The First Step Of The Evidence-Based Practice Process

Full Answer Section

PICOT Question:

P (Patient Population): Mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU

I (Intervention): Implementation of a comprehensive oral care protocol involving oral hygiene, decontamination of the oropharyngeal microbiota, and oral lubrication

C (Comparison): Standard oral care practices without the comprehensive oral care protocol

O (Outcome): Incidence of early-onset HAP, as measured by the development of pneumonia within 48 hours of intubation

T (Timeframe): Six months

Clinical Guiding Question:

"In mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU, will the implementation of a comprehensive oral care protocol, compared to standard oral care practices, reduce the incidence of early-onset HAP within six months?"

Sample Solution

Nursing Practice Problem: Inadequate pain management among postoperative patients in an acute care setting

PICOT Question:

P (Patient Population): Postoperative patients in an acute care setting

I (Intervention): Implementation of a standardized pain assessment and management protocol

C (Comparison): Current practice of individualized pain assessment and management

O (Outcome): Patient satisfaction with pain management, as measured by the Patient Satisfaction with Pain Management Questionnaire (PSPQ)