Pharm M5

For this discussion, you will be introduced to the PICO process. You will be exploring the evidence that informs you best about each criterion applied to the PICO process. Use the PICO format to present your clinical topic. You can discuss each P-I-C-O criterion in a paragraph format. First, the P in PICO directs you to recognize a problem and the population that you have witnessed, experienced, or just read about and it interests you. Include statistical data the proves this is a problem and in addition, reflect on your own opinion about the people and the problem. Next, identify one I in PICO which is an intervention. The intervention should improve the problem or reduce the risk of worsening symptoms or occurrences. Include the pathophysiology of the medication and this should show the reader why your intervention may work. Now, C in PICO which is compare what is presently being implemented to address the problem you have identified. Perhaps nothing is being done or maybe you are changing medications or adding additional medication to what is presently being done. Compare means that you identify what is being done now before you test your new intervention on the problem. See the examples below. Finally, write out the O in PICO, which is an outcome. An outcome statement is part of the nursing process and CJMM. It is specific to the subject (patient), the action under expected performance, and the time frame. An outcome is measurable. The criterion for this discussion is as follows: PICO Criteria PICO Criteria Topic Include the evidence in a paragraph format P – Population/Problem The population that experiences a problem such as MI, angina, a specific dysrhythmia, a coagulation problem or are at risk for a medication error. Define the populations and problem. Include evidence such as statistics as to incidence or occurrence. This proves it is a problem. Include what causes this problem such as the pathophysiology for a disease or disorder. If you choose medication errors, then you would explain the actions by the nurse that could result in a patient safety event. I – Intervention What may fix or reduce the problem. This needs to be a medication that may prevent or treat a cardiovascular problem or one strategy that could reduce the risk of a medication error depending on the problem you identify. Explain the intervention. If the intervention is medication, explain the pathophysiology of the medication so the reader knows why it may be effective. Include the therapeutic classification and pharmacologic class of the medication as well as actions and uses. If it is a strategy to reduce the risk of a medication error, explain what this one strategy is and how it may be effective. Please do not select a staffing change as an intervention as you are not in a role to implement this complicated change. C – Comparator/Compare What is being done now before you start your intervention. Write a statement of what is being done now. Perhaps the patient is managing a disorder by diet only so the addition of a medication would compare to diet only. Or Perhaps now one nurse is calculating incorrectly so a two nurse check may work best and reduce the risk of a medication error. O – Outcome What is the effect you want to occur? Remember, an outcome is specific to the subject (patient), the action, under expected performance and the time frame. This is measurable. Write an outcome statement for example: The patient will maintain a strong, regular radial pulse at a rate of 60-90/min in 24 hours. The patient’s episode of chest pain will be resolved in 5 min. The patient will experience a weight loss of 1 kg in a 24 hour period. Medication errors that reach the patient will be reduced in the specified environment over a one month period.