PICO Question Purpose
- Discuss the purpose defining the purpose of the PICO question for the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
- Explain the purpose of your selected PICO question advanced practice psychiatric nurses or the patients or the populations they treat.
QUESTION
In adults aged 18–65 diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (P), how does exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) (I) compared to pharmacotherapy with fluvoxamine (C) affect the reduction of compulsive hand-washing behaviors (O)?
- post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in the current APA style.
- Provide support for your work from at least five academic sources less than 5 years old.
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PICO Question Purpose
Purpose of a PICO Question
The main purpose of a PICO question is to provide clarity and structure in evidence-based practice. By narrowing down the clinical problem, it ensures that research is targeted and relevant. Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) can use this framework to identify the best available evidence for managing mental health conditions. This supports informed decision-making and enhances patient outcomes by applying research directly to practice.
Application to Psychiatric Nursing
For psychiatric nurses, PICO questions are essential in comparing treatment options for complex disorders. In this case, the focus is on adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and the effectiveness of exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) compared to fluvoxamine. By framing the question this way, nurses can evaluate therapeutic efficacy, side effects, and patient preferences. This ultimately supports individualized care tailored to psychiatric populations.
Patient-Centered Relevance
The selected PICO question highlights compulsive hand-washing, a common and distressing symptom of OCD. By focusing on symptom reduction, the question directly addresses a patient’s quality of life. It emphasizes outcomes that matter to patients, such as relief from compulsive urges and improved daily functioning. This patient-centered approach ensures that psychiatric interventions are not just evidence-based, but also meaningful in improving lived experiences.
Clinical and Research Implications
Answering this PICO question can guide both clinical practice and future research. Evidence comparing ERP and fluvoxamine provides insights into which intervention is more effective or sustainable. For PMHNPs, the findings inform treatment planning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and policy development. Additionally, the results can highlight gaps in current evidence, encouraging further studies and refining mental health treatment strategies.
