Outcome
The "O" in PICO represents the outcome being studied
The last part of the PICO framework focuses on the "O" or outcome. The outcome is the dependent variable that is being measured for in a research study. The outcome should be explicitly stated in any research question. The outcome should be measured at the highest possible scale of measurement possible, preferably the "gold standard" level of measurement in the current empirical/clinical area.
Choosing a credible and valid outcome increases the ease of generalizability and applicability of clinical evidence in other environments. If at all possible, researchers should select a continuous outcome to improve upon the precision and accuracy of treatment effects. Continuous outcomes also allows for researchers to use more powerful parametric statistics.
The outcome variable also plays a central role in creating research hypotheses, choosing the correct research design, conducting a priori sample size calculations, structuring databases, and choosing the correct statistical analyses.
Outcomes can be categorical, ordinal, or continuous. The scale of measurement of the outcome is central to choosing the correct statistical test.
Choosing a credible and valid outcome increases the ease of generalizability and applicability of clinical evidence in other environments. If at all possible, researchers should select a continuous outcome to improve upon the precision and accuracy of treatment effects. Continuous outcomes also allows for researchers to use more powerful parametric statistics.
The outcome variable also plays a central role in creating research hypotheses, choosing the correct research design, conducting a priori sample size calculations, structuring databases, and choosing the correct statistical analyses.
Outcomes can be categorical, ordinal, or continuous. The scale of measurement of the outcome is central to choosing the correct statistical test.
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