Pre Med preparation: Frame your searches

PICO is a framework and process to use for successful database searches in order to ansswer EBM questions that address the

(P ) roblem or (P)opulation

(I) ntervention

(C) omparison, and

(O)utcome(s)

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW  is a thought process with a framework where you should ask during your EBM/PICO searches: 

1. Are the results of the review valid?
2. Does the study address a clearly focused question?
3. Did the study use valid methods to address this question?
4. Are the results of this study important?
5. Are these results applicable to the patient/population?, etc.