PICOT is an acronym used to help develop clinical research questions and guide you in your search for evidence. Finding the right answers requires the right questions. The PICOT format will help you construct questions that will likely lead to effective searches, the best available evidence of interventions, and the meaningfulness of patient experiences.
P = Patient population
I = Intervention or issue of interest
C = Comparison of interventions or comparison of interests
O = Outcome
T = Time frame (this element is not always included)*
For example, you may wish to research the effects of interrupted sleep on cognition of ICU patients 65 or older.
Using this PICOT model,
In __________(P), how does __________ (I) compared to _________ (C) influence _________ (O) over ________ (T)?
In ICU patients who are 65 or older, how does interrupted sleep (awakened one time or more in four hours) as compared to uninterrupted sleep influence the patient’s cognitive ability over 5 days?
Questions of meaningfulness and effectiveness relate to how people experience an intervention or phenomenon.
What is the effectiveness of using a turn schedule (I) versus an audible public address reminder (C) on the incidence of pressure ulcers (O) in elderly patients in LTAC who require turning (P)?
*Not all studies will have a time frame. This is optional to include as part of your PICOT.
Assignment Directions
Select a topic in nursing that is of interest to you. (I chose Diabetes)
Use PICOT to format a possible research question about that topic.
Create one possible PICOT research question.
Find one quantitative or qualitative peer-reviewed research article related to your nursing topic that was published within the last 5 years. Reminder: All peer-reviewed research articles have methods, discussion, and results sections.
Upload the article with your paper in PDF format. This source can be used again in the Week 4 article assignment if it meets the criteria.
See PICOT Formatting Guide Download PICOT Formatting Guideor pages 249-257 in your book for additional help with formatting your PICOT.
Include the following:
Title page
Provide a brief description of the topic and background information (see page 37 of your textbook). You can use your text, your peer-reviewed journal source, or the EBP care sheets in the CINAHL or Nursing Reference Center Database.
Explain the significance of the topic to nursing practice (see chart on page 37 of your textbook). Background information can be found in journal articles in the introduction section. Results and conclusions will speak to the significance of the topic. The EBP care sheets may have sources for you to choose from.
Provide 1 clearly stated PICOT question.
Include 1 peer-reviewed journal source related to your topic.
The chosen topic and PICOT will be used for your Week 9 poster assignment. It will also guide your article searches in Week 4 on which you will complete appraisals in Week 6.
Your paper should:
Be 2–3 pages (not including the title page and reference page)
Use the current APA format to style your paper and to cite your source.
Attached is a Picot Examplar Paper Download Picot Examplar Paper as an example of the format.
There will be a 5 point deduction if peer-reviewed research journal article is not used and a 5 point deduction if the article is not included with your submission.
Review the rubric for further information on how your assignment will be graded.
Clinical Issue and Research Questions Developed Using PICOT Rubric
Clinical Issue and Research Questions Developed Using PICOT Rubric
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeTopic
Topic/ Relevance to Nursing
50 to >43.0 pts
Meets or Exceeds Expectations
A clear and succinct description of the topic is presented. Background information is relevant and specific to the topic. The significance of the topic to nursing practice is explained clearly and is supported with examples.
43 to >35.0 pts
Mostly Meets Expectations
A description of the topic is presented but may be ambiguous or confusing. Some background information is provided, but more is needed for a full explanation. The significance of the topic to nursing practice is somewhat explained and may not be supported with examples.
35 to >27.0 pts
Below Expectations
A description of the topic is presented but is ambiguous or confusing. Some background information is provided, but more is needed for a full explanation. The significance of the topic to nursing practice is somewhat explained but is not supported with examples.
27 to >0 pts
Does Not Meet Expectations
An unclear description of the topic is presented or is missing. No background information is provided. The significance of the topic to nursing practice is not explained.
50 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomePICOT Research Questions
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome PICOT Research Questions
85 to >73.1 pts
Meets or Exceeds Expectations
All research questions are accurately framed as complete PICOT questions. PICOT questions provide a clear and specific focus for research within the topic. One peer-reviewed journal source related to the topic is included with assignment submission.
73.1 to >59.5 pts
Mostly Meets Expectations
Only some research questions are framed as PICOT questions, or some PICOT questions are incomplete. PICOT questions provide a vague or unclear focus for research that may not be within the topic. One peer-reviewed journal source is included but not related to the topic.
59.5 to >45.9 pts
Below Expectations
Few questions are framed as PICOT questions, or are incomplete. PICOT questions provide a vague or unclear focus for research that is not within the topic. One journal source is included but it is not peer-reviewed.
45.9 to >0 pts
Does Not Meet Expectations
Research questions are missing or are not framed as PICOT questions. Peer-reviewed journal source is not included.
85 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAPA and Mechanics
15 to >12.9 pts
Meets or Exceeds Expectations
Follows all the requirements related to format, length, source citations, and layout. Written in a clear, concise, formal, and organized manner. Responses are mostly error free. Information from sources is paraphrased appropriately and accurately cited.
12.9 to >10.5 pts
Mostly Meets Expectations
Follows length requirement and most of the requirements related to format, source citations, and layout. Writing is generally clear and organized but is not concise or formal in language. Multiple errors exist in spelling and grammar with minor interference with readability or comprehension. Most information from sources is paraphrased and cited correctly.
10.5 to >8.1 pts
Below Expectations
Follows few requirements related to format, source citations, and layout. Writing may be unclear or informal in language. Multiple errors exist in spelling and grammar, interfering with readability or comprehension. Some information from sources is paraphrased and cited correctly.
8.1 to >0 pts
Does Not Meet Expectations
Follows few requirements related to format, source citations, and layout. Writing may be unclear or informal in language. Multiple errors exist in spelling and grammar, interfering with readability or comprehension. Some information from sources is paraphrased and cited correctly.
15 pts
Total Points: 150
