Definition: Evidence-Based Practice integrates best current evidence with clinical expertise and patient/family preferences and values for delivery of optimal health care. — QSEN Institute
PICO(T) is a process used in evidence-based practice to help formulate questions.
Frame the question: Does hand washing reduce hospital acquired infections during stays of more than 14 days?
| PICO(T) Elements | Example |
|---|---|
| P (patient/problem) | Hospital acquired infection |
| I (intervention) | Hand washing |
| C (comparison) | No hand washing, other solutions, masks |
| O (outcome) | Reduced infection |
| T (time) *may not always be relevant | Long term stays |
Create a search strategy: Use Boolean Operators AND, OR
| Boolean Operator | Search Terms | Results |
|---|---|---|
|
AND (narrows search) |
handwashing AND infection |
Retrieves citations with BOTH terms present |
|
OR (expands search) |
cross infection OR hospital infection |
Retrieves citations with either/any of the terms |
|
AND, OR |
handwashing OR hand washing AND cross infection OR hospital infection |
Retrieves citations with either form of handwashing, then searches those records for cross infection or hospital infection |
