The PICO(T) Framework is highly recommended for developing clinical questions. PICO(T) is a mnemonic outlining the information essential for finding strong evidence.
The PICO(T) Framework
P | Patient or Problem | Who is the patient or what is the problem? |
I/E |
Intervention OR Exposure |
What intervention will be investigated? What potentially harmful factors will be investigated? |
C | *Comparator | What alternative is being investigated? |
O | Outcome | What outcome is desired? |
(T) | **Timeframe | How long to achieve the outcome OR length of time |
*This element is often the standard, or no, intervention, so may not be necessary to include..
**This element is optional. It could include the length of time since diagnosis, to outcome, or the follow-up time
Federated Searches
The federated, open-source search engines linked here are designed to let clinicands search all categories (preappraised & non-appraised) of resources.
When secondary literature is not available for a topic, primary literature must be identified and critically appraised by the clinician. The appraisal process evaluates a study's research methods and determines whether its results can be trusted. The tools linked here are designed too help clinicians systematically evaluate primary sources.
Newton Gresham Library | (936) 294-1614 | (866) NGL-INFO | Ask a Question | Share a Suggestion
Sam Houston State University | Huntsville, Texas 77341 | (936) 294-1111 | (866) BEARKAT
© Copyright Sam Houston State University | All rights reserved. | A Member of The Texas State University System