search terms “recovery and postoperative.”
• Refine the results: Narrow the search results by limiting the works to pertinent content, such as articles from peer-reviewed journals or research documents.
• Review the content: Review the research results to establish if they have the necessary information to answer the PICOT question.
• Determine if research results meet standards: After reviewing the research results, determine whether they provide the best available evidence.

After the PICOT question is constructed and researched, the information garnered is used to determine which type of study is most appropriate. Study types include meta-analysis, systematic review, randomized controlled trial, cohort study, case-control study and case report.

“The actual search for high-quality clinical research evidence can be overwhelming to many,” Jensen said in the EBSCO Health whitepaper. “By utilizing the PICO format, the search process will be streamlined and will yield the best available evidence to support clinical decisions and explore alternative treatments and procedures.”

DNP and PICOT Question

To take a deep dive into advanced nursing practice, many RNs seeking a DNP must submit a final project. At Duquesne University, online DNP program students undertake a DNP Practice Project, which must focus on patient outcomes, quality improvements and clinical practice.

Through the project, Duquesne University DNP candidates will identify a specific problem in patient care or clinical practice and present solutions. Students use a PICOT question to guide the project topic.

The online DNP program at Duquesne University teaches RNs nurse manager competencies as well as other essential leadership skills . The university offers three distinct DNP tracks:

• Clinical Leadership DNP
• Post-Bachelor’s Executive Nurse Leadership DNP
• Post-Master’s Executive Nurse Leadership DNP

About Duquesne University’s Online DNP Program

Duquesne University, a leader in online education, prepares RNs for clinical leadership positions as DNPs. The university’s curriculum builds on existing experiences and knowledge so graduates can implement evidence-based practice in clinical settings.

Duquesne University’s online DNP program provides RNs an opportunity to continue their professional career and maintain family responsibilities while earning an advanced degree.

EBSCOHealth, “7 Steps to The Perfect Pico Search” University of Oxford, “Asking Focused Questions” Duquesne University, “Systematic Reviews: Developing a research question”

A guided search: Formulating a PICOT from assigned areas of inquiry

Affiliation.

• 1 Department of Acute and Tertiary Care, College of Nursing, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
• PMID: 35842743
• DOI: 10.1111/wvn.12598

The evidence-based practice (EBP) competencies of cultivating inquiry and formulation of Population, Intervention, Outcome, and Time (PICOT) questions are essential to quality improvement, healthcare outcomes, and the development of Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) scholarly projects. Education and assessment of EBP competencies into the DNP curriculum, particularly formulation of PICOT questions, provide guidance and evaluate mastery of students' individual skills and group work. Utilization of a PICOT template is an approach to aid large cohorts of students in writing healthcare-specific PICOTs to guide them in search of quality evidence. Guided inquiry through collaboration with community partners can aid in identifying community needs. Assigning an area of inquiry allows stakeholders, community partners, and nursing students an opportunity to ask the necessary questions to improve health care, and simultaneously meet the need for evidence-based quality improvement.

Keywords: curriculum; education/curriculum/learning; evidence-based practice; outcome evaluation; patient outcomes/healthcare outcomes/treatment outcomes; quality improvement.

© 2022 Sigma Theta Tau International.

• Delivery of Health Care
• Education, Nursing, Graduate*
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Quality Improvement
• Students, Nursing*

Two additional important elements of the well-built clinical question to consider are

• the type of foreground question
• the type of study (methodology)

This information can be helpful in focusing the question and determining the most appropriate type of evidence.

Foreground questions can be further divided into questions that relate to therapy, diagnosis, prognosis, etiology/harm.

• Therapy: Questions of treatment in order to achieve some outcome. May include drugs, surgical intervention, change in diet, counseling, etc.
• Diagnosis:  Questions of identification of a disorder in a patient presenting with specific symptoms.
• Prognosis:  Questions of progression of a disease or likelihood of a disease occurring.
• Etiology/Harm:  Questions of negative impact from an intervention or other exposure.

Knowing the type of foreground question can help you select the best study design to answer your question. You always want to look for the study design that will yield the highest level of evidence. Consult the pyramid on the Study Designs tab (click the image to enlarge it) and the definitions below.

Formulating a Well Built Clinical Question

According to the Centre for Evidence Based Medicine (CEBM) , "one of the fundamental skills required for practising EBM is the asking of well-built clinical questions. To benefit patients and clinicians, such questions need to be both directly relevant to patients' problems and phrased in ways that direct your search to relevant and precise answers."

A well-built clinical foreground question should have 4 - 5 components. The PICO(T) model is a helpful tool that assists you in organizing and focusing your foreground question into a searchable query. Dividing into the PICO elements helps identify search terms/concepts to use in your search of the literature.

P = Patient, Problem, Population (How would you describe a group of patients similar to yours? What are the most important characteristics of the patient?)

I = Intervention, Diagnostic Test, Prognostic Factor, Exposure (What main intervention are you considering? What do you want to do with this patient?)

C = Comparison (Can be no treatment or placebo.) (What is the main alternative to compare with the intervention? Are you trying to decide between two drugs, a drug and no medication or placebo, or two diagnostic tests?)

O= Outcome (What are you trying to accomplish, measure, improve or affect? Outcomes may be disease-oriented or patient-oriented.)

T= Type  (What type of clinical question is this? See the adjacent box on the "Silent T" in PICO(T).

What is a PICO(T) Search

This 8.5 minute video tutorial, created in 2012 for first year medical students at the School of Medicine & Dentistry at URMC, is a short primer on the basic points of formulating clinical questions and searching for evidence to answer those questions.

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Writing a PICOT Question

The PICOT question is a consistent “formula” for developing answerable, searchable questions that result in an effective literature search that yields the best, most relevant information. This resource will help you to write clinically specific, searchable PICO questions.

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PICO- What's in a queston?

The PICOT question format is a consistent "formula" for developing answerable, researchable questions.

Note: Not every question will have an intervention (as in a meaning question) or time (when it is implied in another part of the question) component.

PICO(T) Templates

Template for Asking PICOT Questions

For an intervention/therapy:

In _______(P), what is the effect of _______(I) on ______(O) compared with _______(C) within ________ (T)?

For etiology:

Are ____ (P) who have _______ (I) at ___ (Increased/decreased) risk for/of_______ (O) compared with ______ (P) with/without ______ (C) over _____ (T)?

Diagnosis or diagnostic test:

Are (is) _________ (I) more accurate in diagnosing ________ (P) compared with ______ (C) for _______ (O)?

Prevention:

For ________ (P) does the use of ______ (I) reduce the future risk of ________ (O) compared with _________ (C)?

Prognosis/Predictions

Does __________ (I) influence ________ (O) in patients who have _______ (P) over ______ (T)?

How do ________ (P) diagnosed with _______ (I) perceive ______ (O) during _____ (T)?

Melnyk B., & Fineout-Overholt E. (2010). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare. New York: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Develop your Research Question

The PICO(T) Question

A clinical question that is composed using the PICO or PICOT format will help you to focus your search and help you to develop your research skills which are essential in finding the best available evidence.

The most common PICO(T) elements are:

P - Population

• How you would describe a group of people with a similar problem or complaint.

I - Intervention

• How you plan to treat, medicate, diagnose and/or observe the patient's care.

C - Comparison (if applicable)

• The main intervention alternative you are considering (i.e. placebo, alternative therapy, different drug, surgery).

O - Outcome

• The result from proposed treatment that is measurable, including improvement of symptoms,no symptoms, or complications.

(T) - Time (if applicable)

• The time frame of treatment and/or measurable outcome.

In order be successful in using Evidence Based Practice (EBP) you will need to learn how to develop well-composed clinical questions.  By formatting your research question in a PICO(T) format you can gather evidence relevant to your patient's problem.   Well-composed PICO(T) questions generally contain up to four components each represented in the acronym  " PICO(T)"  P=Patient or Population and Problem; I=Intervention or Indicator; C=Comparison or Control (not part of all questions); O=Outcome; T=Time or Type.

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Evidence Based Nursing Practice

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PICO Templates

For an intervention/therapy:

In _______(P), what is the effect of _______(I) on ______(O) compared with _______(C) within ________ (T)?

For etiology:

Are ____ (P) who have _______ (I) at ___ (increased/decreased) risk for/of_______ (O) compared with ______ (P) with/without ______ (C) over _____ (T)?

Diagnosis or diagnostic test:

Are (is) _________ (I) more accurate in diagnosing ________ (P) compared with ______ (C) for _______ (O)?

Prevention:

For ________ (P) does the use of ______ (I) reduce the future risk of ________ (O) compared with _________ (C)?

Prognosis/Predictions

Does __________ (I) influence ________ (O) in patients who have _______ (P) over ______ (T)?

How do ________ (P) diagnosed with _______ (I) perceive ______ (O) during _____ (T)?

Based on Melnyk B., & Fineout-Overholt E. (2010). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare. New York: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins .

Using PICO to Formulate Clinical Questions

PICO  (alternately known as PICOT ) is a mnemonic used to describe the four elements of a good clinical question. It stands for:

P --Patient/Problem I --Intervention C --Comparison O --Outcome

Many people find that it helps them clarify their question, which in turn makes it easier to find an answer. 

Use PICO to generate terms - these you'll use in your literature search for the current best evidence.   Once you have your PICO terms, you can then use them to re-write your question.  (Note, you can do this in reverse order if that works for you.)

Often we start with a vague question such as, "How effective is CPR, really?"  But, what do we mean by CPR?  And how do we define effective?  PICO is a technique to help us - or force us - to answer these questions.   Note that you may not end up with a description for each element of PICO. 

P -  our question above doesn't address a specific problem other than the assumption of a person who is not breathing. So, ask yourself questions such as, am I interested in a specific age cohort? (Adults, children, aged); a specific population (hospitalized, community dwelling); health cohort (healthy, diabetic, etc.)   

I - our question above doesn't have a stated intervention, but we might have one in mind such as 'hands-only'

C - Is there another method of CPR that we want to compare the hands-only to?  Many research studies do not go head to head with a comparison.  In this example we might want to compare to the standard, hands plus breathing

O - Again, we need to ask, what do we mean by 'effective'?  Mortality is one option with the benefit that it's easily measured. 

Our PICO statement would look like:

From our PICO, we can write up a clearer and more specific question, such as:

 In community dwelling adults, how effective is hands-only CPR versus hands plus breathing CPR at preventing mortality?

More information on formulating PICO questions

Now that we've clarified what we want to know, it will be much easier to find an answer.

Breaking Down Your PICO into a Search Strategy

We can use our PICO statement to list terms to search on.  Under each letter, we'll list all the possible terms we might use in our search. 

P - Community Dwelling:  It is much easier to search on 'hospitalized' than non-hospitalized subjects.  So I would leave these terms for last. It might turn out that I don't need to use them as my other terms from the I, C, or O of PICO might be enough.

community dwelling  OR out-of-hospital

P - adults: I would use the limits in MEDLINE or CINAHL for All Adults.  Could also consider the following depending upon the population you need:

adult OR adults OR aged OR elderly OR young adult

CPR  -  cardiopulmonary resuscitation

I - Hands-only

 hands-only OR compression-only OR chest compression OR compression OR Heart Massage

C - Hands plus breathing Breathing is a tougher term to match.

breathing OR mouth to mouth OR conventional OR traditional

O - Mortality:  If your outcomes terms are general, they may not as useful in the literature search.  They will still be useful in your evaluation of the studies.

mortality OR death OR Survival

Putting it together - a search statement from the above might look like this:

cardiopulmonary resuscitation AND (hands-only OR compression-only OR chest compression OR compression OR Heart Massage) AND (breathing OR mouth to mouth OR conventional OR traditional)

Note that the above strategy is only using terms from the I and the C of PICO.  Depending upon the results, you may need to narrow your search by adding in terms from the P or the O.  

An easy way to keep track of your search strategy is to use a table. This keeps the different parts of your PICO question and their various keywords and subject terms together. This document shows you how to use the tables and provides a few options to organize your table. Use whichever works best for you!  Search Strategy Tables to Break your PICO into Concepts .

PICO and Qualitative Questions

A qualitative PICO question focuses on in-depth perspectives and experiences.  It does not try to solve a problem by analyzing numbers, but rather to enrich understanding through words.  Therefore, the emphasis in qualitative PICO questions is on fully representing the information gathered, rather than primarily emphasizing ways the information can be broken down and expressed through measurable units (though measurability can also play an important role). 

A strength of a qualitative PICO question is that it can investigate what patient satisfaction looks like, for example, instead of only reporting that 25% of patients who took a survey reported that they are satisfied. 

When working with qualitative questions, an alternative to using PICO in searching for sources is the SPIDER search tool.  SPIDER is an acronym that breaks down like this:

P=Phenomena of Interest

E=Evaluation

R=Research Type

Cooke, A., Smith, D., & Booth, A. (2012). Beyond PICO: The SPIDER tool for qualitative evidence synthesis . Qualitative Health Research, 22 (10), 1435-1443. doi:10.1177/1049732312452938

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NRS 307: Population Health and Wellness: PICOT Questions

• PICOT Questions
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What is PICOT?

Use the  PICOT format to structure your literature search based on a clearly-stated, searchable clinical question.

P = Patient Population

I = Intervention or area of Interest

C = Comparison or Control group

O = Outcome

T = Time frame (e.g. how long does it take for the intervention to reach an outcome?) Not always included

PICO Tutorial

PICOT Searching Tips

• Start with the I , C , or O of your PICOT .
• Find the best terminology for each term.  Look at the subject headings (CINAHL Headings or MeSH).  Note that CINAHL and MEDLINE may use different terminology for your terms.
• Which subject terms are relevant? Add those to your search with "or." E.g., [therapeutic play or play therapy or "play and playthings"]
• Next, combine your PICOT elements. Begin by combining your Intervention and Outcome terms. If you have a large number of search results, then add additional PICOT elements.

Research Questions Change as You Search

Revise your research question as you search the literature and determine what's available. Two examples from past School of Nursing student research:

1. This question: 

Which interventions should hospitals implement using trauma informed care to decrease adverse effects in adulthood?

might become:

What is the impact of adverse childhood experiences on adulthood?

(if there are not many articles about interventions using trauma informed care -- and you could then look for interventions to mediate the impacts you discovered)

2. This question: 

How does postpartum care affect maternal mortality rate in minority vs Caucasian women?

How does postpartum care affect maternal mortality rate in minority women?

(if you don't find articles comparing minority and Caucasian women)

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• STEP 1: Use PICOT do Determine Your Research Question Components
• STEP 2: Write your Research Question in PICO Format
• STEP 3: Develop a Search Construction Strategy
• STEP 4: Perform Searches for Evidence to Answer Your Research Question

•    Use the PICOT template to construct the components of your research question  •    You do not always need to include all components of PICOT if it does not make sense for your topic

...Using the PICOT acronym

(P)  = patient/population/problem (I)  = intervention/indicator (C)  = compare/control (O)  = outcome (T)  = time/type of study or question

...decide which type of research question you will pose (choose from below)

...write your research question using the PICOT acronym format (see formats below)

• Example (intervention): In overweight women, how does an increase in exercise compared to ace inhibitors affect a reduction in blood pressure?  

What is the evaluative process of identifying or determining the nature and cause of a disease or condition?

Write your research question with this PICOT acronym format:

    In ________ (P) are/is ________(I) compared with ________(C) more accurate in diagnosing ________(O)?

Example: 

In patients at high risk for gallbladder dysfucntion (P) is a HIDA scan (I) compared with an ultrasound (C) more accurate in diagnosing gallbladder dysfunction (O)?

What are the factors that produce or predispose an individual towards a certain disease or condition?

Are ______(P) who have ______(I) compared with those without _______(C) at ________ increased/decreased risk for/of _______ (O) over ________(T)?

Example: Are adopted children (P) who have parents with elevated BMI (I) compared with those without parents with normal BMI (C) at increased risk for obesity (O) over age 18 (T)?

Intervention / Therapy

Which treatments leads to the best outcome for the patient?

In _________ (P), how does _________ (I) compared to _________(C) affect _______(O) within _______ (T)?

Example: In middle-aged Caucasian obese females (P), how do lifestyle interventions such as healthy diet and exercise (I) compared to daily administration of ACE inhibitors (C) affect blood pressure (O) over six months(T)?

How do you reduce the chance of disease or complications by identifying and modifying risk factors?

For ________ (P) does the use of ______ (I) reduce the future risk of ________ (O) compared with _________ (C)?

Example: In OR nurses doing a five minute scrub (P) what are the differences in the presence and types of microbes (O) found on natural polished nails and nail beds (I) and artificial nails (C) at the time of surgery (T)?  

Prognosis 

What predicts the course, complications, or outcome of a disease or condition?

In _______ (P), how does ________ (I) compared to ________ (C) influence or predict _________ (O) over _________ (T)?

Example: In older patients with prostate cancer (P), how does choosing to undergo surgery (I) compared to not undergoing surgery (C) influence or quality of life (O) over _________ (T)?  

Meaning/Patient Experience

How does a patient or group experience a phenomenon or event?

How do ________ (P) with _______ (I) perceive ______ (O) during _____ (T)?

Example: How do elderly patients in orthopedic rehabilitation (P) with separation from family (I) perceive their motivation to progress (O) during their recovery (T)?  

(examples from Evidence-based Practice in Nursing: A Guide to Best Practice by Bernadette Mazurek Melnyk and Ellen Fineout-Overholt )

• Determine the most relevant primary search word(s) for each of the PICO element
• Then brainstorm synonyms or related concepts.  As you research, add synonyms you learn about
• Find Scholarly (Peer-Reviewed) Articles

Case Scenario

1. There are several research questions this scenario might trigger in your mind.  Read the case and think of....

• research questions around the patient and potential interventions for her and patients like her
• research questions around nurses and how through their own practice they might improve care for the patient and patients like her

2. For the research question you decide to focus on:

• identify each of the components of PICO
• write a research question in the PICO format

Nura is a 48-year-old premenopausal, multiparous Muslim female from Saudi Arabia suffering from urinary stress incontinence; she is really hindered by the problem and just wants her normal life back.

She has been doing pelvic floor exercises on her own to improve the symptoms, following instructions on a patient education handout she got from a nurse, but she is not sure if she is actually doing the exercises correctly because no one has personally counseled her or actually showed her how to know if she is doing them correctly.

She read about pelvic floor biofeedback on the internet and wonders if that would be another thing she could try in addition to her exercises to help improve her symptoms.

She has heard of surgery for this condition and knows it could help, but is reluctant to consider it because she is very fearful about going under anesthesia before the surgery.

She is very upset and embarrassed by her incontinence, but is unsure about being treated by the physicians and nurses at the clinic because they may not have the cultural sensitivity to her faith to make her comfortable as a patient.

(adapted from Evidence-Based Practice under a (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) license)

PICO Worksheet

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NURS 3290: Nursing Research 2 - BSN Program

• Accessing and Navigating Databases
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Formulating a PICO(T) Question

What is a pico(t) question, tips for building a pico(t) question, ideas for your pico(t) question, example: pico(t) question and search strategy.

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Asking questions is at the heart of evidence-based practice.

If nurses never asked questions about how to improve patient care based on scientific research evidence, then no beneficial changes or advancements in nursing practice would occur. Cultivating a spirit of inquiry is essential for evidence-based practice implementation.

The PICO(T) model is used widely in evidence-based practice to construct a focused, well-built, and searchable clinical question. This page provides you with the following content to guide you in developing a PICO(T) question of your own:

• What is a PICO(T) Question?  
• Ideas for your PICO(T) Question

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a systematic approach to patient care decision-making based on current, best available research evidence. 

The first step in EBP involves re-phrasing a clinical patient care issue in the form of a focused, searchable, and answerable question . 

PICO(T)  is a template for creating a well-built clinical question for evidence-based inquiry.

P - Patient/Population/Problem

I - Intervention/Variable of Interest

C - Comparison ("standard care" or "usual care")

O - Outcome(s)

In _____ (P), what is the effect of _____ (I), compared with _____ (C), on _____ (O) within _____ (T)?

Your required textbook provides a wealth of material for generating and brainstorming ideas for PICO(T) Questions. 

Be sure to review Chapter 8  in your Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice  text for ideas and examples of clinical questions for EBP. 

Two copies of this book are on reserve in the Mulford Library. To use a copy in the library, please ask a staff member at the library front desk to retrieve it for you. 

Helpful web resources for PICOT question ideas can be accessed below: 

• Johns Hopkins - EBP Exemplar Library Explore this database of EBP projects completed by clinicians. Many of these projects include good examples of PICOT questions.
• PICO Questions [from University of Kansas Medical Center] This site provides examples by patient care setting under the "PICO Question Examples" section
• UToledo DNP Student EBP Projects Access and read the full-text of UToledo DNP students' EBP projects. The PICOT questions utilized in these projects may provide you with inspiration and ideas for your own PICOT.
• Ohio State DNP Final Projects

PICO(T) Question Example: 

"In adult cancer patients experiencing fatigue (P), what is the effect of meditation (I), compared with standard care (C), on quality of life (O) within 6 months (T)?" 

Building a Database Search Strategy for the PICO(T) Question: 

• A well-built PICO(T) question forms the basis of a database search strategy for finding research literature.
• Concepts from the PICO(T) question are used to construct a comprehensive database search strategy with search terms describing each relevant component of the PICO(T). 
• Relevant elements of your PICO(T) question can be used to develop a "starter" list of keywords (including synonyms) to use in a database search. Most commonly, the most important parts of a PICO(T) question for searching are the P, I, and O. 
• After developing a "starter" list of search terms, you can then begin brainstorming your search strategy for combining terms with OR or AND, and using other techniques such as a truncation (i.e. a keyword search for  letharg* will also find articles with the term lethargic or lethargy ):
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The PICOT Question

• Why Does PICOT Matter?
• What is PICOT?
• PICOT Practice
• PICOT & Research
• Additional Resources

What Is It?

PICOT is a clinical search strategy that assists in the decision-making process in evidence-based practice (EBP). It is a specific, foreground question composed of elements that form an acronym. The P stands for patient/population/problem, the I stands for intervention or exposure, the C stands for comparison (standard of care, another intervention, or control/placebo group), and the O stands for outcome (which should be something measurable if possible). Though optional ,  T for time can also be included as an element of your question if your topic or research allows.

What Does It Mean?

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