By using this methodology to search for studies or peer reviewed articles, you improve your research and find relevant materials faster.
PICO is a mnemonic used to describe the four elements most used to formulate a good clinical foreground question:
PATIENT OR PROBLEM
How would you describe a group of patients similar to yours? What are the most important characteristics of the patient?
INTERVENTION, EXPOSURE, PROGNOSTIC FACTOR
What main intervention, exposure, or prognostic factor may be considered?
COMPARISON
Is there a main alternative to be compared with the intervention? This is an optional element. If you are comparing two different treatments/devices/tests, you'll want the second option as part of your clinical question.
OUTCOME
What are you trying to accomplish, measure, improve or affect?
The steps for completing a PICO search:
1. Formulate the PICO (research) question (This may change during your reviewing of the literature.)
2. Identify keywords, Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) or controlled vocabulary, and synonyms for each PICO element. (See PICO Search Example and PICO blank grid or worksheet in the left facet, by opening "Understanding PICO, "PICO Search Strategy....") If you need help filling out the PICO Search Grid provided for you, email your Respiratory Care Librarian. We can work together through email or a Zoom meeting and in-person too!
3. Plan the search strategy or string (Use PICO strategy grid sheet)
4. Execute the searches (Use library databases found under "Finding Articles ....," library catalog, Google Scholar)
5. Refine the results
6. Review the literature
7. Assess or appraise the evidence
