PICO(T) Questions and an Evidence-Based Approach
School of Nursing and Health Sciences, Capella University
NUR-FPX4030 Making Evidence-Based Decisions
PICO(T) Questions and an Evidence-Based Approach
Effective care plans are developed from framework questions known as PICOT. PICOT
framework is a structured method of evidence-based research questions that concentrates on
improvement and patient outcomes. According to Feldner & Dutka (2024) the PICOT acronym
is abbreviated for Population, Patients, and Problem (P) which is addressed by the question
focusing on characteristics or groups involved in the study. Intervention (I) is a form of action
contributing to satisfactory treatment. Comparison (C) finds an intervention and compares it to
an existing treatment alternative. Outcome (O) assesses the desired results from initiating
interventions by evaluating effectiveness. Time (T) consists of the duration of data collection, if
necessary. This paper reviews how PICO(T) can support clinical decision-making and research
related to sepsis management.
Use of the PICO(T) Approach when Caring for Patients with Sepsis
, Sepsis is a critical medical condition that develops when the body reacts severely to an
infection (Cadet, 2024). This excessive response may cause injury to tissues, lead to organ
failure, and potentially result in death (Cadet, 2024). Sepsis continues to be a major cause of
morbidity and mortality on a global level. As a result, rapid diagnosis and immediate effective
treatment are necessary to decrease complications and improve survival. The PICO(T) question
that will be explored is: In adult patients diagnosed with sepsis in the hospital
(patient/population), does early identification and treatment using electronic health record alerts
(intervention), compared to standard sepsis protocols, reduce sepsis-related morbidity and
mortality (outcome) within 12 hours (time)?
Identification of Sources of Evidence
School of Nursing and Health Sciences, Capella University
NUR-FPX4030 Making Evidence-Based Decisions
PICO(T) Questions and an Evidence-Based Approach
Effective care plans are developed from framework questions known as PICOT. PICOT
framework is a structured method of evidence-based research questions that concentrates on
improvement and patient outcomes. According to Feldner & Dutka (2024) the PICOT acronym
is abbreviated for Population, Patients, and Problem (P) which is addressed by the question
focusing on characteristics or groups involved in the study. Intervention (I) is a form of action
contributing to satisfactory treatment. Comparison (C) finds an intervention and compares it to
an existing treatment alternative. Outcome (O) assesses the desired results from initiating
interventions by evaluating effectiveness. Time (T) consists of the duration of data collection, if
necessary. This paper reviews how PICO(T) can support clinical decision-making and research
related to sepsis management.
Use of the PICO(T) Approach when Caring for Patients with Sepsis
, Sepsis is a critical medical condition that develops when the body reacts severely to an
infection (Cadet, 2024). This excessive response may cause injury to tissues, lead to organ
failure, and potentially result in death (Cadet, 2024). Sepsis continues to be a major cause of
morbidity and mortality on a global level. As a result, rapid diagnosis and immediate effective
treatment are necessary to decrease complications and improve survival. The PICO(T) question
that will be explored is: In adult patients diagnosed with sepsis in the hospital
(patient/population), does early identification and treatment using electronic health record alerts
(intervention), compared to standard sepsis protocols, reduce sepsis-related morbidity and
mortality (outcome) within 12 hours (time)?
Identification of Sources of Evidence
