Identify alternative and keywords to describe each PICO component. Consider the following questions to uncover alternative and keywords for each component:
Population
- Who is the patient?
- What is the population or disorder of interest?
- What are key characteristics of the patient, problem or population?
- What health concerns are of interest?
Intervention
- What is the intervention or event?
- What therapeutic, diagnostic, preventative or other health care actions or processes are of interest?
- What do you want to do for the patient or population?
Comparison (if applicable)
- Is there an alternative intervention?
- What is the intervention being compared to?
Outcome
- What is the effect of the treatment/intervention?
- What are the results of the intervention?
- What are you trying to accomplish, improve, or effect?