PICO analysis

Citation

Conceptual Framework/ Theory

Main Finding

Research Method

Strengths of Study

Weaknesses

Level of Evidence

Literature Review Matrix

Part I: PICO Analysis of Research Topic

P: Patient or Population

I: Anticipated Intervention

C: Comparison group or Current standard

O: Outcome desired

Source: Adapted from Elkins (2010)

Step 1: Frame your clinical question using the PICO method.

Part II: Search Strategy

Using the Walden Library and other appropriate databases, locate five scholarly articles that pertain to a practice issue of interest to you and that is appropriate for an evidence-based practice project.

Step 1: Identify the resources you will utilize, or utilized, to find articles that pertain to your topic.

Electronic Databases	Research or Professional Organizations	Experts in the Field to Consult	Books, Encyclopedias, Handbooks

Step 2: Identify search terms and criteria.

Keywords and Phrases	Major Authors	Inclusion Criteria	Exclusion Criteria

Step 3: Identify Boolean search strings.

Part III: Analysis of Literature

Step 1: Summarize the five articles you select from your search efforts in the table below.

Summary Table of Analyzed Articles (you may determine your own headings)

Step 2: Briefly summarize the history and purpose of your research question.

Step 3: Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the existing literature.

Strengths	Weaknesses

Step 4: What gap exists in the current literature? Explain.

Elkins, M. Y. (2010). Using PICO and the brief report to answer clinical questions. Nursing, 40(4), 59–60.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.