This guide will explain how to use the PICO framework to improve your evidence based research process. PICO helps by:
Framing a research question in a way that makes the question both:
The PICO format also allows you to clearly articulate the major topics your search must cover.
P = population/patient/problem
(teenagers, the elderly, nursing home residents, persons with depression, lung cancer)
I = intervention
(therapy, drugs, surgery)
C = comparison
(traditional therapy, other drugs, non-invasive treatment)
O = outcome
(improved quality of life, symptom reduction, activities of daily living, longevity)
The PICO model is primarily used for clinical questions measuring the impact of a specific therapy or intervention.
The Other Question Formats page provides suggestions for other formats to use for more qualitative research, as well as variations on PICO that can make your search strategy more flexible.
If you use one of these other format options, please remember that you can follow all of the same steps we have laid out in this guide.