Step 1: Question

Outcome

The fourth part of the PICO method of question formulation addresses outcomes. What do you anticipate as an outcome?

  • For example one, an expected outcome might be that newly graduated registered nurses obtaining baccalaureate degrees in nursing more frequently choose careers in med-surg units.
  • In example two, an expected outcome might be that the administration of oral sucrose for pediatric pain results in a decrease in behavioral pain response scores.
  • And in our third example, an expected outcome might be that the combined approach to discharge teaching decreases hospital readmissions

Questions to ask

  • What is the effect of the intervention?
  • Ask, "What do I hope to accomplish?" or
  • "What could this exposure affect?"

 

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