Nurses in a community clinic are conducting an evidenced based practice (EBP) project focused on improving the outcomes of children with asthma. The PICO question asked by the nurses is “In school-age children, does the use of an electronic gaming education module versus educational books affect the usage of inhalers?” In the question, what is the “O”?

The PICO format is a widely used tool in evidence-based practice (EBP) to develop focused clinical questions that guide the search for relevant evidence. PICO stands for: P = Population or Problem, I = Intervention, C = Comparison, O = Outcome.

Rationale for correct answer:

C. Use of inhalers: This is the “O” (Outcome). The goal of the project is to determine whether the use of inhalers is affected by the type of education provided. It is the measurable result that reflects the effectiveness of the interventions.

Rationale for incorrect answer:

A. Electronic gaming education: This is the “I” (Intervention). It is the new or experimental strategy being evaluated to see if it improves inhaler use compared to the standard approach.

B. Educational book: This is the “C” (Comparison). The educational book is the alternative to the main intervention and is used as a point of comparison to the electronic gaming module.

D. Electronic gaming education: This is the “I” (Intervention). It is the new or experimental strategy being evaluated to see if it improves inhaler use compared to the standard approach.

Take home points:

• The "Outcome" in a PICO question refers to the measurable result or effect the researchers hope to evaluate.
• Understanding how to break down a clinical question using the PICO framework strengthens evidence-based practice

In nursing theory, a concept is a mental image or abstract idea that helps explain a phenomenon or guide clinical thinking. Concepts are the building blocks of theories-they allow nurses to organize observations, label phenomena, and create a shared language for practice.

Rationale for correct answer:

C. Idea: A concept is essentially an abstract idea or mental representation that defines or describes a phenomenon.

Rationale for incorrect answers:

A. Fact: A fact is something objectively verifiable and proven true through evidence; while a concept can be based on facts, it is broader, more abstract, and not always universally proven.

B. Science: Science is a systematic process of gaining knowledge; concepts are components of science but not synonymous with it.

D. Truth: Truth is a judgment or belief that is considered universally valid; concepts can be subjective and may vary depending on context or discipline.

Take home points

• In nursing theory, a concept is best described as an abstract idea used to explain phenomena.
• Concepts form the foundation for developing models and theories that guide nursing practice.