RN-BSN student first PICOT question help!

[nursingstudentjess]

Hi all!

I am currently enrolled in a online RN-BSN program and this weeks lesson was on EBP and formation of a PICOT question. Although this is not part of my coursework this week, I wanted to get some practice in because I know this will become more prevalent as I move on into the program. This was my first stab at a PICOT question and I think I may be somewhat on the right path, but am feeling really unsure. Any insight will be helpful! Thanks in advance =)

P - hospitalized patients with chronic pain

I - alternative/complimentary methods of pain control (i.e. therapeutic touch, music, biofeedback, guided imagery)

C - alternative/complimentary methods of pain control (i.e. therapeutic touch, music, biofeedback, guided imagery) PLUS pain medication administration as per

MD order.

O - For hospitalized patients with chronic pain, does alternative/complimentary methods of pain control (i.e. therapeutic touch, music, biofeedback, guided imagery) have more effective control over pain when combined with pain medication, as opposed to administering pain medication alone?

[dishes, BSN, RN]

Are you experienced with any of the alternative therapies you listed? If so, focus on using that one alternative therapy combined with medication vs medication alone. What tool are you going to use to measure your outcome?

[nursingstudentjess]

I am new nurse who jumped right into a RN-BSN program, so besides clinicals I have no work experience as a RN yet. But, if I am understanding .. I should change it to (ex. therapeutic touch w/ medication vs. just medication)? As for as how to measure the outcome I haven't thought of that yet I'm just trying to get a handle on the format. How would that work with a situation like this that is so subjective?

[dishes, BSN, RN]

First, you need to assess whether you are able to offer therapeutic touch. Ask yourself do you have the knowledge, skills and ability to perform therapeutic touch? Have you completed the recognized practitioner training? Does the hospital have a policy on therapeutic touch? Is a doctors order required to do therapeutic touch? Patient's have a right to competent care and to be informed of the benefits and risks of treatments, whether they are complementary therapies or conventional medicine.

[nursingstudentjess]

Thank you so much for your insight, I appreciate it! I should have thought of the implications behind my statement, I will try to come up with another one that is more in the realm of my practice.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

Since you are just doing this as a school paper and not actually conducting research, you can still go with your original idea. Just include a paragraph of what some of the requirements and potential barriers to implementing the research would be.

[cindyalassadi]

Hello,

I am new here. I am not sure if anyone can give me advice on my PICOT question. Here it is:

In older adults undergoing hip fracture surgery (P), how does oral nutritional supplements (I) compare to standard nutritional therapy (ie nutritional supplements are only provided by demand of the medical doctor) © influence the occurrence of postoperative infections (O) during the hospital stay (T)?

I am not sure why my instructor does not approve of it. It might be bland. It is difficult to come up with a PICOT question when you have limited clinical experience. Any help would be appreciated.