A PICO framework is a mnemonic device used in evidence-based practice and research methodology, particularly in Systematic Literature Reviews (SLRs) and Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR), to structure and formulate a focused, answerable clinical or research question.
PICO Components
The acronym represents the four essential components required to define a clear and searchable research question:
- P – Population/Patient/Problem: Who or what is the question about? This defines the patient demographics, disease, or condition of interest.
- Example: Adults with Type 2 Diabetes.
- I – Intervention/Exposure: What is the main treatment, therapy, diagnostic test, or exposure being considered?
- Example: A new oral anti-diabetic drug.
- C – Comparator/Control: What is the main alternative being compared to the intervention? This can be standard care, a placebo, or another existing drug.
- Example: Current standard-of-care medication (e.g., Metformin).
- O – Outcome: What is the measured result or effect of the intervention? This can be a clinical endpoint, an economic measure, or a patient-reported outcome (e.g., mortality, cost, quality of life).
- Example:Reduction in HbA1c levels and incidence of major
