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Literature and Systematic Reviews for Public Health

Research Question Frameworks

Systematic and scoping reviews answer very specific research questions. Using a question framework, like PICO or PEO, helps you to organize your research topic into an answerable question. Keep in mind that these frameworks are just a tool, not a science!

PICO PEO

P: Population

I: Intervention

C: Comparison/control

O: Outcome

P: Population

E: Exposure

O: Outcome

P: East Africa

I: Access to water

C: none

O: Food insecurity

P: Deaf and hard of hearing teenagers

E: Sexual education classes

O: Individuals' experiences
How does access to water impact food insecurity for the population of East Africa? What are the sexual education experiences of Deaf and hard of hearing teenagers?

PICO and PEO aren't the only question frameworks that exist; you may find that your question fits better into a SPIDER, SPICE, or ECLIPSE format, or something else.

SPIDER SPICE ECLIPSE
S: Sample
P/I: Phenomenon of Interest
D: Design
E: Evaluation
R: Research type
 		 S: Setting
P: Perspective
I: Intervention or Interest
C: Comparison
E: Evaluation
 		 E: Expectation
C: Client group
L: Location
I: Impact
P: Professionals
S: Service
 

 

Example Research Questions

Systematic Review Scoping Review
How effective is rifampin in the treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis? What programs exist to curb the spread of drug-resistant tuberculosis?
What are the experiences of parents in the United States regarding childhood seasonal flu vaccination? How are the experiences of parents in the United States regarding childhood seasonal flu vaccines being studied?
In assisted living facilities, do therapy dog visits reduce feelings of loneliness in residents? What are the clinical applications of therapy dog visits in healthcare settings?
What are the effects of handwashing on the reduction of the spread of e. coli in Zambia? What water sanitation practices are being used in Zambia?