Do you know the "PICO" or "FINE" acronym methods for a research question?
In my master's degree and doctorate in clinical nutrition, I learned about the PICO acronym method, but neither FINE nor FINER was discussed or taught during either program. I am well-versed in the PICO method and still use it for all my secondary research projects.
P- Population,
I- Intervention,
C- Comparator and
O- Outcome
The PICO method promotes evidence-based medicine (EBM) for structuring research questions and conducting literature searches. It is a practical application for a clinical setting. The four components of the PICO mnemonic form an answerable, measurable, and focused question. Furthermore, PICO can also be used as a literature search tool. More specific search results will occur if researchers enter search queries with the population, intervention, control, and outcome included.
However, now that I am in a clinical research program, I am learning about the "FINE" acronym through my textbook for the first time.
F - Feasible
I - Interesting
N - Novel
E - Ethical
The FINE method is used for formulating research questions (feasible, interesting, novel, and ethical)- this was an interesting read because, remember, I have been taught PICO over and over for years.
FINE allows researchers to ponder the philosophical, logical, and scientific implications of writing research questions. Researchers must evaluate their immediate clinical environment when planning to answer a research question. They must also reflect on how much time and effort they will invest in a research study from inception to publication. To meet the FINE criteria, the researchers MUST become vested. Research questions are grounded in the literature, and researchers need to know what questions have been asked and which questions need answers. Another aspect of the FINE method is knowing what questions must be asked.
Question examples for the FINE method (but aren't these asked for the PICO method, too):
Is there a gap that needs to be filled?
Is there new evidence for the research question?
Are study participants protected from harmful components?
Will confidentiality and anonymity be upheld?
How will this affect clinical practice?
After formulating a research question using the FINE method, the researchers become more deliberate and objective by refining and explicitly defining critical aspects of the research question.
So, the main objectives of PICO and FINE in any research study are to answer the research question and fill the "knowledge gaps." I still have more to learn.
Now, I must answer: should we use them together or separately?
Thoughts?
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