PICOT Question for Forensic Nursing

[Savvvv]

I have to come up with a PICOT question on a topic related to forensic nursing for my nursing research class. I am having a very hard time doing this because I really do not know anything about the topic. Does anyone have any ideas for a PICOT question?

Thanks!

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Can you define forensic nursing in a little more detail? What (broadly) is included in this area of nursing?

[Savvvv]

I am still unclear as to what forensic nursing is still-

Wikipedia defines it as "The nursing speciality of forensic nursing involves caring for victims and perpetrators of crime whilst attempting to collect forensic evidence on the circumstances surrounding the incident, acting as part of the legal system whilst nursing"

International association of forensic nurses defines it as "Forensic Nurses specialize in caring for victims and perpetrators of violence. They also take part in the legal system by collecting forensic evidence and providing consultation to medical and law agencies"

[AnonRNC]

So what have you thought of that might start to shape your PICOT question?

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Have you looked at the Journal of Forensic Nursing?

Forensic Nursing Journals for Practitioners: Ultimate Guidebook for Practitioners

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

YOu might find this site helpful

Asking the right question is a difficult skill to learn, yet it is fundamental to the evidence-based decision-making process. This process almost always begins with a patient question or problem. A "well-built" question should include four parts, referred to as PICO that identify the patient problem or population (P), intervention (I), comparison © and outcome(s) (O). 1 The first step in developing a well-built question is to identify the patient problem or population. Describe either the patient's chief complaint or generalize the patient's condition to a larger population.

When identifying the P in PICO it is helpful to ask:

How could you describe a group with a similar problem?

How you would describe the patient to a colleague?

What are the important characteristics of this patient?

• Primary Problem
  
  
• Patient's main concern or chief complaint
  
  
• Disease or health status
  
  
• Age, Race, Sex, Previous ailments, current medications
  
  

Should these characteristics be considered as I search for evidence? 1

The P phrase could be more detailed if the added information influences the results you expect to find.

Identifying the Intervention is the second step in the PICO process. It is important to identify what you plan to do for that patient. This may include the use of a specific diagnostic test, treatment, adjunctive therapy, medication or the recommendation to the patient to use a product or procedure. The intervention is the main consideration for that patient or client. 1

The Comparison is the third phase of the well-built question, which is the main alternative you are considering.1 It should be specific and limited to one alternative choice in order to facilitate an effective computerized search.

The Comparison is the only optional component in the PICO question. One may only look at the Intervention without exploring alternatives, and in some cases, there may not be an alternative.

The Outcome is the final aspect of the PICO question. It specifies the result(s) of what you plan to accomplish, improve or affect and should be measurable. Outcomes may consist of:

relieving or eliminating specific symptoms

improving or maintaining function

or enhancing esthetics.

Specific outcomes will yield better search results and allow you to find the studies that focus on the outcomes you are searching for. When defining the outcome, more effective is not acceptable unless it describes how the intervention is more effective.

For example, more effective in preventing caries, or in decreasing probing depths.

In addition to identifying the PICO components, it is important to clarify the type of question you are asking and the related research method. The categories for types of questions are:

Therapy/Prevention

Diagnosis

Etiology

Prognosis

Based on four PICO component, a final PICO question can be stated as:

For a patient with Tetracycline staining, will chairside (ZOOM) bleaching as compared to over the counter White Stips decrease staining and increase tooth whiteness.

Once you have identified a patient problem and defined your question using PICO, you are ready to find the most current valid evidence.

The PICO Worksheet and Search Strategy provides the framework for developing this step of the process by guiding one to write each component of the PICO question and is also a guide in developing a search strategy, which aids in the retrieval of relevant clinical evidence.

Conducting a computerized search with maximum efficiency to answer the question is the second step in the EBDM process

PICO method - Evidence Based Practice - Library Guides at Purdue University Libraries

[Savvvv]

I have basically no knowledge of anything to do with Forensic Nursing, so coming up with something to even research is the real issue. Its hard to come up with any ideas for a topic or "identify the patient problem" when you have no experience in the field... I guess I was hoping for some ideas as far as patient problems within forensic nursing that someone has identified? Once I have a topic to go with, then actually developing the PICO question is pretty straight forward. I really appreciate all of your input!

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

I know nothing about forensic nursing per se.......a link that GrnTea gave you had these areas that Forencisc nurses are utilized

Forensic nurses deal with the following cases:

• Domestic violence
  
• Sexual assault
  
• Abuse or neglect of child or elderly
  
• Psychological abuse
  
• Human trafficking
  
• Occult- or religious-related violence
  
• Forensic mental or psychiatric health
  
• Nursing in correctional establishments
  
• Legal nurse consultations
  
• Automobile or pedestrian accidents
  
• Suicide attempt
  
• Work-related injuries
  
• Disasters
  
• Administration of patient care
  
• Service accidents/injuries
  
• Check for environmental hazards
  
• Detect drug or alcohol abuse
  
• Check illegal abortion
  
• Tissue and organ donations or charity
  
• Homicide cases
  
• Suicide cases
  
• Suspicious deaths
  

But as nurses we participate in forensic nursing especially in the ED. Maybe something about the maintenance of legal/criminal evidence and chain of evidence in the ED.....a process to improve?

How to improve sexual assault process in the ED would be another.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

I suggested the Journal because it will tell you a lot about... patients being cared for by forensic nurses, and the problems they run into. Go check, really.

[Savvvv]

My group has decided to do research on the use of screening tools to encourage Pts to report domestic abuse/violence... Thank you guys for all your help!

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

:) YOu're welcome!