how to write a research question using pico

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Ask the Question

Formulating a question using pico.

Often our need for information is not formulated as a question to begin with - but if you don't ask a question, it is probably fair to say you will not get an answer! Asking the right question is an important start to finding the information needed to inform clinical practice.

Structuring the question is the first step. Vague, broad, poorly framed questions will most likely result in lost time and an inability to locate useful evidence. In comparison, asking a specific and focused question enables the development of relevant keywords and an effective search strategy.

Most questions can be broken down into three or four components that describe the population, the intervention or treatment (and sometimes an alternative treatment), and the outcome you want to investigate. This is known as the PICO method, and it is widely used by health researchers, healthcare professionals, and related collaborations such as those in The Cochrane Library, to construct searchable questions that give relevant and precise results.

The table below shows how the PICO method is used.

The acronym is sometimes given as PICOT where T stands for time, type of study, or test; or PECOT where E stands for the exposure group, C for the control group and T for time, type of study, or test.

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PICO- What's in a queston?

The PICOT question format is a consistent "formula" for developing answerable, researchable questions.

how to write a research question using pico

Note: Not every question will have an intervention (as in a meaning question) or time (when it is implied in another part of the question) component.

PICO(T) Templates

Template for Asking PICOT Questions

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)?

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.

Develop your Research Question

The PICO(T) Question

A clinical question that is composed using the PICO or PICOT format will help you to focus your search and help you to develop your research skills which are essential in finding the best available evidence.

The most common PICO(T) elements are:

P - Population

How you would describe a group of people with a similar problem or complaint.

I - Intervention

How you plan to treat, medicate, diagnose and/or observe the patient's care.

C - Comparison (if applicable)

The main intervention alternative you are considering (i.e. placebo, alternative therapy, different drug, surgery).

O - Outcome

The result from proposed treatment that is measurable, including improvement of symptoms,no symptoms, or complications.

(T) - Time (if applicable)

The time frame of treatment and/or measurable outcome.

In order be successful in using Evidence Based Practice (EBP) you will need to learn how to develop well-composed clinical questions. By formatting your research question in a PICO(T) format you can gather evidence relevant to your patient's problem. Well-composed PICO(T) questions generally contain up to four components each represented in the acronym " PICO(T)" P=Patient or Population and Problem; I=Intervention or Indicator; C=Comparison or Control (not part of all questions); O=Outcome; T=Time or Type.

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Last Updated: Sep 16, 2024 9:25 AM
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Developing Your Question

Developing your research question is one of the most important steps in the review process. At this stage in the process, you and your team have identified a knowledge gap in your field and are aiming to answer a specific question, such as

If X is prescribed, then Y will happen to patients?

OR assess an intervention

How does X affect Y?

OR synthesize the existing evidence

What is the nature of X?

Whatever your aim, formulating a clear, well-defined research question of appropriate scope is key to a successful review. The research question will be the foundation of your review and from it your research team will identify 2-5 possible search concepts. These search concepts will later be used to build your search strategy.

PICOT Questions

Formulating a research question takes time and your team may go through different versions until settling on the right research question. A research question framework can help structure your systematic review question.

PICO/T is an acronym which stands for

P Population/Problem
I Intervention/Exposure
C Comparison
O Outcome
T Time

Each PICO includes at least a P, I, and an O, and some include a C or a T. Below are some sample PICO/T questions to help you use the framework to your advantage.

For an intervention/therapy

In _______(P), what is the effect of _______(I) on ______(O) compared with

Visual representation of the PICO/T Question Framework. text reads: P - Population/Problem; I - Intervention/Exposure; C - Comparison; O - Outcome; T - Time

_______(C) within ________ (T)?

For etiology