PICO: What it is and what it is not

Abstract

AimTo assess the role and effectiveness of the mnemonic PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparator and Outcome) in evidence-based practice (EBP) pedagogy. BackgroundThe mnemonic “PICO” is a well-established tool in nursing EBP pedagogy. Nevertheless, application of this tool in nursing curricula is not currently supported by evidence of its effectiveness. Further, there are reports that PICO as a tool is unhelpful in the classroom. Design/MethodsWe reviewed the literature on PICO; specifically, the mnemonic’s origin, purpose, and effectiveness in practice. ResultsOur analysis reveals that PICO is limited in terms of its effectiveness and scope of inquiry. ConclusionA reevaluation of PICO's role in nursing pedagogy is essential. To start, we propose a de-emphasis on PICO as an exclusive or preferred tool, and an emphasis on critical evaluation of the literature, and the whole of the EBP process. We propose a search for more effective methods to improve matching native clinical questions to the retrieval of data that informs patient care.