Introduction
Formulating accurate clinical questions is vital for effective nursing decision-making, characterized by constant change. One of the most critical problems regarding medical practice relates to postoperative treatment for older people. Consequently, comprehension of the intricacies of postoperative pain is crucial in ensuring effective recuperation in an aging population facing surgical interventions. Exploration started with a detailed quest in CINAHL and MEDLINE on Quick Answers, incorporating Boolean operators to improve the query. This stage aimed to identify original, peer-reviewed journal articles on targeted interventions and outcomes of post-surgical pain in the elderly population. This is followed by the emergence and development of a focused PICOT question that enhances the specificity under consideration in the investigative process. This paper summarizes search results, the PICOT(E) Question, and ways of strengthening database search power.
Search Results and Boolean Operators
The content of each article sheds light on some aspects of clinical problems as well as prospects for controlling post-traumatic pain within this age group. The use of CINAHL and MEDLINE databases establishes a reliable and empirical basis for continuing to delve into the clinical problem regarding the course (Stillwell et al., 2010). The above articles provide an idea for constructing a specific PICOT question used to guide the search for literature and information relevant to this aim to improve senior surgery nursing policies.
Development of PICO(T) Questions
The PICO(T) question is constructed to explain how tailored pain management interventions affect elderly surgical patients over the first seventy-two hours after surgery (Quick Answers, n.d.-h). The question reads: What is the impact on pain relief and satisfaction during the first 72 hours in elderly surgery patients who receive tailored pain management intervention versus conventional postoperative pain medication? With this question, we can get an overview of interventions and outcomes specific to the old adult’s postoperative pain.
Strategies to Increase Rigor and Effectiveness of Database Search
Use Synonyms and Alternative Terms: Ensure that synonyms and other associated keywords are included in each PICO(T) question component to generate a broader scope of appropriate literature (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2022).
Utilize Subject Headings: Use various subject headings related to the databases provided and MeSH terms to increase the specificity of the search (Stillwell et al., 2010).
Time Frame Adjustment: The study should be adjusted by limiting the time frame to the latest studies because healthcare practices and interventions continue evolving daily (Quick Answers, n.d.-h).
Exploration of Multiple Databases: Also, carry out a broader search in other databases apart from the CINAHL and MEDLINE, such as the Joanna Briggs Institute, to have the complete acquisition of pertinent literature (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2022).
Hand Search Key Journals: Search in critical journals in the field of postoperative pain management and elderly care to identify additional relevant articles manually (Stillwell et al., 2010)
Conclusion
This essay started by choosing a specific clinical problem- postoperative care for seniors; a thorough database search based on the PICOT question was developed. A basis for evidence-based practice is established using the four reviewed articles obtained through the systematic search. A complex study begins with formulating the PICO(T) question focused on particular interventions and outcomes in the first 72 hours immediately after surgery. The strategy for enhancing search rigor highlights the need for detailed and thorough search processes. While medicine continues evolving, asking specific and answerable questions will remain an essential element of evidence-based practice in nursing.
References
Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2022). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Stillwell, S. B., Fineout-Overholt, E., Melnyk, B. M., & Williamson, K. M. (2010). Evidence-based practice, step by step: Asking the clinical question: A critical step in evidence-based practice.Links to an external site. American Journal of Nursing, 110(3), 58–61.
Quick Answers: How do I find a systematic review article related to health, medicine, or nursing?Links to an external site. Retrieved September 6, 2019, from https://academicanswers.waldenu.edu/faq/72670
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