Anatomy of a Literature Search
A. Construct an appropriate question
Using PICOS to Ask Your Question
PICOS is an mnemonic for Patient Population or Problem, Intervention (treatment/test), Comparison (group or treatment), Outcomes, and Setting or Study type. PICOT is also used where the T stands for Time.
Fill in the blanks with information from your clinical scenario:
THERAPY
In_______________, what is the effect of ________________on _______________ compared with _________________?
ETIOLOGY
Are ______________ who have _______________ at ______________ risk for/of ____________ compared with
Above information from "Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: a guide to best practice" by Bernadette M. Melnyk and Ellen Fineout-Overholt. 2005, page 31.
B. Use the appropriate database(s)
The following are words you can include in your PICO Search Strategy for Literature Review.