Framing Questions

It is important to approach and answer problems effectively, using well thought out, attainable, and directed questions.

There are several steps to be taken while framing an "answerable" question and then answering it:

  1. Identify what you need to know and apply the PICO model
  2. Consider what basic type of question (therapy, diagnosis, etiology/harm, prognosis) is being asked
  3. Decide what study type would best answer your question
  4. Choose a database or source and execute search

1) The PICO(T) Model

The PICO(T) model is used to identify relevant information and fashion it into a directed question.

Population How do I describe my patient's problem?
Intervention/Exposure Treatment, test, exposure, or prognostic factor
Comparison/Control Alternate treatment or gold standard
Outcome What aspect of problem is being measured
Time for Outcome Time Frame

examples of PICO(T)

Population adult patients with stable angina
Intervention/Exposure nicorandil
Comparison/Control no treatment
Outcome reduction of coronary events
Time for Outcome 5 years

In adult patients with stable angina, is nicorandil, versus no treatment, effective in reducing coronary events over the next five years?