PICO framework

The PICO(TS) framework is a tool used to formulate clinical research questions in a structured and systematic way. It stands for:

• P: Population or problem

• I: Intervention or exposure

• C: Comparison intervention or exposure (if applicable)

• O: Outcome(s)

• T: Time frame (if applicable)

• S: Study design (if applicable)

Each element of the PICO(TS) framework represents a key component of a clinical research question:

• Population or problem: This refers to the population or group of patients being studied or the health problem of interest. It should include specific characteristics such as age, gender, disease state, and other relevant factors.

• Intervention or exposure: This refers to the intervention or exposure being studied, such as a drug, procedure, or behavioral intervention.

• Comparison intervention or exposure: This refers to the comparison intervention or exposure if there is one. It is used to compare the effects of the intervention of interest to an alternative intervention or no intervention.

• Outcome(s): This refers to the outcomes of interest that will be measured in the study, such as clinical outcomes, patient-reported outcomes, or safety outcomes.

• Time frame: This refers to the time period over which the study will be conducted, such as the duration of the intervention or the length of follow-up.

• Study design: This refers to the type of study design that will be used, such as a randomized controlled trial, a cohort study, or a case-control study.

The PICO(TS) framework helps to ensure that research questions are well-defined, focused, and answerable. It also helps to identify the most appropriate study design and ensure that the study will address the most important and relevant aspects of the clinical question.

In summary, the PICO(TS) framework is a useful tool for formulating clinical research questions in a structured and systematic way, ensuring that the research question is well-defined, focused, and answerable.

References:

1. PICO process - Wikipedia 

2. Using the PICOTS Framework to Strengthen Evidence Gathered in Clinical Trials—Guidance from the AHRQ’s Evidence-based Practice Centers Program (fda.gov) 

3. PICO(T): Definitions and Examples - Evidence Based Practice - HSL at University of Virginia-Claude Moore Health Sciences Library 

4. What is your research question? An introduction to the PICOT format for clinicians - PMC (nih.gov) 

5. The PICO Framework - Evidence Based Medicine - Levy Library Guides at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (mssm.edu)