223 Helpful PICOT Question Examples and Examples of PICOT Questions and Ideas

In Nursing, A PICOT Question is a structured question frame that helps you define the nursing concept or phenomenon that make up a specific structured question.

As per Nursing Researchers, the PICO(T) framework is used to formulate precise clinical research questions by breaking it down as follows:

• P for Population refers to the specific group of patients or the nature of the disease being studied. For example, the effect of hypertension in adults aged 50 and above.
• I for Intervention denotes the treatment or action under consideration, such as administering a new drug to lower blood pressure.
• C for Comparison involves what the intervention is being compared against, like the standard medication for hypertension.
• O for Outcome implies the effects that are being measured to see if the intervention was successful, such as the reduction in blood pressure levels.
• T for the Timeframe for implementation

Hence;

An example of a PICO question is: In adults aged 50 and above with hypertension (Population), does the new drug ABC (Intervention) reduce blood pressure more effectively (Outcome) than the standard drug XYZ (Comparison) within a 6-month period (Timeframe)?

The post below includes a comprehensive list of 223 PICOT Question Examples and Good Examples of PICOT Questions for nursing students and papers in different subject areas such as diabetes, mental health, falls, emergency nursing, pregnancy, hypertension, and nursing burnout.

31 Useful Examples of PICOT Questions Nursing for BSN, MSN or DNP

1. Anxiety Interventions PICOT Question Example: Among adults with diagnosed anxiety disorders (P), does cognitive-behavioral therapy (I) compared to pharmacological interventions (C) lead to improved symptom management and overall well-being (O) over a -week intervention period (T)?
2. NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) – PICOT Question Example: In premature infants admitted to the NICU (P), does implementing skin-to-skin kangaroo care (I) compared to traditional incubator care (C) result in better neonatal outcomes, including reduced length of hospital stay and improved bonding between parents and infants (O) during the first month post-birth (T)?
3. Elderly PICOT Question Example: In elderly individuals residing in long-term care facilities (P), does implementing a regular exercise program (I) compared to the usual care routine (C) result in reduced incidence of falls and improved mobility and quality of life (O) during a six-month intervention period (T)?
4. Infections PICOT Question Example: Among adults with hospital-acquired infections (P), does the implementation of strict hand hygiene protocols (I) compared to standard infection control measures (C) lead to a reduction in the incidence of nosocomial infections and improved patient outcomes (O) within a three-month intervention period (T)?
5. Breast Cancer PICOT Question Example: In women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer (P), does adjuvant chemotherapy combined with targeted therapy (I) compared to adjuvant chemotherapy alone (C) result in improved survival rates and reduced risk of cancer recurrence (O) over a five-year follow-up period (T)?
6. Nursing Competency PICOT Question Example: Among newly graduated nurses (P), does participation in a comprehensive mentorship program (I) compared to standard orientation and preceptorship (C) result in increased nursing competencies and improved job satisfaction (O) over a six-month period (T)?
7. Community Nursing PICOT Question Example: In underserved communities (P), does implementing a community health worker program (I) compared to the absence of such a program (C) lead to improved access to healthcare services and better management of chronic diseases (O) over a one-year intervention period (T)?
8. CHG Dressings PICOT Question Example: In patients with surgical site infections (P), does using chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) dressings (I) compared to traditional dressings (C) result in faster wound healing and reduced incidence of wound infections (O) during the post-operative period (T)?
9. HTN Modification PICOT Question Example: Among adults with uncontrolled hypertension (P), does implementing a combination of lifestyle modifications including diet, exercise, and stress management (I) compared to pharmacological interventions alone (C) lead to better blood pressure control and reduction in cardiovascular risks (O) over a six-month intervention period (T)?
10. CAUTI (Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection) PICOT Question Example: In hospitalized patients with indwelling urinary catheters (P), does implementing a nurse-driven catheter removal protocol (I) compared to standard care (C) result in a decrease in the incidence of catheter-associated urinary tract infections and improved patient outcomes (O) within a two-week intervention period (T)?
11. Discharge Teaching PICOT Question Example: In adult patients being discharged from a hospital setting (P), does the implementation of a structured discharge teaching program (I) compared to standard discharge instructions (C) result in improved medication adherence and decreased readmission rates (O) within the first  days post-discharge (T)?
12. Care of Mental Health Needs PICOT Question Example: In individuals with diagnosed mental health disorders (P), does the integration of collaborative care models (I) compared to traditional care models (C) result in improved access to mental health services and decreased psychiatric hospitalizations (O) within a six-month intervention period (T)?
13. Nursing Bariatric Surgery – PICOT Question Example: In adult patients undergoing bariatric surgery (P), does the provision of specialized nursing care and comprehensive postoperative monitoring (I) compared to standard nursing care (C) result in reduced postoperative complications and improved patient outcomes (O) within the first  days after surgery (T)?
14. Nursing Student PICOT Question Example: In nursing students undergoing clinical rotations (P), does the use of simulation-based teaching methods (I) compared to traditional didactic lectures (C) result in improved clinical skills competency and confidence (O) during the first semester of the nursing program (T)?
15. Patient Rights PICOT Question Example: In hospitalized patients (P), does the implementation of a patient rights education program (I) compared to standard care practices (C) result in increased patient autonomy and satisfaction (O) during their hospital stay (T)?
16. Quality Improvement PICOT Question Example: In healthcare organizations implementing quality improvement initiatives (P), does the use of Lean Six Sigma methodology (I) compared to traditional quality improvement methods (C) result in reduced medication errors and improved patient safety outcomes (O) within a one-year intervention period (T)?
17. Patient Safety PICOT Question Example: In acute care settings (P), does the implementation of a standardized handoff communication process (I) compared to informal handoff practices (C) result in decreased adverse events and improved patient safety (O) during shift transitions (T)?
18. Nursing Clinical Problem and PICOT Question Example: In adult patients with chronic pain (P), does the use of non-pharmacological pain management interventions (I) compared to pharmacological interventions alone (C) result in improved pain control, reduced opioid consumption, and enhanced functional ability (O) within a three-month treatment timeframe (T)?
19. Water Birth PICOT Question Example: In pregnant women with uncomplicated pregnancies (P), does the utilization of water immersion during labor and birth (I), compared to traditional land-based births (C), result in decreased labor pain, shorter labor duration, and reduced use of medical interventions (O) without compromising maternal and neonatal outcomes within a hospital setting (T)?
20. Psych PICOT Question Example: In individuals with acute psychiatric conditions (P), does a therapeutic milieu approach (I) compared to standard care approaches (C) result in reduced agitation, improved symptom management, and decreased use of seclusion and restraint (O) during an inpatient psychiatric treatment period (T)?
21. PICOT question example for training intervention: – (P) Among adult employees in a corporate setting, (I) does participation in a workplace wellness program, (C) compared to no wellness program, (O) lead to a decrease in absenteeism and an improvement in overall employee well-being and job satisfaction, (T) within a one-year intervention period?
22. Examples of PICOT clinical questions:
    1. (P) In patients with type  diabetes, (I) does a low-carbohydrate diet, (C) compared to a standard diabetic diet, (O) result in better glycemic control and weight loss, (T) over a six-month period?
    1. (P) In pregnant women, (I) does prenatal yoga, (C) compared to no exercise, (O) reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and improve birth outcomes, (T) throughout pregnancy?
23. Examples of nursing pediatric PICOT questions:
    1. (P) In children aged – with autism spectrum disorder, (I) does early intervention behavioral therapy, (C) compared to no early intervention, (O) lead to improved social communication skills and decreased maladaptive behaviors, (T) over a two-year period?
    1. (P) Among hospitalized children, (I) does distraction therapy, (C) compared to standard care, (O) reduce pain and anxiety during medical procedures, (T) in the acute care setting?
24. PICOT question examples for pain management in pediatrics: – (P) In children with postoperative pain, (I) does the use of music therapy, (C) compared to pharmacological interventions alone, (O) result in decreased pain scores and reduced opioid use, (T) during the immediate postoperative period?
25. Examples of PICOT nursing simulation research question:
    1. (P) Among nursing students, (I) does high-fidelity simulation, (C) compared to traditional clinical education, (O) improve critical thinking skills and clinical decision-making abilities, (T) during the final year of the nursing program?
    1. (P) In healthcare professionals, (I) does simulation-based team training, (C) compared to didactic training alone, (O) enhance teamwork and communication skills in emergency situations, (T) within a six-month training period?
26. Example of a systematic review PICOT question: – (P) In patients with chronic low back pain, (I) does acupuncture, (C) compared to standard care or sham acupuncture, (O) result in improved pain relief and functional outcomes, (T) over a -week treatment period?
27. PICOT question examples of fall prevention: – (P) Among elderly individuals living in residential care facilities, (I) does the implementation of a multifactorial fall prevention program, (C) compared to usual care, (O) reduce the rate of falls and fall-related injuries, (T) over a one-year period?
28. PICOT question examples dementia: (P) Among older adults with mild cognitive impairment, (I) does regular engagement in cognitive training exercises, (C) compared to no cognitive intervention, (O) delay the progression to dementia and improve cognitive function, (T) over a three-year follow-up period?
29. PICOT question examples labor and delivery:- (P) In pregnant women with gestational diabetes, (I) does exercise during pregnancy, (C) compared to no exercise, (O) improve glycemic control and reduce the risk of cesarean section deliveries, (T) throughout the antenatal period?
30. PICOT question examples stroke: (P) In stroke survivors, (I) does participation in a post-stroke rehabilitation program, (C) compared to no structured rehabilitation, (O) lead to better functional outcomes and reduced risk of secondary stroke events, (T) within the first six months post-stroke
31. Psychiatric PICOT question examples:
    1. (P) Among adolescents with major depressive disorder, (I) does cognitive-behavioral therapy, (C) compared to pharmacotherapy alone, (O) result in a decrease in depressive symptoms and improved overall well-being, (T) over a -week treatment period?
    1. (P) In adults with schizophrenia, (I) does family psychoeducation, (C) compared to standard individual therapy, (O) enhance medication adherence, reduce hospital readmissions, and improve social functioning, (T) over a one-year period?

136 Practical PICOT Questions Examples from Different Nursing Practice Areas

1. PICOT questions are a critical tool used in evidence-based nursing practice to frame and answer specific clinical questions. The PICOT format stands for: Population/Patient Problem (P), Intervention (I), Comparison (C), Outcome (O), and Time (T). Here are examples of PICOT questions in the specified areas:
2. Bariatric Surgery – In adults with morbid obesity (P), how does bariatric surgery (I) compared to lifestyle modifications (C) affect diabetes remission rates (O) within the first two years post-operation (T)?
3. Obesity – Among adolescents with obesity (P), does implementation of a school-based exercise program (I) compared to no structured program (C) reduce the incidence of obesity-related comorbidities (O) over one academic year (T)?
4. Nurse Practitioner – In patients with hypertension treated by nurse practitioners (P), how does the use of telehealth follow-up consultations (I) compare with in-person consultations (C) in controlling blood pressure (O) over six months (T)?
5. Community Health Nursing – For elderly patients living in community housing (P), does a community nursing educational intervention on nutrition and exercise (I) compared to standard care (C) affect the rates of falls(O) over one year(T)?
6. Sepsis – In adult ICU patients with sepsis (P), does the early initiation of broad-spectrum antibiotics (I) compared to delayed initiation following culture results(C) impact mortality rates(O) within thirty days of treatment(T)?
7. Flu Vaccine – Does administering flu vaccine in the workplace(I) compared to non-workplace settings(C) increase vaccination rates(P) during the flu season(O over a period of one year(T)?
8. Psychosocial Effect of Hemodialysis – In patients undergoing hemodialysis for end-stage renal disease(P), how does cognitive-behavioral therapy(I) versus usual care(C) affect their psychosocial well-being(O) after six months(T)?
9. Falls – How does implementing a fall prevention program(I) compared to standard nursing care(C) affect the incidence of patient falls(P) in an acute care setting over 12 months(T)?
10. Emergency Nursing – For patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction in emergency nursing care(P), does immediate percutaneous coronary intervention(I), as opposed to thrombolytic therapy(C), improve survival rates(O) within one month post-intervention(T)?
11. Pain Management: In adults with chronic lower back pain, how does cognitive-behavioral therapy, compared with traditional pain management education, affect pain levels within a 12-week period?
12. Obstetrics: Among pregnant women with gestational diabetes, does daily self-monitoring of blood glucose levels, compared to weekly in-clinic monitoring, lead to better control of blood glucose levels up to delivery?
13. CLABSI (Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection): In adult ICU patients requiring central lines, is the use of chlorhexidine wash cloths for daily skin cleaning more effective than soap and water in reducing CLABSI rates within the first 30 days of line insertion?
14. CAUTI (Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections): Does the implementation of a nurse-driven protocol for early catheter removal compared to standard care decrease the incidence of CAUTI in post-operative patients within one month after surgery?
15. Quality Improvement: In hospital wards, how does the introduction of an electronic health record system compared with paper-based systems affect the quality of patient care over the first year following implementation?
16. Chronic Granulomatous Disease: For children diagnosed with chronic granulomatous disease, does prophylactic antibiotic therapy compared to no prophylaxis decrease the incidence of bacterial infections over a two-year period?
17. Nursing Pseudomonas Infections: In patients hospitalized with cystic fibrosis, is inhalation therapy using tobramycin more effective than IV administration in reducing Pseudomonas aeruginosa load after four weeks of treatment?
18. Educational PICOT questions for nurse educators: In nursing students, how does the use of simulation compared to traditional teaching methods (I), contribute to improved knowledge retention and skill acquisition (O), during clinical practice (T)?
19. In nursing education programs, how does the integration of technology and interactive learning materials (I), affect student engagement and knowledge transfer (O), in the classroom (T)?
20. Background questions for diabetes patients PICOT: P: 
    1. In adult diabetes patients, how does regular physical exercise (I), compared to sedentary lifestyle (C), affect blood glucose control (O), over a 6-month period (T)?
    1. – P: In elderly diabetes patients, how does self-monitoring of blood glucose levels (I), compared to regular doctor visits (C), influence medication adherence (O), and overall glycemic control (O)?
21. Hospitalized patients education for DVT prevention PICOT question examples:
    1. P: In hospitalized patients, how does the implementation of an educational program on DVT prevention (I), compared to standard care (C), reduce the incidence of venous thromboembolism (O), during the hospital stay (T)?
    1. P: In surgical patients, how does the use of compression stockings (I), in addition to early ambulation (C), contribute to the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (O), after the procedure (T)?
22. PICOT questions example for congestive heart failure:
    1. – P: In elderly patients with congestive heart failure, how does daily monitoring of weight and fluid intake (I), compared to standard care (C), impact hospital readmissions (O), within 30 days of discharge (T)?
    1. – P: In patients with congestive heart failure, how does the administration of beta-blockers (I), in conjunction with lifestyle modifications (C), influence cardiac function (O), and quality of life (O)?
23. Sport’s physicals PICOT question examples:
    1. – P: In adolescent athletes, how does pre-participation screening by a sports medicine specialist (I), compared to general physical examination (C), improve the detection of cardiac abnormalities (O), associated with sudden cardiac arrest (T)?
    1. – P: In recreational runners, how does dynamic stretching exercises (I), compared to static stretching (C), affect the risk of muscle strains (O), during long-distance running (T)?
24. PICOT question examples on hypertension:
    1. – P: In hypertensive African American adults, how does adherence to the DASH diet (I), compared to usual dietary intake (C), influence blood pressure control (O), over a 12-week period (T)?
    1. – P: In pregnant women with hypertension, how does antenatal care by a multidisciplinary team (I), compared to standard prenatal care (C), affect maternal and fetal health outcomes (O), throughout the pregnancy (T)?
25. Example PICOT question oncology:
    1. – P: In adult cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, how does the use of acupuncture (I), compared to pharmacologic interventions (C), alleviate chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (O), during treatment cycles (T)?
    1. – P: In palliative care for cancer patients, how does the implementation of early supportive care interventions (I), compared to standard care (C), improve quality of life (O), in the terminal stage of the disease (T)?
26. PICOT question nurse burnout examples:
    1. – P: In nursing staff working in intensive care units, how does the implementation of mindfulness-based stress reduction programs (I), compared to no intervention (C), reduce burnout (O), and improve job satisfaction (O)?
    1. – P: In nurse managers, how does a supportive leadership style (I), compared to an autocratic leadership style (C), impact nurse burnout rates (O), and turnover intentions (O)?
27. Primary care PICOT question examples:
    1. – P: In elderly patients with multiple chronic conditions, how does the use of care coordination and case management programs (I), compared to standard primary care (C), influence hospitalization rates (O), and healthcare utilization (O)?
    1. – P: In pediatric primary care settings, how does the implementation of routine developmental screening (I), compared to no screening (C), impact early detection of developmental delays (O), and subsequent intervention (O)?
28. Mental Health: How does individualized patient education on coping strategies compared with standard group therapy affect anxiety levels in adults diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder over three months?
29. Post-surgery: In patients undergoing total knee replacement, does using continuous passive motion machines, compared to no machine use, result in better range of motion six weeks post-operation?
30. Example of PICOT question for young people with depression: (P) Among adolescents diagnosed with depression, (I) does the implementation of a peer support program, (C) compared to standard counseling services, (O) lead to improved depressive symptoms, and (T) within a six-month period following treatment initiation?
31. Clinical question with PICOT format example: (P) In patients with acute myocardial infarction, (I) does early mobilization, (C) compared to bed rest for the initial 24 hours, (O) improve patient outcomes in terms of morbidity and mobility, and (T) during the hospital stay?
32. PICOT question examples postpartum Pitocin administration: (P) For postpartum women who have delivered vaginally, (I) does the administration of prophylactic Pitocin, (C) compared to placebo or no treatment, (O) reduce the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage, and (T) within the first two hours after delivery?
33. PICOT question examples in nursing MRSA: (P) In hospitalized patients with MRSA-positive wounds, (I) is the use of chlorhexidine bathing, (C) compared to standard soap and water bathing, (O) more effective in reducing hospital-acquired MRSA infections, and (T) over a one month period?
34. PICOT question examples CABG: (P) Among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), (I) does perioperative beta-blocker therapy, (C) when compared to not using beta-blockers, (O) decrease the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation, and (T) within 30 days following surgery?
35. Example of PICOT question regarding the effect of breast cancer screening: (P) In women aged 40-49 years old at average risk for breast cancer, (I) does annual mammography screening, (C) compared to biennial screening or no screening at all, (O) significantly reduce mortality rates from breast cancer, and (T ) over ten years?
36. Long term care facility and pressure ulcers PICOT question examples: (P ) In patients residing in long-term care facilities,  I ) is the use of advanced static mattresses ), C ) compared to standard foam mattresses ), O ) more effective in preventing pressure ulcers , ) T ) during a three-month period?
37. Nursing PICOT question examples surgery : P ) For patients post-operative abdominal surgery , I ) does the implementation of an enhanced recovery after surgery ERAS protocol , C ) compared to traditional postoperative care , O ) lead to shorter hospital stays and lower readmission rates , T ) within 30 days post discharge?
38. Examples of PICOT questions breastfeeding : P ) Among primiparous mothers intending to breastfeed , I ) do breastfeeding workshops given prenatally , C ) as opposed to only routine prenatal care , O ) increase rates successful initiation continuation breastfeeding T six weeks after birth ?
39. PICOT question example for nurse practitioner student : P  In primary care settings treating adult patients diabetes , I comprehensive diabetic education provided nurse practitioners , C standard diabetic information pamphlets O improve glycemic control T one year follow ?
40. Example of PICOT question for suicide: (P) In adults with a history of previous suicide attempts, (I) does ongoing cognitive-behavioral therapy, (C) compared to no therapy, (O) reduce the incidence of future suicide attempts, and (T) over what time period?
41. PICOT question examples homelessness: (P) Among homeless individuals, (I) does the implementation of a comprehensive housing and support program, (C) compared to standard homeless services, (O) improve overall health outcomes, and (T) within the first year of program implementation?
42. Example of PICOT question for CAUTI: (P) In hospitalized patients with indwelling urinary catheters, (I) does the introduction of a nurse-led catheter care bundle, (C) compared to usual care without a dedicated protocol, (O) reduce the incidence of catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and (T) during the duration of hospitalization?
43. Qualitative PICOT question examples: (P) For parents of children with type 1 diabetes, (I) how do they describe their experiences with home-based care management, (C) compared to those who do not have structured home care support, and how do these experiences affect their daily living and management routines over a period of six months?
44. PICOT question examples for mental health: (P) In adolescents diagnosed with depression, (I) does participation in school-based mindfulness programs, (C) compared to no participation in such programs, (O), enhance their mental well-being and coping strategies for stress, and (T), across one academic year?
45. PICOT question example ventilator-associated pneumonia in infants: (P) In neonates requiring mechanical ventilation in the NICU, (I), does the utilization of advanced ventilator circuit hygiene protocols, (C), compared to standard hygiene practices, (O), result in a lower incidence rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia, and over what time period?
46. Examples of PICOT questions in nursing simulation:  (P) For nursing students participating in high-fidelity simulation scenarios focused on acute patient deterioration events,(I), does it increase their ability to identify patient compromise early on,(C), when compared to traditional clinical placement learning,(O), enhance critical thinking skills within one semester?
47. Physician-assisted suicide PICOT question examples:  (P), In terminally ill patients considering physician-assisted suicide,(I), how do these patients describe their decision-making process,(C), compared to those who choose life-extending measures,(O), and what factors influence their choices within the last six months of life? 
48. Examples of intervention questions for PICOT:  (P) In overweight adults diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes,(I( does involvement in an intensive lifestyle modification program(C( compared with standard diabetes education only(O( significantly improve HbA1c levels(T( over a course of 12 months? 
49. PICOT question examples about elders:   For elderly residents in long-term care facilities, I (does regular physical activity programming (as opposed to sporadic or no formal exercise interventions(O) improve mobility scores( assessed biannually over two years? 
50. PICOT question restraint examples:  (P) In acutely ill psychiatric patients hospitalized for violent behavior, (O) does routine use of therapeutic communication strategies by nursing staff, (C) compared with restraints as a first-line intervention, (I) result in reduced incidents of violence against staff and other patients, (T) measured during a six-month follow-up period?
51. Here are examples of PICOT questions in nursing research across various specializations, including the specific elements of the Population (P), Intervention (I), Comparison (C), Outcome (O), and Time (T):
52. Example of PICOT question for suicide: (P) In adults with a history of previous suicide attempts, (I) does ongoing cognitive-behavioral therapy, (C) compared to no therapy, (O) reduce the incidence of future suicide attempts, and (T) over what time period?
53. Examples of PICOT questions for psychiatric nursing: (P) Among adolescents with major depressive disorder, (I) does the use of dialectical behavior therapy, (C) compared to the use of pharmacotherapy alone, (O) lead to a greater reduction in self-harm behaviors, and (T) within the first six months of treatment?
54. Examples of PICOT questions for orthopedic nursing: (P) In elderly patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee, (I) is physical therapy with supervised exercise, (C) compared to at-home exercise programs without supervision, (O) more effective in improving joint mobility and reducing pain levels, and (T) over a 12-week treatment period?
55. PICOT intervention question examples for weight loss: (P) Among adults classified as obese, (I) does participation in a medically supervised weight loss program, including dietary counseling and physical activity planning, (C) compared to standard care provided by a primary care physician, (O) result in greater weight loss and BMI reduction, and (T) at one year follow-up?
56. PICOT question examples for PACU: [Post Anesthesia Care Unit] Nursing: (P) In postoperative patients recovering from general anesthesia, (I) does guided imagery during early recovery phase, (C) compared to standard postoperative care without guided imagery techniques, (O) lead to decreased levels of reported pain and anxiety scores, and (T) within the first 24 hours post-surgery?
57. PICOT question examples cardiac arrest: (P) For cardiac arrest survivors who have returned to spontaneous circulation after resuscitation efforts, (I) does induced hypothermia therapy at 33 degrees Celsius for 24 hours, C compared to normothermia at 37 degrees Celsius standard management care after cardiac arrest , O improve neurological status and survival outcome , T in one month follow up.
58. PICOT question examples about caring: P For nurses working long shifts P is implementing a mindfulness-based stress reduction program I compared to no structured stress management intervention C effective in lowering self-reported burnout levels O over six A period . 
59. Example of PICOT questions for breast cancer screening: P Among women aged 40-60 with no prior history of breast cancer I do yearly mammograms I compared with biennial check-ups C detect cancers at earlier stages O A T 5-year period 
60. Screening PICOT questions example:( P )In adults aged 50-74 years considered at average risk for colorectal cancer, (I)does undergoing annual fecal immunochemical testing, (C) compared to biennial colonoscopy screenings, (O) result in increased screening adherence rates and similar detection rates for advanced colorectal neoplasia , (T) over a ten-year period ?
61. Examples intervention picot question : P hospital nurses working night shifts , I provision nap time during break using dark rest rooms sound-proofing C exposure standard lit rest areas minimal noise control around seating arrangements O better sleep quality alertness post-break response times emergency situation T three-month trial period.
62. Example PICOT question on reducing anxiety: (P) Among adults suffering from chronic anxiety, (I) does the implementation of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) techniques, (C) compared to the use of traditional pharmacotherapy alone, (O) more effectively reduce symptoms of anxiety, (T) within a twelve-week treatment period?
63. PICOT questions example for congestive heart failure pdf: (P) In patients with congestive heart failure, (I) does daily remote patient monitoring, (C) compared to usual care without daily monitoring, (O) decrease the rate of hospital readmissions, (T) within six months following discharge?
64. PICOT question examples health screening: (P) For middle-aged adults at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, (I) does the introduction of a yearly comprehensive health screening program, (C) compared to biennial screenings, (O) lead to earlier identification and management of cardiovascular risk factors, (T) over a five-year period?
65. PICOT question examples COPD: (P) In patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), (I) does using an inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting bronchodilator combination, (C) as opposed to long-acting bronchodilator monotherapy, (O) improve quality of life and exacerbation frequency, (T) over one year?
66. PICOT question examples understaff: (P) Within a hospital setting experiencing nursing understaffing, (I) does the implementation of a strategic float pool system, (C) compared to traditional staffing methods, (O) improve patient outcomes and staff satisfaction rates, (T) during the course of one year?
67. PICOT question example obesity: (P) Among obese adolescents ages 12-16, (I) is participation in a structured after-school sports program, ((C)) when compared with no structured physical activity intervention, ((O)) more effective in reducing BMI percentages and improving self-esteem levels, ((T)), within a six-month intervention period?
68. Example of gynecologic PICOT question measurable in 6 weeks: (P) Among women with gynecologic conditions, (I) does the implementation of an exercise program, (C) compared to standard care, (O) lead to a reduction in pain levels and improvement in quality of life, (T) within a 6-week intervention period?
69. Example evidence-based practice PICOT questions: (P) In patients with chronic pain, (I) does the use of mindfulness meditation, (C) compared to standard pain management techniques, (O) result in a decrease in pain severity and an improvement in overall well-being, (T) over a 12-week intervention period?
70. PICOT question examples training: (P) Among healthcare professionals, (I) does the implementation of a communication skills training program, (C) compared to no training, (O) lead to enhanced patient satisfaction and improved rapport-building abilities, (T) within a three-month training period?
71. Examples of PICOT questions in the ED: (P) In adult patients presenting to the emergency department with suspected myocardial infarction, (I) does the immediate administration of aspirin, (C) compared to delayed administration, (O) result in a decrease in mortality rates and improvement in cardiac outcomes, (T) within the first 24 hours of presentation?
72.  PICOT question examples for home health: (P) Among elderly patients receiving home health care services, (I) does the implementation of a falls prevention program, (C) compared to standard care, (O) lead to a decrease in fall-related injuries and an improvement in functional independence, (T) over a six-month intervention period?
73. PICOT question example PVA: (P) Among patients undergoing peripheral vascular access procedures, (I) does the use of ultrasound-guided cannulation, (C) compared to blind cannulation, (O) result in a decrease in procedure-related complications and an improvement in first-attempt success rates, (T) within the first hour of the procedure?
74. PICOT question examples FNP: (P) In individuals with type 2 diabetes, (I) does the implementation of a nurse-led family nurse practitioner (FNP) intervention, (C) compared to standard primary care, (O) lead to improved glycemic control and enhanced self-management knowledge, (T) over a six-month intervention period?
75. Geriatric pregnancy PICOT question example: (P) Among pregnant women over the age of 40, (I) does the implementation of a specialized geriatric pregnancy care program, (C) compared to standard prenatal care, (O) result in a decrease in pregnancy complications and an improvement in maternal and fetal outcomes, (T) from conception to delivery?
76. Examples of PICOT questions to research: (P) In neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit, (I) does skin-to-skin contact, (C) compared to incubator care, (O) lead to improved breastfeeding rates and enhanced physiological stability, (T) during the hospital stay?
77. Example of a PICOT question related to ER nursing: (P) Among adult patients with suspected sepsis in the emergency room, (I) does the implementation of an early goal-directed therapy protocol, (C) compared to standard care, (O) result in a decrease in mortality rates and improved sepsis management, (T) within the first six hours of presentation?
78. PICOT question example on nursing simulation: (P) Among nursing students participating in simulation-based education, (I) is high-fidelity simulation, (C) compared to low-fidelity simulation, (O) more effective in improving clinical decision-making skills and enhancing self-confidence, (T) within a semester-long nursing program?
79. PICOT question example on safety: (P) Among healthcare workers in a hospital setting, (I) does the implementation of a safety checklist, (C) compared to standard procedures, (O) result in reduced medication errors and improved patient safety, (T) within a six-month intervention period?
80. PICOT question example regarding breast cancer: (P) Among women aged 40-60 with a family history of breast cancer, (I) does the regular consumption of a plant-based diet, (C) compared to a standard diet, (O) reduce the risk of developing breast cancer and improve overall health outcomes, (T) over a five-year period?
81. PICOT question example in nutrition and geriatrics: (P) Among elderly individuals residing in long-term care facilities, (I) does the implementation of a personalized nutrition plan, (C) compared to a standard diet, (O) improve nutritional status and reduce the risk of malnutrition-related complications, (T) over a six-month intervention period?
82. PICOT question example on ventilator-associated pneumonia: (P) Among mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care units, (I) does regular oral care with chlorhexidine rinse, (C) compared to standard oral care practices, (O) reduce the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia and improve patient outcomes, (T) within a four-week period?
83. PICOT question example in emergency room settings: (P) Among adult patients presenting to the emergency room with acute chest pain, (I) does the implementation of a chest pain triage protocol, (C) compared to usual care, (O) improve time to diagnosis and reduce the rate of missed myocardial infarctions, (T) within a two-month period?
84. PICOT question example for polypharmacy: (P) Among elderly individuals taking multiple medications, (I) does the implementation of a pharmacist-led medication review, (C) compared to routine care, (O) reduce the number of medication-related adverse events and improve medication adherence, (T) over a three-month intervention period?
85. PICOT question example on infection: (P) Among surgical patients in a hospital setting, (I) does the implementation of a pre-operative antibiotic prophylaxis protocol, (C) compared to standard pre-operative care, (O) reduce the incidence of surgical site infections and improve patient outcomes, (T) within a post-operative two-week period?
86. PICOT question example on the theory of attainment: (P) Among nursing students in a baccalaureate program, (I) does the utilization of a transformative learning framework, (C) compared to traditional instructional methods, (O) enhance critical thinking skills and promote professional self-efficacy, (T) over the course of the program?
87. PICOT question example on nursing simulation: (P) Among nursing students in a simulation-based learning environment, (I) does the use of high-fidelity mannequins and realistic scenarios, (C) compared to traditional lecture-based instruction, (O) result in improved clinical competence and confidence, (T) during the course of their education?
88. PICOT question example on safety: (P) Among healthcare workers in a hospital setting, (I) does the implementation of a safety checklist, (C) compared to standard safety protocols, (O) lead to a reduction in the number of medical errors and adverse events, (T) over a six-month period?
89. PICOT question example regarding breast cancer: (P) Among women aged 40-65 with a family history of breast cancer, (I) does the regular use of breast self-examination, (C) compared to no routine breast self-examination, (O) result in early detection and improved survival rates, (T) within a five-year follow-up period?
90. PICOT question example in nutrition and geriatrics: (P) Among elderly residents in long-term care facilities, (I) does the implementation of a nutrition-focused quality improvement program, (C) compared to standard dietary practices, (O) lead to improved nutritional status and decreased incidences of malnutrition-related complications, (T) over a one-year intervention period?
91. PICOT question example on ventilator-associated pneumonia: (P) Among critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation, (I) does the implementation of a ventilator bundle care protocol, (C) compared to standard respiratory care practices, (O) result in a lower incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia and improved patient outcomes, (T) within a two-month period?
92. PICOT question example for emergency room: (P) Among adult patients presenting to the emergency room with acute chest pain, (I) does the use of point-of-care cardiac biomarker testing, (C) compared to standard laboratory-based testing, (O) lead to shorter turnaround times for diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatments, (T) during the patient’s emergency department visit?
93. PICOT question example for polypharmacy: (P) Among older adults (65+) with multiple chronic conditions, (I) does the implementation of a comprehensive medication review, (C) compared to standard medication management practices, (O) result in a reduction in the number of medication-related adverse events and improved patient adherence, (T) over a six-month period?
94. PICOT question example on infection: (P) Among hospitalized patients with surgical wounds, (I) does the use of antibacterial dressings, (C) compared to standard non-antibacterial dressings, (O) lead to a lower incidence of surgical site infections and faster wound healing, (T) within a two-week post-operative period?
95. PICOT question example for theory of attainment: (P) Among undergraduate nursing students, (I) does the integration of a self-regulated learning approach, (C) compared to traditional lecture-based instruction, (O) result in improved academic performance and self-efficacy, (T) throughout their nursing education program?
96. PICOT question example: “Anxiety Interventions in Adolescents: A PICOT Question Example” – PICOT Question: In adolescents ages 13-18 who have been diagnosed with anxiety (P), does cognitive-behavioral therapy (I) compared to pharmacological interventions (C) result in a greater reduction of anxiety symptoms (O) within a 12-week intervention period (T)?
97. NICU Nursing Interventions: A PICOT Question Example – PICOT Question: In preterm infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), does skin-to-skin care (kangaroo care) (P) compared to incubator care (C) promote better weight gain and breastfeeding rates (O) during the hospital stay (T) as assessed within the first month of life?
98. PICOT Questions for Elderly Care: An Example – PICOT Question: In elderly individuals aged 65 and above receiving home healthcare services (P), does implementing fall prevention strategies and exercise programs (I) compared to standard care (C) result in a decreased rate of fall-related injuries (O) within a 6-month period (T)?
99. Infection Prevention PICOT Question Examples – PICOT Question: Among patients admitted to the hospital (P), does implementing strict hand hygiene protocols (I) compared to standard infection control practices (C) reduce the incidence of nosocomial infections (O) during the hospital stay (T)?
100. PICOT Questions Related to Breast Cancer: An Example PICOT Question: Among women aged 40-60 with a family history of breast cancer (P), does regular mammography screening (I) compared to no routine screening (C) lead to earlier detection and improved survival rates (O) within a 5-year period (T)?
101. PICOT Question for Nursing Competency: An Example of PICOT Question: In nursing students during their clinical placements (P), does simulation-based training (I) compared to traditional classroom-based learning (C) enhance clinical competence and confidence (O) at the end of the nursing program (T)?
102. PICOT Questions for Community Nursing: An Example PICOT Question: In underserved rural communities (P), does implementing community health worker programs (I) compared to no community health worker involvement (C) improve access to healthcare services (O) within a one-year intervention period (T)?
103. PICOT Question Example: Effectiveness of CHG Dressings – PICOT Question: In patients with surgical wounds (P), does the use of Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) dressings (I) compared to standard wound dressings (C) decrease the rate of surgical site infections (O) during the hospital stay (T)?
104. PICOT Question Examples for Hypertension Modification – PICOT Question: In hypertensive patients with comorbid diabetes (P), does lifestyle modification (exercise, diet, and weight loss) (I) compared to antihypertensive medication alone (C) result in better blood pressure control and glycemic management (O) within a 3-month intervention period (T)?
105. PICOT Question Examples for CAUTI Prevention – PICOT Question: In hospitalized patients requiring indwelling urinary catheters (P), does implementing a nurse-led daily catheter care bundle (I) compared to standard catheter care practices (C) reduce the incidence of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) (O) during the hospital stay (T)?
106. Anxiety Interventions PICOT Question Example: Among adults with diagnosed anxiety disorders (P), does cognitive-behavioral therapy (I) compared to pharmacological interventions (C) lead to improved symptom management and overall well-being (O) over a -week intervention period (T)?
107. NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) – PICOT Question Example: In premature infants admitted to the NICU (P), does implementing skin-to-skin kangaroo care (I) compared to traditional incubator care (C) result in better neonatal outcomes, including reduced length of hospital stay and improved bonding between parents and infants (O) during the first month post-birth (T)?
108. Elderly PICOT Question Example: In elderly individuals residing in long-term care facilities (P), does implementing a regular exercise program (I) compared to the usual care routine (C) result in reduced incidence of falls and improved mobility and quality of life (O) during a six-month intervention period (T)?
109. Infections PICOT Question Example: Among adults with hospital-acquired infections (P), does the implementation of strict hand hygiene protocols (I) compared to standard infection control measures (C) lead to a reduction in the incidence of nosocomial infections and improved patient outcomes (O) within a three-month intervention period (T)?
110. Breast Cancer PICOT Question Example: In women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer (P), does adjuvant chemotherapy combined with targeted therapy (I) compared to adjuvant chemotherapy alone (C) result in improved survival rates and reduced risk of cancer recurrence (O) over a five-year follow-up period (T)?
111. Nursing Competency PICOT Question Example: Among newly graduated nurses (P), does participation in a comprehensive mentorship program (I) compared to standard orientation and preceptorship (C) result in increased nursing competencies and improved job satisfaction (O) over a six-month period (T)?
112. Community Nursing PICOT Question Example: In underserved communities (P), does implementing a community health worker program (I) compared to the absence of such a program (C) lead to improved access to healthcare services and better management of chronic diseases (O) over a one-year intervention period (T)?
113. CHG Dressings PICOT Question Example: In patients with surgical site infections (P), does using chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) dressings (I) compared to traditional dressings (C) result in faster wound healing and reduced incidence of wound infections (O) during the post-operative period (T)?
114. HTN Modification PICOT Question Example: Among adults with uncontrolled hypertension (P), does implementing a combination of lifestyle modifications including diet, exercise, and stress management (I) compared to pharmacological interventions alone (C) lead to better blood pressure control and reduction in cardiovascular risks (O) over a six-month intervention period (T)?
115. CAUTI (Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection) PICOT Question Example: In hospitalized patients with indwelling urinary catheters (P), does implementing a nurse-driven catheter removal protocol (I) compared to standard care (C) result in a decrease in the incidence of catheter-associated urinary tract infections and improved patient outcomes (O) within a two-week intervention period (T)?
116. Discharge Teaching PICOT Question Example: In adult patients being discharged from a hospital setting (P), does the implementation of a structured discharge teaching program (I) compared to standard discharge instructions (C) result in improved medication adherence and decreased readmission rates (O) within the first  days post-discharge (T)?
117. Care of Mental Health Needs PICOT Question Example: In individuals with diagnosed mental health disorders (P), does the integration of collaborative care models (I) compared to traditional care models (C) result in improved access to mental health services and decreased psychiatric hospitalizations (O) within a six-month intervention period (T)?
118. Nursing Bariatric Surgery – PICOT Question Example: In adult patients undergoing bariatric surgery (P), does the provision of specialized nursing care and comprehensive postoperative monitoring (I) compared to standard nursing care (C) result in reduced postoperative complications and improved patient outcomes (O) within the first  days after surgery (T)?
119. Nursing Student PICOT Question Example: In nursing students undergoing clinical rotations (P), does the use of simulation-based teaching methods (I) compared to traditional didactic lectures (C) result in improved clinical skills competency and confidence (O) during the first semester of the nursing program (T)?
120. Patient Rights PICOT Question Example: In hospitalized patients (P), does the implementation of a patient rights education program (I) compared to standard care practices (C) result in increased patient autonomy and satisfaction (O) during their hospital stay (T)?
121. Quality Improvement PICOT Question Example: In healthcare organizations implementing quality improvement initiatives (P), does the use of Lean Six Sigma methodology (I) compared to traditional quality improvement methods (C) result in reduced medication errors and improved patient safety outcomes (O) within a one-year intervention period (T)?
122. Patient Safety PICOT Question Example: In acute care settings (P), does the implementation of a standardized handoff communication process (I) compared to informal handoff practices (C) result in decreased adverse events and improved patient safety (O) during shift transitions (T)?
123. Nursing Clinical Problem and PICOT Question Example: In adult patients with chronic pain (P), does the use of non-pharmacological pain management interventions (I) compared to pharmacological interventions alone (C) result in improved pain control, reduced opioid consumption, and enhanced functional ability (O) within a three-month treatment timeframe (T)?
124. Water Birth PICOT Question Example: In pregnant women with uncomplicated pregnancies (P), does the utilization of water immersion during labor and birth (I), compared to traditional land-based births (C), result in decreased labor pain, shorter labor duration, and reduced use of medical interventions (O) without compromising maternal and neonatal outcomes within a hospital setting (T)?
125. Psych PICOT Question Example: In individuals with acute psychiatric conditions (P), does a therapeutic milieu approach (I) compared to standard care approaches (C) result in reduced agitation, improved symptom management, and decreased use of seclusion and restraint (O) during an inpatient psychiatric treatment period (T)?
126. PICOT question example for training intervention: – (P) Among adult employees in a corporate setting, (I) does participation in a workplace wellness program, (C) compared to no wellness program, (O) lead to a decrease in absenteeism and an improvement in overall employee well-being and job satisfaction, (T) within a one-year intervention period?
127. Examples of PICOT clinical questions:
     1. (P) In patients with type  diabetes, (I) does a low-carbohydrate diet, (C) compared to a standard diabetic diet, (O) result in better glycemic control and weight loss, (T) over a six-month period?
     1. (P) In pregnant women, (I) does prenatal yoga, (C) compared to no exercise, (O) reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and improve birth outcomes, (T) throughout pregnancy?
128. Examples of nursing pediatric PICOT questions:
     1. (P) In children aged – with autism spectrum disorder, (I) does early intervention behavioral therapy, (C) compared to no early intervention, (O) lead to improved social communication skills and decreased maladaptive behaviors, (T) over a two-year period?
     1. (P) Among hospitalized children, (I) does distraction therapy, (C) compared to standard care, (O) reduce pain and anxiety during medical procedures, (T) in the acute care setting?
129. PICOT question examples for pain management in pediatrics: – (P) In children with postoperative pain, (I) does the use of music therapy, (C) compared to pharmacological interventions alone, (O) result in decreased pain scores and reduced opioid use, (T) during the immediate postoperative period?
130. Examples of PICOT nursing simulation research question:
     1. (P) Among nursing students, (I) does high-fidelity simulation, (C) compared to traditional clinical education, (O) improve critical thinking skills and clinical decision-making abilities, (T) during the final year of the nursing program?
     1. (P) In healthcare professionals, (I) does simulation-based team training, (C) compared to didactic training alone, (O) enhance teamwork and communication skills in emergency situations, (T) within a six-month training period?
131. Example of a systematic review PICOT question: – (P) In patients with chronic low back pain, (I) does acupuncture, (C) compared to standard care or sham acupuncture, (O) result in improved pain relief and functional outcomes, (T) over a -week treatment period?
132. PICOT question examples of fall prevention: – (P) Among elderly individuals living in residential care facilities, (I) does the implementation of a multifactorial fall prevention program, (C) compared to usual care, (O) reduce the rate of falls and fall-related injuries, (T) over a one-year period?
133. PICOT question examples dementia: (P) Among older adults with mild cognitive impairment, (I) does regular engagement in cognitive training exercises, (C) compared to no cognitive intervention, (O) delay the progression to dementia and improve cognitive function, (T) over a three-year follow-up period?
134. PICOT question examples labor and delivery:- (P) In pregnant women with gestational diabetes, (I) does exercise during pregnancy, (C) compared to no exercise, (O) improve glycemic control and reduce the risk of cesarean section deliveries, (T) throughout the antenatal period?
135. PICOT question examples stroke: (P) In stroke survivors, (I) does participation in a post-stroke rehabilitation program, (C) compared to no structured rehabilitation, (O) lead to better functional outcomes and reduced risk of secondary stroke events, (T) within the first six months post-stroke
136. Psychiatric PICOT question examples:
     1. (P) Among adolescents with major depressive disorder, (I) does cognitive-behavioral therapy, (C) compared to pharmacotherapy alone, (O) result in a decrease in depressive symptoms and improved overall well-being, (T) over a -week treatment period?
     1. (P) In adults with schizophrenia, (I) does family psychoeducation, (C) compared to standard individual therapy, (O) enhance medication adherence, reduce hospital readmissions, and improve social functioning, (T) over a one-year period?

5 PICOT question examples of emergency nursing

1. In emergency nursing, does changing patient triage and caregiver workflow as compared with the current model reduce patient overcrowding and decrease patient length of stay?
2. In Emergency Departments, does the Application of over-crowding indices compared to Raw ED volumes, lead to Prognostic accuracy for over-crowding related outcomes (increased error rates, ED length of stay, staff burnout), reliability, physician/patient acceptability, external validity.
3. In Emergency Departments, does Operational Improvement Interventions to Reduce ED Overcrowding and/or Overcrowding Related Sequelae, compared to Routine ED operations lead to over-crowding related outcomes (error rates, ED length of stay, staff burnout), physician/patient acceptability, external validity.
4.  In the emergency department (ED), how does a nurse-initiated protocol (NIP) for chest pain (CP) patients compared to no protocol use influence length of stay (LOS) in the ED over 8 weeks?
5.  In emergency nursing (P) how does violence prevention training (I) compared to no training ( C) affect nurses perspective of violence in the emergency room (O) within the first month of implementation (T)?

6 PICOT question examples Pregnancy

Are mothers given cesarian sections in their first pregnancy more likely to experience uterine rupture during subsequent pregnancies when compared with first-time mothers giving vaginal birth?

1. Is transvaginal ultrasound performed on expectant mothers more effective than laparoscopy in diagnosing ectopic pregnancies?
2. In women experiencing their first pregnancy, do pregnancy-tracking mobile apps result in fewer unnecessary hospital visits when compared with self-tracking over the course of the pregnancy?
3. For a pregnant person seeking surgical abortion at < 14 weeks of gestation, is pain control with any particular method (I) safer, more effective and/or more satisfactory/acceptable compared with pain control with a different method or no pain control (C)?
4. For a pregnant person seeking surgical abortion at ≥ 12 weeks of gestation, is cervical priming with medical methods (mifepristone, misoprostol, or both) a safe, effective and satisfactory/acceptable alternative to mechanical methods (laminaria, foley bulb, dilapan)?
5. How do pregnant women (P) newly diagnosed with diabetes (I) perceive reporting their blood sugar levels (O) to their healthcare providers during their pregnancy and six weeks postpartum (T)?
6. How do pregnant women (P) newly diagnosed with diabetes (I) perceive reporting their blood sugar levels (O) to their healthcare providers during their pregnancy and six weeks postpartum (T)?

5 PICOT question examples hypertension

1. In overweight adults with hypertension (P), does changing diet and exercise (I) result in weight loss and reduced blood pressure (O) within a three month time period (T)?
2. Does telemonitoring blood pressure (I) in patients with hypertension (P) improve blood pressure control (O) within one year of initiation of the medication (T)?
3. Are patient education programs effective (compared to no intervention) in increasing patient exercise in the population of patients age 65 and older with high blood pressure?
4. Are 30- to 50- year old women (P) who have high blood pressure (I) compared with those without high blood pressure (C)at increased risk for an acute myocardial infarction (O) during the first year after hysterectomy (T)?
5.  In adult patients diagnosed with hypertension (P), how does home blood pressure monitoring (I) compared to no blood pressure monitoring (C) affect blood pressure (O) twelve weeks after diagnosis (T)?

5 PICOT question examples for nursing burnout

1. Do nurses who practice stress management have lower levels of burnout compared to nurses who do not practice stress management?
2. For ED nurses, how does a nurse education program addressing coping skills for work related stress impact job satisfaction, patient satisfaction scores, and reduce nurse desensitization?
3. Among nursing practitioners (P), will encouraged retired professionals to return to the workforce (I), compared to not doing this (C), provide additional nurse aids to minimize the current shortage of nurses (O) within a year (T)?
4. Among nurses having chronic burnout, what would be the effect or impact of increasing the nurse enrolment compared to the issue of exploring retention strategies to resolve the nursing shortage that is currently affecting the United States healthcare over the next eight years? 
5. Among nursing staff in the emergency department, intensive care unit, neonatal intensive care unit, and labor and delivery, how does the proactive implementation of nursing staff education on burnout and depressive symptoms, assessment of burnout and depressive symptoms, and referral, compared to not educating or screening staff, affect burnout, stress recognition, and nurse turnover rates within three months of education and implementation of the interactive screening program for suicide prevention

4 PICOT question examples for medication errors

1. For nurses administering medication in a long-term acute care hospital, does implementing the Medication Reconciliation Timeout Process (MRTP) decrease the medication errors, compared to the usual medication practice, in one month?
2. In consideration of patients in acute units with dynamic medication needs, what methods are imperative in reinforcing the five rights and communication practices contrasted with increasing computer knowledge, lead to a decrease in mediation error events over the subsequent fiscal year.
3. In critically ill patients, does the integration of health information technology compared to conventional methods in the medication management process reduce medication errors during hospital stays?
4. In community dwelling adults, how effective is hands-only CPR versus hands plus breathing CPR at preventing mortality?

2 PICOT questions examples for ICU nurses

1. In mechanically ventilated ICU patients, does positioning the patient in semi-fowlers result in a lower incidence of nosocomial pneumonia when compared to the supine position?
2. In the critically-ill patient (P), how does promoting early mobility within 72 hours of admission (I), compared with prolonged bed rest affect patient hospital length of stay (O) over a three month period (T)?

6 Childhood obesity PICOT Question Examples

1. For Obese children does the use of community recreation activities compare to educational programs on lifestyle changes reduce the risk of diabetes mellitus?
2. Does parental obesity play a role in their children’s body mass index (BMI) in the ages between five and twelve years of age?
3. Will obese children in the community benefit from dietary and physical activity guidance, compared to having no nutritional or physical activity education, in a way that will reduce weight and health related concerns over the next five years?
4. Among parents of children aged 3 to 12 years old with a BMI of 85% or greater, does understanding parental perception of their child’s weight increase a parent’s readiness to change toward a healthy lifestyle management?
5. Will a change in policy directed at utilizing a tracking form for identifying overweight/obese children at a primary care center by its PCPs increase the identification of overweight/obese children?
6. Among parents with young children, early education about healthy eating and exercise, as opposed to education provided to parents prior to when that child is born could lead to the prevention of child obesity within 5 years.

2 PICOT question examples Depression

1. Does aerobic exercise improve the mental health status of adults with clinical depression? Whereas, the patient population identified would be adults (male and/or female); the intervention of interest is the use of aerobic activity/exercise as a therapeutic component; the comparison interventions include adults who don’t apply physical activity/exercise as a therapeutic intervention; the primary desired outcome is treatment of clinical depression; and the time frame would ideally be long-term benefits
2. For patients on CABG waiting lists, does an intervention program consisting of presurgical home visits and follow-up calls from a specialist cardiac nurse lead to decreased patient anxiety and depression when compared with no intervention]?

Good PICOT question ideas for nurse practitioners

1. PICO Question: For young athletes (aged 13-30 years) trying to return to sport after arthroscopic hip labral surgery, is short-term PT as beneficial as long-term PT in returning an athlete to sport at full strength?
2.  In women over 70 years old with knee osteoarthritis (P), is aquatic therapy (I) more effective than land-based therapy (C) in decreasing pain with ambulation (O)?
3. Is body support treadmill training (I) more effective than overground training (C) for improvement in gait motor outcomes (O) in a 48-year-old man with left hemiparesis due to stroke (P) ?
4. In (P) adult patients with chronic low back pain presenting to outpatient physical therapy services, does the (I) integration of strategies based in psychologically informed practices (O) better promote patient self-management (increase self- efficacy) compared with (C) traditional PT practice alone.
5. In patients who are 60 years of age and older who have had a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, are there differences in clinical and/or patient reported outcomes between those having surgery for rotator cuff tear arthropathy as compared to those having the procedure for primary osteoarthritis?
6. Is the Otago Exercise Program (OEP) or Tai Chi more effective at achieving clinically significant reductions in patients’ risk for falling with knee osteoarthritis (OA), ages 65 and up, and at risk for falls, as measured by the Timed Up and Go (TUG) assessment, 12 months following the initiation of treatment?
7. In a 25-year-old athlete with a history of ACL injury, do deep squats or shallow squats impose less tensile and shear stress on the tibiofemoral joint and ACL?
8. In patients who are 60 years of age and older who have had a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, are there differences in clinical and/or patient reported outcomes between those having surgery for rotator cuff tear arthropathy as compared to those having the procedure for primary osteoarthritis?
9. In a child with cerebral palsy, is an anterior walker more effective than a posterior walker in improving upright posture (measured by decreased hip and trunk flexion), gait parameters (such as cadence, walking velocity, stride and step length, single and double support/stance time) and energy efficiency (measured by oxygen consumption)?
10. In a 60-year-old patient with hemiplegia due to stroke, does distraction through a cognitive task, compared to focusing exclusively on gait during a treadmill gait training intervention increase affected step length?
11. What are the health benefits of a community-based exercise and health education program for underserved Latinas?

Sources

Get additional information about PICO:

• PICO Tutorial from University of Washington
• Johns Hopkins EBP Question Development Tool

Worksheet to help EBP teams develop an question that will answer a clinical, administrative, or knowledge problem.

• PICOT Worksheet

This worksheet will help you build a PICOT question and identify keywords for your searchable question.

• Pubmed Clinical Queries

This tool uses predefined filters to help you quickly refine PubMed searches on clinical or disease-specific topics.