Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and depression

Developing a PICOT question takes time and thought. A major component in this process includes understanding how to create the PICOT question. The question should consist of population, intervention or issue of interest, comparison, and the timeframe to accomplish the outcome (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019, p.34) My topic of interest is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and depression. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment that uses a magnetic coil placed on the left dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression. TMS is an alternative treatment that is used when antidepressants have not been effective (Mayo Clinic, 2018). My PICOT question is ‘What is the effect of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy for Adults with Depression as Reflected in Depression Rating Scales?’ I used CINAHL Plus, Thoreau, and APA PsycInfo to conduct my search. The words I used initially to search were TMS and depression. Then, I broadened my search by adding rating scales, depression rating scales, depression assessment tools, and adults. I also used the search guides of peer-reviewed and stipulated the years in the sidebar to range from 2016 to 2022. At the top of the EBSCOhost page, directly above the search bar where one can type in the qualifiers, there is an option to choose databases (Walden University Library, 2022). One has the option to search several different databases at the same time. I was able to find randomized clinical trials, a pilot investigation, a cohort study, and two double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, sham-controlled clinical trials. Understanding how to conduct research is imperative to all nurses. It is essential to understand how to conduct research and vital to have the capacity to interpret the research. Whenever a nurse presents an issue to be addressed to their supervisor or any key stakeholder, it should always be accompanied by evidence-based research.