Guidance for writing your problem statements or INTRODUCTION

Problem Statement “Sets the stage” for your PICOT question; Why is this PICOT question important? Helps the reader understand the issue that will be examined in your EBP-related question Provides factual information related to the focus of your PICOT rather than simply offering anecdotal clinical information

Example of a problem statement: If my question focused on whether depression and smoking had an impact on bone accrual in adolescent girls . . . Then my problem statement would include key points (using references) related to prevalence, relevance, and impact regarding: Why we are concerned about the outcome of bone accrual--- (low bone mass makes one more likely to be osteoporotic; stats on how prevalent osteoporosis/fracture is and its costs, and 50% of mass is accrued in adolescence) Why depression may matter (rates increase in puberty---especially in girls; adults women with depression more likely to be osteoporotic)

Other examples: Think about what might be included in a statement if you were focusing on: comparing treatments (standard care vs a new drug) for lupus in reproductive aged women or deciding if Educational Strategy 1 was more effective than Educational Strategy 2 for teaching undergraduate nursing students X procedure. Write your answers down before you look at the next slide!

For comparing treatments (standard care vs a new drug) for lupus in reproductive aged women I would include statements about: How common lupus is in this age group of women What the ramifications of the disease (including morbidity/mortality, public health costs) What the issues are with standard care treatment (efficacy, costs, side effects etc.) Why the new drug may be more effective