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Instructions
Writing the PICOT Question
In Submissions Area, you developed a PICOT question to guide your literature search for evidence. The next step in translating research to practice is to search the literature using the search terms from the PICOT question initially. You may need to modify these terms depending on the results of your search. Use the Search Tracker to ensure that you do not repeat your steps.
Tasks:
In this assignment, you will go through the process of searching for evidence on the basis of the PICOT question you developed in Submissions Area. You will experience searching one database and reviewing the abstracts to determine the level of evidence. The expectation is not to do a thorough literature search; the focus is on learning the process.
To begin:
- Review your PICOT question. Incorporate any changes recommended by the instructor.
- Identify the most appropriate databases for your search and make a prioritized list.
- Search one database and fill out the Search Tracker Template (from Submissions Area) to avoid retracing your search steps.
- During the process of your search, review the abstracts until you find 8–10 studies that seem related to your PICOT question. Be sure these articles are available in either the South University Online Library or online, as you may need to obtain the entire article for this assignment. Remember to focus on the top levels of evidence, such as systematic reviews and RCTs.
- Compile an APA-formatted reference list of 8–10 articles found in your search. Copy and paste each abstract below the reference. There’s no need to review all of the studies to determine the best evidence for this assignment.
- State the level of evidence each study represents below the references. If the level of evidence is specifically stated in either the abstract or the body of the article, simply say so and indicate where it is stated. If the level of evidence is not stated, provide a rationale for how you arrived at your conclusion as to the level of evidence the study represents.
Compile your findings in the following manner:
- Your PICOT question at the beginning of the Search Tracker
- The prioritized list of the databases you considered appropriate below the PICOT question
- The completed Search Tracker for your searches
- An APA-formatted reference list of 8–10 articles related to your PICOT question, which also includes:
The identified level of evidence for each article and a justification for your choice
A copy of the abstract below each reference
Submission Details:
Name your paper SU_NSG7020_W3_A2_LastName_FirstInitial .
Week 3
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Week Three Submission Project: Use the PICOT:
For adults >6 5 years of age in the retirement community (P) does an exercise program (I) compared to no exercise program (C) decrease fall rates (O) within one year. Must include a title page and a reference page. |
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Introduction: (This is not a heading). The first paragraph in a paper is always the introduction. The title of the paper goes on the first line of the second page, not in bold print.
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Total points 5 |
Your Points 5
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Completed Search Tracker with PICOT question |
30 |
30 |
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Prioritized list of the databases you considered appropriate below the PICOT question
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10 |
10 |
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An APA-formatted reference list of |
20 |
20 |
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a) The identified level of evidence for each article and a justification for your choice
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b) A copy of the abstract below each reference
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15 |
15 |
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APA/ References |
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Comments: |
100 |
100 /100 |
Page 1 of 1
Evidence, Effectiveness, and Clinical Quality
©2014 South University
Search Tracker
PICOT Question Organizer
PICOT
P Population
I Intervention or
Issue of interest
C Comparison
O Outcome
T Time frame
Search Tracker
Search # Initial Search Terms Database AND/OR? Added Search Terms Title (Ti)
Anywhere, etc.
Number of
Articles
Found
1
2
3
4
5
Page 1 of 1
Evidence, Effectiveness, and Clinical Quality
©2014 South University
Search Tracker Exemplar
PICOT Question Organizer
This format may help you learn to write PICOT questions in the appropriate format. Similar tables can be created for the other formats.
PICOT
P Population In patients recently discharged from the hospital
following care for heart failure
I Intervention or
Issue of interest
Do hand-off calls by the nurse to the primary care
provider using the SBAR (situation, background,
assessment, and recommendation) format
C Comparison Compared to no calls
O Outcome Decrease readmission rates
T Time frame Over a one-year period.
Search Tracker
Search # – If you number your initial search, as you add terms, you will not need to retype them. Do try changing the Boolean operators with
important search terms in the title to limit your search.
Search # Initial Search Terms Database AND/OR? Added Search Terms Title (Ti)
Anywhere, etc.
Number of
Articles
Found
(Useful)
1a Heart failure
Hand offs
Discharge calls
Decrease
Readmission
OR
AND
Anywhere
“
“
“
“
10
(4)
1a + Transitional care Anywhere 1
1b Heart failure
Hand offs
Discharge calls
Decrease
Readmission
OR
AND
Ti
Anywhere
“
“
“
1a, + Nursing intervention AND 0
2
Discussion
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Professor’s Name
Course Name
Due Date
Obesity causes chronic disease, lowers quality of life, and increases health costs. The PICOT question must be well-defined to facilitate a targeted literature search to inform clinical Obesity is a complex, chronic health condition associated with increased risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, reduced quality of life, and higher healthcare costs. Addressing this issue requires evidence-based strategies that support sustainable weight loss and maintenance. A well-structured PICOT question is crucial for guiding clinical practice improvements and effective literature searches.
Proposed PICOT Question
In adults with obesity (P), how does participation in a structured weight management program (I), compared to self-directed weight loss efforts (C), affect long-term weight maintenance (O) over a 12-month period (T)?
This PICOT question is focused, clinically relevant, and aligned with the goal of identifying best practices in obesity management. Structured weight management programs typically integrate dietary counseling, physical activity, behavioral strategies, and, in some cases, pharmacological support. Evidence suggests these programs yield better long-term results than self-directed efforts, which often lack accountability and structured support (Wadden et al., 2023).
Silveri et al. (2024) highlight the importance of accountability frameworks in weight loss interventions, suggesting that programs with regular follow-ups, multidisciplinary teams, and patient-centered goals contribute significantly to sustained weight outcomes. By comparing structured interventions with self-guided efforts, this question aims to explore the real-world effectiveness of formal weight loss programs, a question directly tied to clinical decision-making and patient care.
The final PICOT question allows for a targeted review of interventions proven to improve weight outcomes over time. This specificity enhances the potential for actionable findings in clinical and community settings.
Engagement Question
What elements do you believe are most essential in making a structured weight loss program successful and sustainable over time?
References
Silveri, O. C., Gallardo, N. A., Chandy, R. J., Edwards-Hampton, S. A., & Feldman, S. (2024). Accountability Frameworks in Medical Weight Loss Programs: A Comprehensive Literature Review.
Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.73474
Wadden, T. A., Chao, A. M., Moore, M. B., Jena Shaw Tronieri, Iwamoto, S. J., Amaro, A., Leonard, S., & Jakicic, J. M. (2023). The Role of Lifestyle Modification with Second-Generation Anti-obesity Medications: Comparisons, Questions, and Clinical Opportunities.
Current Obesity Reports,
12(4). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-023-00534-z
