Forming a clinical question using the PICO format
PICO (Patient/problem, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) Question Worksheet
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Elements of a Good Question |
Example |
Your Question: |
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Patient or Problem: How would you describe a group of patients similar to yours? What are the characteristics of the patient? |
In postmenopausal women |
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Intervention, Exposure, Prognostic Factor: What main intervention are you considering? What do you want to do with this patient? |
Topical vaginal estrogen |
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Comparison: What is the main alternative being considered, if any? (There is not always a comparison, such as in prognosis and etiology questions.) |
Placebo |
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Outcome: What are you trying to accomplish, improve or affect? |
Reduction in vaginal dryness and dyspareunia |
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Final PICO question:
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