Pico Approach In Nursing

Using PICO framework In Evidence Based Practice And Research

Evidence-based practice (EBP) and research are quintessential guides that professional nurses use in the quest to deliver the best care and achieve optimal outcomes. The aim of EBP is to aid practitioners to structure care of patients with the best and most current evidence. The first step and basis of EBP is to determine there is a gap in the knowledge base to be able to ask an answerable question by forming a focused clinical question. The most useful tools to assist in forming a focused clinical question is the PICO model. This tool can be used to construct searchable questions as the initial step in using research data to guide decision-making. The tool lists search terms to look at the connection around an issue and intercessions to address the issue. Pico is a critical mnemonic that is used to form the vital parts of a well-built, clinical question. In 2011, a study was performed to determine the level of nursing knowledge concerning EBP and if nurses were advocates for EBP. The study asked nurses to answer questions regarding their literary research skills. Greater than 64% of nurses in the study gave positive feedback regarding EBP. The three top barriers regarding EBP

EBP is now accepted as the gold standard for professional nursing practice because patient outcome has improved (Flynn, 2015). A report from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in 2003 states that EBP is considered a core competency and in 2010 confirms EBP is a basic competency. The American Nurses Association (ANA) Standard of Practice along with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing has included the competency, as recommended by the IOM, for professional nurses as well (Long, 2003). There has never been a better time for nurses to further their education to meet the challenge of being competent is research and