Click on the tabs in the interactive table below to see how PICO can be used to structure different types of clinical questions.
Therapy question:
Are Cefaly headbands more effective than aspirin in reducing the pain associated with migraines?
PopulationThe condition is migranes
InterventionThe intervention is Cefaly headband
ComparisonThe comparison is aspirin
OutcomeThe outcome is reduction of symptoms
Diagnosis question:
Is D-dimer testing more accurate than an ultrasound in diagnosing deep vein thrombosis?
PopulationThe condition is deep vein thrombosis
InterventionThe intervention is D-dimer testing
ComparisonThe comparison is ultrasound
OutcomeThe outcome is diagnosis
Aetiology question:
Are babies who are bottle fed at a higher risk of tooth decay than babies who are breast fed?
PopulationThe populaton is babies
InterventionThe exposure is bottle feeding
ComparisonThe comparator is breast feeding
OutcomeThe outcome is tooth decay
Prognosis question:
In adults with low back pain, what is the association between individual recovery expectations and disability outcomes?
PopulationThe populaton is adults with low back pain
InterventionThe prognostic factor is recovery expectations
ComparisonThere is no comparison for this clinical question
OutcomeThe prognostic indicator is disability outcomes
Frequency question:
In elderly patients, does toothbrushing reduce the severity of bad breath?
PopulationThe populaton is elderly patients
InterventionThe intervention is tooth brushing
ComparisonThe comparison is no oral hygiene
OutcomeThe outcome is reduced bad breath severity
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