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 |
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)?
Meaning
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.
| 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 infectio |
