The PICOT model helps you to develop a specific clinical research question. With this focus, when you search you'll find targeted results and not waste time on irrelevant material.
P, I, and O components must be present.
C and T may or may not be present, depending on the question.
- Patient population
Describe a group of patients similar to yours. Use factors such as: age group, gender, ethnicity, having a disease or condition.
Example: overweight adult with hypertension
- Intervention or Issue of interest
Describe the intervention you are considering, such as a treatment or diagnostic test.
Example: adopting the DASH diet
- Comparison
If appropriate, identify the main alternative treatment for comparison.
Example: no change in diet or exercise
- Outcome
Describe the desired effect or outcome for the patient.
Example: weight loss and reduction in blood pressure. The outcome MUST be measurable. For example, "feeling better" would not be a measurable outcome.
- Time
If a specific time period is relevant for your question, note the period over which population is observed or outcome is measured. Note that many PICO questions do not include time.
Example: within three months
Resulting PICOT question:
In overweight adults with hypertension (P), how does the DASH diet (I) compared to no change in diet (C) affect weight and blood pressure levels (O) over a three month time period (T)?
