Type 2 Diabetes PICOT Discussion
Type 2 Diabetes PICOT Discussion
Type 2 Diabetes PICOT Discussion
In patients with Type 2 diabetes, does intermittent fasting compared to no intervention or usual care lead to a significant improvement in glycemic control (HbA1c level) after 12 weeks?
P: Patients with Type 2 diabetes.
I: Intermittent fasting
C: No intervention or usual care
O: Improvement in glycemic control (HbA1c level)
T: 12 weeks
The two databases used to search these questions were PubMed and CINAHL Plus in the Walden University Library (Walden University Library, n.d.). The initial search using the keywords “Type 2 diabetes”, “intermittent fasting”, “glycemic control”, and “HbA1c level” yielded a total of 126 articles on original research in the PubMed database. As additional search terms were added using Boolean operators, the number of articles returned decreased. When “12 weeks” was added as a search term, the number of articles decreased to 52. When the term “usual care” was added as a search term, the number of articles decreased to 36.
Many techniques may be used to improve the thoroughness and accuracy of a database search for this PICO(T) question using Pub Med:
Firstly, guaranteeing complete search coverage by using both free-form keywords and restricted vocabulary phrases (MeSH terms). Diabetic coma, fasting, and glycosylated hemoglobin A are all examples of restricted vocabulary phrases that may be used in conjunction with the keywords. Secondly, to accommodate for any terminology differences, truncate strings and generic symbols can be used. Just appending the truncation symbol “*” to the word “diabetes” will return results including the phrases “diabetic,” “diabetes mellitus,” and “diabetes insipidus,” among others. Thirdly, making use of many databases to assure completeness. Cinahl Plus, the Ebsco database, are some of the other useful databases that may be searched in addition to PubMed. Fourthly, establish criteria for what to include and what to leave out of your search. Because of this, only relevant articles will be included in the study. Articles may be disregarded for a variety of reasons, including not being written in English, not including human subjects; and not reporting on relevant outcomes (in this case, glycemic control). Library of Congress. (n.d.) If these methods are used, the search will provide more complete, accurate, and relevant results for the PICO(T) inquiry.
3/21/23, 4:07 PM Topic: Module 3: Discussion
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After conducting a search on CINAHL Plus using the initial search terms “Type 2 diabetes” and “intermittent fasting,” a total of 5 articles were returned. When using Boolean operators to refine the search, the search terms “Type 2 diabetes AND intermittent fasting” yielded 5 articles, “Type 2 diabetes AND intermittent fasting AND glycemic control” yielded 2 articles, and “Type 2 diabetes AND intermittent fasting AND HbA1c” yielded 1 article.
To increase the rigor and effectiveness of a database search on this PICO(T) question with CINAHL, one strategy is to use a combination of controlled vocabulary and keywords. Controlled vocabulary includes standardized terms used in a specific database to describe concepts, which can help ensure that all relevant articles are retrieved. For example, in CINAHL Plus, the controlled vocabulary term for Type 2 diabetes is “diabetes mellitus, type 2.” Using this term in addition to the keyword “Type 2 diabetes” could potentially retrieve more relevant articles. Another strategy is to use the search filters provided by the database to narrow down the results by publication type, study design, and other relevant criteria. Additionally, it may be helpful to search multiple databases and to review the reference lists of retrieved articles for additional relevant studies.
References
Davies, K. S. (2011). Formulating the evidence-based practice question: A review of the frameworks for LIS professionals. Evidence Based Library and Information Practice, 6(2), 75–80.
Library of Congress. (n.d.). Search/browse help – Boolean operators and nesting. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://catalog.loc.gov/vwebv/ui/en_US/htdocs/help/searchBoolean.html
Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2018). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.
Walden University Library. (n.d.). Databases A-Z: Nursing. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/az.php?s
3/21/23, 4:07 PM Topic: Module 3: Discussion
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3/21/23, 4:07 PM Topic: Module 3: Discussion
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(http Emily F Keyes (She/Her) (https://waldenu.instructure.com/courses/53151/users/2872)
11:42am
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Wemimo,
Beautiful presentation of your search process, and on your important topic! I like your PICOT just as it stands! Great work!
