P – Population, problem or patient: Identify the patient problem or population. Describe either the patient's chief complaint or generalize the patient's comparison to a larger population.
I - Intervention: Include the use of a specific diagnostic test, treatment, adjunctive therapy, medication or recommendation to the patient to use a product or procedure.
C - Comparison: The main alternative you are considering. It should be specific and limited to one alternative.
O – Outcome: Specify the result(s) of what you plan to accomplish, improve or affect and should be measurable. Specific outcomes will yield better search results and allow you to find the studies that focus on the outcomes you are searching for.
T – Time: Specify the time frame needed to achieve the Outcome.