Here Is An Example Of A PICOT Question For Patients ✓ Solved

Here Is An Example Of A Picot Questionp Population For Patients Ag

Here is an example of a PICOT Question (population): For patients age 65 and older at the ABC Primary Care Clinic, I (intervention): does implementing the Beers Criteria screening tool, C (comparison): compared to current practice, O (outcome): reduce the number of potentially inappropriate medications (polypharmacy), T (time): within one month. This PICOT identifies a clinical practice problem (polypharmacy in the elderly). The population identifies patients age 65 and older (this is the typical age referenced in current literature). The Beers Criteria is a well-supported evidence-based intervention for which numerous studies have been based. You could also use established guidelines by agencies (CDC, WHO, AHA, etc.).

The comparison is that there is not currently a current practice or protocol in effect at the Primary Care Clinic. The outcome is measurable. In this example, you would be able to conduct a pre-intervention review of patient charts to establish who is experiencing polypharmacy (perhaps defined as taking five or more prescription medications) per the medications listed on the Beers Criteria. Then you would implement the screening over a period of weeks. After that, you would conduct a post-intervention patient chart review to identify the reduction in prescription medications.

You would then have measurable values… the pre- and post-intervention numbers. Evaluation must be based on measurable outcomes. Question templates for asking PICOT questions: Link for PICOT.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Developing a well-structured PICOT question is fundamental for evidence-based practice in healthcare. The PICOT format helps clinicians formulate clear, answerable clinical questions that guide research and practice improvements. In this paper, I will analyze an example PICOT question focused on reducing polypharmacy in elderly patients using the Beers Criteria, exploring its components, relevance, and implications for clinical practice.

Understanding the Components of the PICOT Question

The PICOT framework comprises five core components: Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Time. Each element contributes to shaping a comprehensive clinical question that directs research efforts effectively.

Population

The population in the example includes patients aged 65 and older attending the ABC Primary Care Clinic. This demographic is significant because elderly patients are often at higher risk for polypharmacy, which can lead to adverse drug events, hospitalizations, and diminished quality of life. The age group of 65+ is frequently referenced in literature concerning geriatric pharmacotherapy, aligning with guidelines by organizations like the CDC and WHO that highlight medication management issues in this age group.

Intervention

The intervention involves implementing the Beers Criteria screening tool. This tool, developed by the American Geriatrics Society, provides guidance on potentially inappropriate medications for older adults. The use of evidence-based screening tools in clinical practice enhances medication safety and promotes deprescribing practices where appropriate.

Comparison

The comparison is current practice, which in this case, lacks a standardized protocol for reviewing medication appropriateness. By comparing the new intervention against the existing practice, the study aims to establish the effectiveness of the Beers Criteria in reducing inappropriate medication use.

Outcome

The desired outcome is a reduction in the number of potentially inappropriate medications, attributed to decreased polypharmacy. This outcome is measurable by conducting pre- and post-intervention chart reviews, counting the number of prescriptions that meet the Beers Criteria. The emphasis on measurable outcomes allows for evaluation of the intervention's effectiveness.

Time

The timeline specified in the question is within one month, providing a practical window to assess immediate changes resulting from the intervention. Short-term assessment helps determine the initial impact of screening practices and informs the need for longer-term follow-up studies.

The Significance of the PICOT Question in Clinical Practice

Formulating this PICOT question is crucial for improving medication safety among elderly patients. Polypharmacy increases the risk of adverse drug events, falls, cognitive impairment, and hospitalization. By targeting this issue through evidence-based screening, clinicians can optimize pharmacotherapy, enhance patient outcomes, and reduce healthcare costs.

The PICOT question also guides research design, allowing for a systematic approach to data collection, analysis, and interpretation. The measurable outcomes facilitate evaluation of intervention effectiveness, support quality improvement initiatives, and align with evidence-based practice standards.

Implications for Evidence-Based Practice

Implementing the Beers Criteria screening tool should integrate into routine clinical workflows, supported by staff training and electronic health record prompts. Regular monitoring and re-evaluation ensure sustained improvements in prescribing practices.

Additionally, involving patients in medication management promotes shared decision-making and adherence. Future research could explore long-term outcomes, patient satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness of implementing such screening interventions across various healthcare settings.

Conclusion

Formulating a focused, answerable PICOT question like the example provided is essential for advancing evidence-based nursing and medical practices. It enables clinicians to systematically investigate clinical issues, apply findings effectively, and improve patient safety. The example of reducing polypharmacy in older adults illustrates how targeted interventions can be evaluated rigorously to inform best practices in geriatric pharmacotherapy.

References

• American Geriatrics Society. (2019). Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
• Barker, A. M., & Williams, C. (2018). Medication management in the elderly: polypharmacy and deprescribing. Geriatric Nursing, 39(6), 647-652.
• CDC. (2022). Guidelines for Medication Safety in Older Adults. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Gnjidic, D., et al. (2019). Polypharmacy in older adults: a review of the literature. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 105(1), 60-67.
• Han, L., et al. (2020). Impact of medication review programs on reducing polypharmacy. Patient Safety Journal, 16(4), 245-251.
• Maher, R. L., et al. (2014). Clinical consequences of polypharmacy in elderly patients. Expert Opinion on Drug Safety, 13(1), 57-65.
• WHO. (2021). Pharmacovigilance of medications in older people – guiding principles. World Health Organization.
• Leipzig, R. M., et al. (2019). The effect of evidence-based interventions on medication appropriateness. Journal of Geriatric Pharmacology, 37(2), 143-150.
• Scott, I. A., et al. (2018). Reducing Inappropriate Polypharmacy: a systematic review. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 7(12), 533.
• Wang, T., et al. (2021). Implementation of Beers Criteria in clinical practice. BMC Geriatrics, 21, 350.