The key to finding appropriate evidence is to ask a searchable, answerable question. The PICO framework is often used as a guide for asking clinical questions.
| P = patient, problem, population |
| I = intervention |
| C = comparison intervention, control |
| O = outcome(s) |
Have you noticed resources that refer to PICOT instead of PICO? Some EBP experts add T to the standard PICO framework. The T usually stands for time and can be helpful in making sure you're thinking of the appropriate time frame for your intervention and/or outcomes.
Video created by Show Me The Evidence.
You are working with a recent stroke patient who is having balance issues and you are considering using virtual reality in their therapy.
P = recent stroke, balance issues
I = virtual reality
C = no virtual reality
O = improved balance
"In recent stroke patients, how does using virtual reality affect or improve balance?"
You are providing physical therapy for a patient with knee pain and are considering adding transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to their rehabilitation plan.
P = knee pain
I = TENS + strengthening exercises
C = strengthening exercises alone
O = pain levels
"In patients with knee pain, how does using strengthening exercises plus TENS compare to strengthening exercises alone in affecting pain levels?"