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CINAHL (English): Nursing example

Clinical question / PICO

Approach: formulate a clear and searchable clinical question and use the PICO form as a tool. 
Consider synonyms, translations, keywords from the CINAHL headings, search terms from other sources and so on. 


​Below you find a worked-out example that you can use as a guide.

Example of a clinical question:

Is chewing gum effective in preventing postoperative bowel obstruction?

PICO

P = postoperative patient

I = chewing gum

C = /

O = intestinal obstruction

(Free) Search Terms

P = surgical patient / postoperative patient

I = chewing gum / chewing gums / gum chewing 

C = /

O = bowel motility / bowel obstruction / intestinal obstruction / ileus

Need a helping tool? Use Van Dale's online dictionaries. Click here.

Or use the translation site DeepL.

CINAHL Subject Headings

P = general surgery

I = chewing gum

C = /

O = intestinal obstruction

PICO form

Handy example!

TIP

Also remember the guidelines page in the general LibGuide Verpleegkunde (Nursing)!

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