Searching: Research frameworks

Learn some useful search techniques, improve your search results and confidently undertake research using the Library Search or databases.

Research frameworks can help you generate keywords, search terms and define your research question. PICO and PEO are primarily used for health and life sciences subjects.

PICO (quantitative framework)

To use PICO, answer each quantitative theme:

 

Population or Problem

What is the population or problem?

Example: Hospital acquired infection

Intervention(s)

What is(are) the intervention(s) related to the Population / Problem?

Example: Handwashing

Counter-Intervention(s) or Comparison

What is (are) the related counter-intervention(s)?

Example: No handwashing; other solutions e.g. masks

Outcome measure(s)

What is(are) the outcome(s) of the Intervention(s)?

Example: Reduced Infection rates

PEO (qualitative framework)

To use PEO, answer each qualitative theme:

 

Population

What is the concerned population?

Example: Young Women

Experience

What is this population experiencing?

Example: Cervical Screening

Outcomes or Themes

What are the outcomes or themes?

Example: Attitudes

PICO and PEO in the literature

Schlosser, R. W., et al. (2007) Asking well-built questions for evidence-based practice in augmentative and alternative communication. Journal of
Communication Disorders.
[Online] 40 (3), 225–238. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcomdis.2006.09.003

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Abstract:

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is increasingly being advocated as the preferred approach to practice in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). The EBP process involves multiple steps. The asking of a well-built question is the first step in the quest for answers. At the same time it is also often the first stumbling block for practitioners. To facilitate the asking of well-built questions it may be helpful to follow a template. The most frequently used template is PICO, which stands for patient, intervention, comparison, and outcome [Richardson, W., Wilson, M., Nishikawa, J., & Hayward, R. (1995). The well-built clinical question: A key to evidence-based decisions. ACP Journal Club, 123, A12–A13]. In this article, we examine the suitability of the PICO template for AAC in terms of the representativeness of the components, and the appropriateness of its subcomponents, and their terminology. Based on this analysis, we propose the PESICO template, which stands for person, environments, stakeholders, intervention, comparison, and outcome. This template is then illustrated with examples representing a range of decision-making areas in AAC. Finally, directions for future research are provided. Learning outcomes: The reader will be able to: (1) appreciate the importance of asking well-built questions, (2) name the shortcomings of the PICO template, and (3) describe the components of the proposed PESICO template for asking well-built questions.

 

Evans, D. (2023) How do you search for evidence to answer that question? In: Making Sense of Evidence-based Practice for Nursing. 1st ed. [Online]. Routledge. pp. 25–33. Available from: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003156017-5

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Abstract:

In this chapter, I want to help you find good-quality evidence to answer questions that arise from practice. You will learn that there are many places you can look for evidence. You will learn about the process of constructing a search strategy using the PICO or PIO/PEO framework. You will start to consider why it is useful to look for all the evidence especially published and unpublished work. It is also important to remember research studies in different languages and completed and ongoing studies. Employing specific search strategies improves your chances of finding appropriate research for your research questions to aid decision making. Faculty librarians are skilled information retrievers. In my place of work, they have been instrumental and key in facilitating both students and staff in conducting successful searches. Opensigle - For studies not formally published in journal articles but still important e.g. unpublished trials that did show a difference in treatments - very important to know if you want the full picture. When thinking about searching for good-quality evidence, you need to think about the alternative terms that can be used to describe the same concepts.