76 NURSING PICOT Question Ideas with PICO Examples on evidence-based practice

In all nursing levels (BSN, MSN, or DNP), you are required to begin your research queries using an evidence-based practice framework developed from a well-constructed PICOT question. Here we’ll show you how to formulate a PICO Question and provide some elaborative PICOT Question Examples for DNP, NP and BSN Students.

What is a Nursing PICO (T) QUESTION?

The word PICOT is a mnemonic derived from the elements of a clinical research question – patient, intervention, comparison, outcome and (sometimes) time. The PICOT process begins with a case scenario, and the question is phrased to elicit an answer. Using the PICOT process helps develop a careful and thoughtful question that makes the search for evidence easier, the University of Oxford’s world-renowned Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine said.

“The well-formed question makes it relatively straightforward to elicit and combine the appropriate terms needed to represent your need for information in the query language of whichever searching service is available to you,” the University of Oxford author said. “Once you have formed the question using the PICO structure, you can think about what type of question it is you are asking, and therefore what type of research would provide the best answer.” cebm.ox.ac.uk(opens in a new tab)

The PICOT process begins with a case scenario, and the question is phrased to elicit an answer. This crucial step helps in developing a careful and thoughtful question that makes the search for evidence easier. By using the PICOT process, healthcare professionals can streamline their research and identify the most appropriate type of study to answer their questions.

“The question needs to identify the patient or population we intend to study, the intervention or treatment we plan to use, the comparison of one intervention to another (if applicable) and the outcome we anticipate,” wrote Kathy A. Jensen, MHA, RN in EBSCO Health’s whitepaper, ‘7 Steps To The Perfect Pico Search.’ This clear and concise formulation of the question allows researchers to focus on the specific elements that are relevant to their study. https://www.ebsco.com/blogs/health-notes/seven-steps-perfect-pico-search

Once a well-structured question is formulated, researchers will be in a better position to search the literature for evidence that will support their original PICO question. The University of Oxford’s world-renowned Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine emphasizes the importance of a well-formed question in facilitating a more targeted and efficient search for information.

How can the components of PICOT questions be used in clinical decision-making?

Using the PICOT process not only aids in the development of a well-structured question but also helps in determining the most appropriate type of study. The types of studies that can be considered include meta-analysis, systematic review, randomized controlled trial, cohort study, case-control study, and case report. This thoughtful and systematic approach ensures that researchers obtain the best available evidence to support clinical decisions and explore alternative treatments and procedures. The PICOT process, allows healthcare professionals to develop a carefully crafted question that serves as a guide in their research. By identifying the specific components of the question and considering the most suitable study type, researchers can streamline their search for evidence and make informed clinical decisions.

Creating a Clinical Question: NURSING PICOT Question

It is important for PICOT questions to be specific and precise because it helps researchers to narrow down their focus and target the most relevant evidence. Specific and precise questions enable researchers to identify the key variables and outcomes they are interested in, making it easier to find and apply evidence that directly addresses their research question. This enhances the validity and applicability of the research findings in nursing practice.

How can a well-structured PICOT question facilitate a seamless research process?

A well-structured PICOT question facilitates a seamless research process by providing clarity and focus. When the question is specific and precise, researchers can easily identify the relevant terms and concepts to use in their literature search. This streamlines the search process and ensures that the evidence gathered is directly applicable to the research question at hand.

How can PICOT questions meet the specific requirements of nursing schools?

PICOT questions can meet the specific requirements of nursing schools by considering the specific requirements of the institution. Nursing schools may have guidelines or expectations for developing arguments and supporting them with credible evidence. By aligning the formulation of PICOT questions with these requirements, students can demonstrate their ability to apply evidence-based practice in nursing education.

What are the fundamental elements for defining outstanding clinical questions that are researchable?

The components of PICOT questions are the fundamental elements for defining outstanding clinical questions that are researchable. These components include the patient or population being studied, the intervention or treatment being used, the comparison of interventions (if applicable), and the anticipated outcome. By incorporating these elements, researchers can formulate well-structured questions that guide their search for evidence.

How should PICOT questions be formulated to focus on the most relevant evidence for nursing practice?

PICOT questions should be concise to enable researchers to focus on the most relevant evidence. By formulating specific and precise questions, the research process can be streamlined, allowing researchers to identify and apply the most appropriate evidence in nursing practice.

How can a PICOT question be formulated to be specific and precise?

The PICOT process generally begins with a vague clinical query. Each element of the process helps develop a well-structured question. Once established, researchers can search for evidence that will help answer the inquiry. This blog post shows how to formulate a PICO Question with some elaborative PICOT question examples for DNP, NP and BSN. As you continue thestudycorp.com has the top and most qualified writers to help with any of your assignments. All you need to do is place an order with us. The elements of a PICOT question are crucial in formulating a specific and precise inquiry. To ensure clarity and effectiveness, it is essential to consider the following components:

• P (Patient, population or problem): This element focuses on identifying the specific patient, population, or problem under investigation. By clearly defining the target group, including relevant demographics and features, the researcher can narrow down the scope of the inquiry.
• I (Intervention): The intervention refers to the action or treatment being considered. It is vital to outline the specific intervention, such as diagnostic tests, therapies, or nursing interventions, to accurately address the research question.
• C (Comparison or control): Considering alternative strategies or controls against which the intervention will be compared is a critical aspect of a PICOT question. By including this element, researchers can assess the effectiveness of different approaches and determine the best course of action.
• O (Outcome or objective): The desired or expected outcome or objective of the intervention should be clearly defined. By identifying the intended result, researchers can focus on measuring the impact of the intervention accurately.
• T (Time frame): The timeframe allocated for implementing the intervention is another essential element of a PICOT question. Researchers need to specify the duration within which the desired outcome is expected to be achieved, allowing for a more precise assessment of the intervention’s effectiveness.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1098878377816976480

By diligently considering each component of the PICOT question, researchers can develop a carefully constructed query that guides their search for evidence. The meticulousness involved in the formulation process ensures that the inquiry is specific, precise, and tailored to the research objectives. This approach, endorsed by the University of Oxford’s Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, enriches the research process and facilitates the identification of relevant and reliable evidence to support nursing practice.

Example: PICO(T) Question and Search Strategy

7 Steps to the Perfect PICO Search Evidence-Based Nursing Practice –  Steps to the PICOT Question Formulation Process

In developing a PICOT question, researchers must identify a need or a reason for the study. In the EBSCO Health whitepaper, the general example used is this: A committee decides to conduct a case study to determine whether postoperative gum chewing for abdominal surgery patients can prevent postoperative ileus (lack of intestinal movement). With the scenario in mind, researchers use seven steps in the PICOT search:

1. Formulate the PICOT question in general terms: Based on the EBSCO Health example, the research question would be, “In patients recovering from abdominal surgery, is there evidence that suggests gum-chewing postoperatively, compared to not chewing gum, impacts postoperative ileus?”
2. Identify the keywords for the PICOT mnemonic: P – Patients recovering from abdominal surgery I – Gum chewing C – Not chewing gum O – Impacts post-operative ileus
3. Plan the search strategy: With the question in mind, researchers consider which databases and other search sites they might use to find information and answers. Researchers use strategies to maximize their search terms such as looking up synonyms and phrases that mean the same thing.
4. Execute a search: At first, researchers search each PICOT element individually. For example, when researching patients recovering from abdominal surgery, use the search terms “abdominal surgery,” but also consider the search terms “recovery and postoperative.”
5. Refine the results: Narrow the search results by limiting the works to pertinent content, such as articles from peer-reviewed journals or research documents.
6. Review the content: Review the research results to establish if they have the necessary information to answer the PICOT question.
7. Determine if research results meet standards: After reviewing the research results, determine whether they provide the best available evidence.

After the PICOT question is constructed and researched, the information garnered is used to determine which type of study is most appropriate. Study types include meta-analysis, systematic review, randomized controlled trial, cohort study, case-control study and case report. “The actual search for high-quality clinical research evidence can be overwhelming to many,” Jensen said in the EBSCO Health whitepaper. “By utilizing the PICO format, the search process will be streamlined and will yield the best available evidence to support clinical decisions and explore alternative treatments and procedures.”

8 DNP PICOT Question Examples and Ideas for evidence-based nursing project

Here’s a List of Selected DNP PICOT Question examples submitted in 2024;

1. 1. In adult patients diagnosed with bacterial infections, how does improving patient education regarding antibiotic therapy, disease process, and preventative measures for infection control affect the need for additional care or treatment/medication (patient outcome) within two weeks of initiating treatment?

1. 1. Among primary care providers how does education on autism spectrum disorders in adults compared to no education affect knowledge, attitudes and beliefs in providing care to this population?

1. 1. If or to what degree the implementation of the American Association of Diabetes Educators seventh edition (AADE7) healthy eating program would impact the pre-prandial blood glucose levels when compared to current practice among type II diabetic patients in a skilled nursing rehabilitation center in an urban area in New York

1. 1. In patients at a Veterans Administration outpatient facility, how does a nurse navigator program, compared to before the implementation of the nurse navigator program, increase patient engagement as measured by the PHE-s over a period of six weeks?

1. 1. In regards to COPD patients, 60-80 years of age who are nonadherent with their medication regimen. Does the use of teach-back technique decrease the number of exacerbation events during a 30-day period post educational intervention as compared to the 30-day period prior to using the teach-back technique?

1. 1. Do new nurse graduates (less than one year experience) in a hospital setting who experience an evidence-based empowerment program and orientation policy change, compared to no empowerment model, have increased feelings of workplace empowerment within 8 weeks?

1. 1. In Neonatal healthcare providers working in a NICU (Population) does an electronic hand off communication tool (Intervention) positively improve the discharge process and patient safety outcomes (Outcome) as compared with a paper hand off tool? (Compare).

1. 1. In patients suffering from low to mild chronic pain, do adjuvant therapies, when compared to current pain management practices, decrease overprescribing of opioids?

28 Evidence Based Practice PICOT Questions Examples and MSN PICOT Question Examples and Ideas

Here’s a list of MSN PICOT Questions formulated for different structures

1. 1. Does the bariatric adolescent patient undergoing gastric bypass have better continuity of care perioperatively and postoperatively when the nurse is a primary member of the multidisciplinary team versus when the nurse is a secondary member whose only role is in providing perioperative care and has no specialized training?

1. 1. In adult patients with total hip replacements (Patient population), how effective is PCA pain medication (Intervention of interest) compared to prn IM pain medication (Comparison intervention) in controlling post-operative pain (Outcome) during the perioperative and recovery time? Note: The IM pain medication would be called the control group. It would be unethical to have a control group that received NO pain medication. Many times the control group means they get “business as usual!” or the current standard of care.

1. 1. Therapy PICOT Question Example, a non-intervention example: What is the duration of recovery (O) for patients with total hip replacement (P) who developed a post-operative infection (I) as opposed to those who did not (C) within the first six weeks of recovery (T)?

1. 1.  Aetiology PICOT Question Examples: Are kids (P) who have obese adoptive parents (I) at Increased risk for obesity (O) compared with kids (P) without obese adoptive parents (C) during the ages of five and 18 (T)?

1. 1. Diagnostic PICOT Question Example: Is a PKU test (I) done on two-week-old infants (P) more accurate in diagnosing inborn errors in metabolism (O) compared with PKU tests done at 24 hours of age (C)? Time is implied in two weeks and 24 hours old.

1. 1. Prevention PICOT Question Example: In OR nurses doing a five-minute scrub (P) what are the differences in the presence and types of microbes (O) found on natural polished nails and nail beds (I) and artificial nails (C) at the time of surgery (T)?

1. 1. Prognosis/Prediction PICOT Question Examples: Does telemonitoring blood pressure (I) in urban African Americans with hypertension (P) improve blood pressure control (O) within the six months of initiation of the medication (T)?

1. 1. Meaning PICOT Question Example: (picot question examples nursing) How do pregnant women (P) newly diagnosed with diabetes (I) perceive reporting their blood sugar levels (O) to their healthcare providers during their pregnancy and six weeks postpartum (T)?

1. 1. P: In adult patients with type 2 diabetes (P), how does regular exercise (I) compare to medication therapy (C) in controlling blood glucose levels (O) over a 6-month period (T)?

1. 1. P: Among pregnant women (P), does prenatal yoga (I) have a greater impact on reducing stress and anxiety (O) compared to standard prenatal exercises (C)?

1. 1. P: In adolescent smokers (P), how does a smoking cessation program (I) compare to nicotine replacement therapy (C) in achieving long-term smoking cessation (O) within a 1-year follow-up (T)?

1. 1. P: Among elderly patients with chronic pain (P), does acupuncture (I) provide better pain relief (O) compared to traditional pain medications (C) within a 3-month treatment period (T)?

1. 1. P: In post-operative patients (P), does the use of multimodal analgesia (I) lead to reduced opioid consumption (O) compared to traditional opioid-based pain management (C) during the first 48 hours post-surgery (T)?

1. 1. P: In children diagnosed with ADHD (P), does behavioral therapy (I) result in better academic performance (O) compared to pharmacological treatment (C) over a 12-month period (T)?

1. 1. P: Among elderly patients with insomnia (P), does melatonin supplementation (I) improve sleep quality (O) compared to sleep hygiene education (C) within a 4-week intervention (T)?

1. 1. P: In hospitalized patients with pressure ulcers (P), does the use of specialized wound dressings (I) promote faster wound healing (O) compared to standard dressings (C) within a 2-week treatment period (T)?

1. 1. P: Among pregnant women with gestational diabetes (P), does a low-carbohydrate diet (I) lead to better glycemic control (O) compared to a standard diabetic diet (C) during pregnancy (T)?

1. 1. P: In patients with major depressive disorder (P), does cognitive-behavioral therapy (I) result in a greater reduction in depressive symptoms (O) compared to antidepressant medication (C) within a 6-month treatment period (T)?

1. 1. What is the impact of a mindfulness intervention program (I) compared to a relaxation technique (C) on reducing stress levels (O) among college students (P) within a 10-week timeframe (T)?

1. 1. Does the implementation of a nurse-led education program (I) in comparison to standard care (C) result in improved self-management behaviors (O) among patients with type 2 diabetes (P) over a six-month period (T)?

1. 1. How does the use of virtual reality therapy (I) compared to traditional physical therapy (C) affect pain management (O) in post-operative orthopedic patients (P) during the first two weeks after surgery (T)?

1. 1. What is the effectiveness of a nurse-led smoking cessation program (I) compared to pharmacological interventions alone (C) in achieving long-term smoking cessation (O) among adult smokers (P) over a one-year follow-up period (T)?

1. 1. Does the implementation of bedside rounding (I) when compared to traditional rounding methods (C) improve patient satisfaction (O) among hospitalized elderly patients (P) within a four-week timeframe (T)?

1. 1. What is the impact of a structured exercise program (I) in comparison to usual care (C) on functional independence (O) among stroke survivors (P) three months after discharge (T)?

1. 1. Does the use of telehealth services (I) compared to in-person appointments (C) lead to a decrease in hospital readmission rates (O) among heart failure patients (P) within a 30-day post-discharge period (T)?

1. 1. What is the effect of implementing a comprehensive falls prevention program (I) compared to standard fall prevention measures (C) on reducing fall rates (O) among older adults residing in long-term care facilities (P) over a six-month timeframe (T)?

1. 1. Does the administration of prophylactic antibiotics (I) in comparison to no antibiotics (C) reduce the incidence of surgical site infections (O) among patients undergoing elective orthopedic surgery (P) within a perioperative period of 48 hours (T)?

1. 1. What is the impact of implementing a nurse-led pain management protocol (I) compared to physician-directed pain management (C) on opioid consumption (O) among postoperative patients (P) within the first 24 hours after surgery (T)?

40 BSN PICOT Question Examples for EBP Capstone Projects

Here are 40 BSN Nursing PICOT questions perfect for your BSN Nursing Capstone Projects

1. 1. In adult patients with type 2 diabetes (P), does regular exercise (I) compared to standard care (C) result in better glycemic control (O) over a period of 6 months (T)?

1. 1. In elderly patients with chronic pain (P), does acupuncture (I) compared to pharmacological interventions (C) lead to reduced pain intensity (O) within 4 weeks (T)?

1. 1. In pregnant women with gestational hypertension (P), does magnesium sulfate administration (I) compared to standard treatment (C) reduce the risk of eclampsia (O) during labor and delivery (T)?

1. 1. In children with asthma (P), does regular use of inhaled corticosteroids (I) compared to as-needed use (C) result in fewer acute exacerbations (O) within 1 year (T)?

1. 1. In patients undergoing cardiac surgery (P), does early ambulation (I) compared to bedrest (C) decrease the incidence of postoperative complications (O) within the first week (T)?

1. 1. In cancer patients receiving chemotherapy (P), does the use of antiemetic drugs (I) compared to placebo (C) prevent nausea and vomiting (O) during treatment (T)?

1. 1. In older adults with Alzheimer’s disease (P), does cognitive stimulation therapy (I) compared to usual care (C) improve cognitive function (O) over a period of 3 months (T)?

1. 1. In postpartum women with breastfeeding difficulties (P), does the use of nipple shields (I) compared to latch techniques alone (C) increase exclusive breastfeeding rates (O) within 2 weeks (T)?

1. 1. In critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation (P), does daily oral care with chlorhexidine (I) compared to saline solution (C) reduce the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (O) within 30 days (T)?

1. 1. In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does dietary restriction of phosphorus (I) compared to unrestricted intake (C) slow the progression of renal dysfunction (O) over a period of 6 months (T)?

1. 1. In adolescents with depression (P), does cognitive-behavioral therapy (I) compared to pharmacotherapy alone (C) lead to improved depressive symptoms (O) within 12 weeks (T)?

1. 1. In patients with congestive heart failure (P), does daily weight monitoring (I) compared to usual care (C) reduce the number of hospital readmissions (O) within 6 months (T)?

1. 1. In individuals with chronic low back pain (P), does yoga (I) compared to physical therapy (C) result in greater pain relief (O) after 8 weeks (T)?

1. 1. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (P), does the use of biologic agents (I) compared to traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (C) improve joint function (O) within 3 months (T)?

1. 1. In postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (P), does regular weight-bearing exercise (I) compared to no exercise (C) increase bone mineral density (O) over a period of 1 year (T)?

1. 1. In infants with neonatal jaundice (P), does phototherapy (I) compared to breastfeeding alone (C) lower serum bilirubin levels (O) within 48 hours (T)?

1. 1. In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P), does pulmonary rehabilitation (I) compared to standard care (C) improve exercise tolerance (O) within 3 months (T)?

1. 1. In individuals with obesity (P), does a low-carbohydrate diet (I) compared to a low-fat diet (C) result in greater weight loss (O) over a period of 6 months (T)?

1. 1. In elderly patients with hip fractures (P), does early surgical intervention (I) compared to delayed surgery (C) decrease mortality rates (O) within 30 days (T)?

1. 1. In patients with hypertension (P), does mindfulness-based stress reduction (I) compared to relaxation techniques (C) lower blood pressure (O) after 8 weeks (T)?

1. 1. In adult patients with diabetes (P), does regular exercise (I) compared to no exercise (C) result in improved glycemic control (O) within a 12-week period (T)?

1. 1. Among pregnant women (P), does prenatal yoga (I) compared to standard prenatal care (C) reduce the incidence of gestational hypertension (O) during the third trimester (T)?

1. 1. In elderly patients with chronic pain (P), does acupuncture (I) compared to pharmacological interventions (C) lead to a decrease in pain severity (O) over a six-month period (T)?

1. 1. Among pediatric patients with asthma (P), does inhaler education and counseling (I) compared to standard asthma management (C) lead to a decrease in emergency room visits (O) over a one-year period (T)?

1. 1. In post-operative patients (P), does early ambulation (I) compared to bed rest (C) reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (O) within the first 48 hours post-surgery (T)?

1. 1. Among ICU patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (P), does oral care with chlorhexidine (I) compared to standard oral care (C) decrease the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (O) during their ICU stay (T)?

1. 1. In adults with hypertension (P), does a low-sodium diet (I) compared to a normal-sodium diet (C) lower blood pressure levels (O) over a four-week period (T)?

1. 1. Among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy (P), does the use of ginger supplements (I) compared to placebo (C) reduce the severity and frequency of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (O) during the treatment period (T)?

1. 1. In elderly patients with dementia (P), does music therapy (I) compared to standard care (C) improve cognitive function (O) over a six-month period (T)?

1. 1. Among postpartum women (P), does breastfeeding (I) compared to formula feeding (C) reduce the risk of postpartum depression (O) within the first eight weeks post-delivery (T)?

1. 1. In patients with heart failure (P), does telemonitoring (I) compared to standard care (C) decrease hospital readmissions (O) within a three-month period (T)?

1. 1. Among obese adolescents (P), does a structured exercise program (I) compared to no structured exercise (C) result in weight loss (O) over a six-month period (T)?

1. 1. In adults with chronic migraines (P), does acupuncture (I) compared to medication therapy (C) reduce the frequency and severity of migraines (O) over a three-month period (T)?

1. 1. Among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P), does pulmonary rehabilitation (I) compared to usual care (C) improve exercise tolerance (O) within a six-week period (T)?

1. 1. In patients undergoing total knee replacement (P), does preoperative education and counseling (I) compared to no preoperative education (C) enhance postoperative recovery (O) within a four-week period (T)?

1. 1. Among adolescents with mental health disorders (P), does mindfulness meditation (I) compared to cognitive-behavioral therapy (C) improve overall well-being (O) over a three-month period (T)?

1. 1. In diabetic patients with foot ulcers (P), does honey dressings (I) compared to conventional dressings (C) promote faster wound healing (O) within a two-month period (T)?

1. 1. Among stroke patients (P), does early rehabilitation intervention (I) compared to delayed rehabilitation intervention (C) improve functional outcomes (O) within a six-month period (T)?

In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does a low-protein diet (I) compared to a standard protein diet (C) slow the progression of kidney disease (O) over a one-year period (T)? Among elderly patients in long-term care facilities (P), does regular social activities and engagement (I) compared to limited social interaction (C) improve quality of life (O) over a six-month period (T)?

PICO(T) Model & Question Types

Use this table to understand how to ask different types of PICOT questions.

Frequently Asked Questions about NURSING PICOT Question Ideas

1. What is a PICOT question in nursing research?

A PICOT question is a specific type of clinical research question that is structured to guide the search for evidence and the development of appropriate interventions. PICOT stands for Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Timeframe.

2. How can I develop a research question using the PICOT framework?

Start by identifying the Population you are interested in, the Intervention or treatment being considered, the Comparison, Outcome you hope to achieve, and the Timeframe within which you expect to see results.

3. Why is formulating a PICOT question important in evidence-based practice?

Formulating a clear PICOT question is crucial in evidence-based practice as it helps focus the search for relevant evidence, guides the decision-making process, and ensures that interventions are based on best available evidence.

4. Can a PICOT question help in diagnosing patients?

While a PICOT question is primarily used to guide research and evidence-based practice, it can indirectly contribute to improved diagnoses by promoting the use of appropriate interventions and treatments supported by evidence.

5. What are some examples of PICOT questions in nursing research?

Examples of PICOT questions could include inquiries about the effectiveness of specific nursing interventions for managing hypertension in cancer patients, or the impact of blood pressure monitoring on patient care outcomes.

6. How can nursing students effectively use the PICOT framework in their studies?

Nursing students can use the PICOT framework to develop focused research questions related to nursing practice, identify gaps in knowledge, and integrate evidence-based approaches into their academic and clinical work.

7. Where can I find resources to help me formulate a PICOT question?

You can explore libguides or research guides provided by

Sources

EBSCO Health, “7 Steps to The Perfect Pico Search” University of Oxford, “Asking Focused Questions”