This page shows how to formulate an answerable question to use in database searches using PICO.
A well formed clinical question covers the following areas (PICO):
Examples of formulating questions using PICO:
| Patient/Population/Problem | Intervention/Exposure/ Prognostic Factor | Comparison | Outcome |
|
adult patient with sleep bruxism |
occlusal splint |
n/a* |
reduce jaw muscle discomfort |
|
patient with Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome |
Botox |
mouthguard |
alleviate pain, joint clicking, and muscle tenderness |
Questions:
1. In an adult patient with sleep bruxism, will an occlusal splint reduce jaw muscle discomfort?
2. In patients with Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome, will Botox, as compared with a mouthguard, alleviate pain, joint clicking, and muscle tenderness?
*Note that there does not always have to be a comparison
The video below provides demonstrations as to how to develop effective clinical and research questions using PICOT.
