From the need for information to the search strategy to the PICO format

Authors

  • Antonio Olry de Labry-Lima Centro Andaluz de Información del Medicamento (CADIME), Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública (EASP), Campus Universitario de Cartuja, Granada,, CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Ibs. Granada. Hospitales Universitarios de Granada/Universidad de Granad
  • Silvia Tortosa-La Osa Improving Economies for Stronger Communities (IESC), Santo Domingo, Doctoranda. Programa Interuniversitario de Doctorado en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Sevilla
  • Eva Martin-Ruiz Universidad de Sevilla, Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1509-1198

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30827/ars.v66i1.31474

Keywords:

Methodology, Interdisciplinary Research, Information Storage and Retrieval / methods, Evidence-Based Practice

Abstract

Scientific production is experiencing exponential growth, making it essential for professionals and the academic community to possess tools and skills for efficiently retrieving relevant information. To address this need, information must be reformulated into answerable questions, with the PICO format (an acronym for Patient, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome) proving particularly useful. Utilizing this framework will facilitate the identification of critical elements within our question and serve as a guide throughout the information retrieval process, aiding in the development and structuring of search strategies. This paper outlines the principles for formulating questions using the PICO format to enhance the efficacy of literature searches.

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References

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Published

2024-12-20

How to Cite

1.
Olry de Labry-Lima A, Tortosa-La Osa S, Martin-Ruiz E. From the need for information to the search strategy to the PICO format. Ars Pharm [Internet]. 2024 Dec. 20 [cited 2025 Jul. 27];66(1):101-6. Available from: https://revistaseug.ugr.es/index.php/ars/article/view/31474

Issue

Section

Methodological Notes