The PICO process (or framework) is a
mnemonic used in
evidence-based practice (and specifically
evidence-based medicine) to frame and answer a clinical or health care related question,[1] though it is also argued that PICO "can be used universally for every scientific endeavour in any discipline with all study designs".[2] The PICO framework is also used to develop literature search strategies, for instance in
systematic reviews.[3]
It was argued that PICO may be useful for every scientific endeavor even beyond clinical settings.[2] This proposal is based on a more abstract view of the PICO mnemonic, equating them with four components that is inherent to every single research, namely (1) research object; (2) application of a theory or method; (3) alternative theories or methods (or the
null hypothesis); and (4) the ultimate goal of knowledge generation.
Juxtaposing PICO with universal components of all research endeavors
PICO component
Abstract component inherent to all research designs
Problem
Research object
Intervention
Application of a theory or method
Comparison
Alternative theories or methods (or, in their absence, the null hypothesis)
Outcome
Knowledge generation
This proposition would imply that the PICO technique could be used for teaching
academic writing even beyond medical disciplines.
Examples
Clinical question: "In children with
headache, is
paracetamol more effective than
placebo against pain?"
Population = Children with headaches; keywords = children + headache
Clinical question: "Is the risk of having breast cancer higher in symptom-free women with a positive mammography compared to symptom-free women with a negative mammography?"[8]
Population = Women without a history of breast cancer
Investigated test result = Positive result on mammography
Comparator test result = Negative result on mammography
Outcome of interest = Breast cancer according to biopsy (or not)