The first step in conducting evidence-based practice (EBP) is to formulate a question that will drive the literature review. This research question is a descriptive inquiry of intervention and potential outcome(s). The question will support EBP and should be succinct, clear, and as specific as possible. One way to develop the question is to use the CIAO formula from our textbook:
Client Characteristics
Intervention being considered
Alternative intervention
Outcome.
Using this approach, the first step is to pinpoint the client population. The more detailed one can be regarding the attributes or characteristics of the client population, the more helpful the question will be, and the more applicable the research findings will be. If possible, the practitioners should identify gender, socioeconomic status, racial/ethnic minority status, health conditions, religion, and other factors. Examples of strong population components include:
*Male clients diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder
*Chinese immigrants who came to the United States in the last five years
*Hispanic adolescents residing in single-parent households
Next, pinpoint the program, therapy, or treatment being considered. Again, it is vital to be as specific as possible when describing the intervention, including details such as the setting, frequency, type of modality, and provider. For example:
Eight-week psychoeducational group
15-minute diabetes prescreening
A set of three weekly social work home visits
Determining a comparison component is optional, but it can be useful when further evaluating the findings.
Finally, define the intended outcome of the intervention in collaboration with your client. Examples include:
Increased knowledge about triggers of anger
Decreased levels of depression as measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale.
In the following evidence report, you will observe how a similar framework to CIAO, PICO, is used to organize the most recent evidence regarding the treatment of PTSD. Pharmacologic and Nonpharmacologic Treatments for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, 2022 Update Source: https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/ptsd-pharm-treatment/researchLinks to an external site.
Consider a recent micro or macro practice question that you were recently exposed to (in class or field) that would benefit from gathering research. Conduct a framework for evidence search using the CIAO worksheet.
Next, identify two articles in the literature addressing the research question. Start your search with the curated sources (list below). Describe how the two articles you identified fit your CIAO framework.
