Evidence-based nursing is a process founded on the collection, interpretation, appraisal, and integration of valid, clinically significant, and applicable research. It is not about developing new knowledge or validating existing knowledge, but rather translating existing evidence so that it can be applied to clinical decision making. This process starts with formulating a sound PICO question. PICO is a format for developing a good clinical research question prior to starting a review or research. It is a mnemonic used to describe the four elements of a sound clinical foreground question.

Scenario:

1 A nurse in the PACU is interested in ways to decrease the use of pain medication in post-op patients. She’s wondering if classical music or guided imagery might be efficacious.

Instructions:

Choose clinical scenario above, and answer the following questions:
What is evidence-based nursing practice and why is it important?
What is the PICO process?
Formulate a well defined clinical question that will yield the most relevant and best evidence.
Describe the background of the question
Present the question using PICOT format
Indicate what will be the best study to answer the clinical question.