PICO Research Question
The PICO method, sometimes called the PICOT method*, is a format for posing a clinical research question. Each letter in PICO stands for an important aspect of the question.
P - Population
What is the problem and who does this affect? What are the characteristics of the affected population?
I - Intervention
What treatment, therapy, or other intervention is being considered to treat the problem?
C - Comparison
What treatment, therapy, or other intervention (or lack of intervention) will be compared to the main intervention?
O - Outcome
What is the outcome achieved when the main intervention is applied as compared to the alternative?
* In the PICOT version of this method, the T stands for time. This aspect is optional and may be included in your research if it is significant to your clinical research question.