POPULATION, INTERVENTION, COMPARISON, OUTCOME (PICO) TEMPLATE
PICO SEARCH STRATEGY
Define your question using PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome).
Population:
Intervention:
Comparison:
Outcome:
Write out your question.
List the main topics and terms from your question that you can use to search.
1.
2.
Place an X next to the type of study/publication you want to include in your search. Select
all that apply.
__ Systematic Review or Meta-Analysis
__ Clinical Practice Guidelines
__ Critically Appraised Research Studies
__ Individual Research Studies
Place an X next to the databases you searched. Select all that apply. You can add databases
if the database is not listed.
__ EBSCO
__ ProQuest
__ CINAHL with Full Text
__ Other
Thoughts on how the topic is linked to evidenced-based practice and include Biblical integration.
Reference citations, as appropriate using current APA format.
This form is adapted from: Syrene A. Miller, PICO Worksheet and Search Strategy, National Center for Dental Hygiene Research
PICO
Question
40 to >36 pts
Advanced
The question is correctly framed.
Library
Search
15 to >13 pts
Advanced
Three to five applicable references are included
Paragraph
APA
Format
15 to >13 pts
Advanced
An appropriate paragraph is included with Biblical integration
30 to >27 pts
Advanced
Mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence structure, current APA format of
citations, and reference list are generally free of errors.
POPULATION, INTERVENTION, COMPARISON, OUTCOME (PICO) ASSIGNMENT
INSTRUCTIONS
OVERVIEW
Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) is a mnemonic that can assist to
determine the important segments of a research question. This also helps to formulate the search
strategy through identification of key concepts that can assist in answering the question. The
PICO format is widely used in healthcare in both clinical and non-clinical environments.
INSTRUCTIONS
You will create a compelling, searchable research question using the Population, Intervention,
Comparison, Outcome (PICO) Template. Use the PICO format, as outlined in the course
reading and study. The clearer your PICO question, the easier it is to find the best pertinent
articles and to write a complete a review of the literature.
Items to include are outlined as follows:
•
•
•
•
Length of assignment
o One page
o Excluding cover/title page and reference page
APA Format
Number of citations
Acceptable sources
o Scholarly articles published within the last five years
Your assignment is to complete the following.
Review the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) Template and fill in the
blanks completely.
1. Define the question by identifying each part of the acronym PICO – Population,
Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome.
2. Write out the complete question in one complete sentence
3. List the main topics from the question
4. Place an X next to the types of studies you have researched
5. Place an X next to the databases used to search the topics
6. One paragraph on how the topic is linked to evidenced-based practice
7. Include 3-5 peer reviewed primary research articles as related to your topic in APA
format
8. Integrate Biblical verse within the paragraph
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.