Brandel Library

NURS 4240: Research Process in Professional Nursing

Formulating the Question

Forumulating the Question Using PICO

It's important to develop a well-structured EBP question, because the question drives the strategies used to search for evidence. To construct an answerable EBP question use the PICO format:

 

 PICO(T):  Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, Time (optional)

Identifying Keywords and Database Search Terms

PICO frames the problem clearly and helps you identify keywords and database search terms. Review the example below:

In adults with chronic migraine pain, will meditation or relaxation exercises manage pain better than major over-the-counter pain relievers?