EB003 Clinical Inquiry, Problem-Intervention-Comparison-Outcome-Time (PICOT), and Searching Databases

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NURS 6052 Essentials of Evidence-Based Practice

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Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant disruptions to social norms and practices worldwide. Particularly concerning is its impact on children’s mental health, posing challenges for pediatricians in delivering effective care (Fitzpatrick, Carson, & Weisz, 2021). Lockdown measures have subjected children to stressful conditions, heightening their susceptibility to long-term mental health issues (AJN, 2021).

Clinical Issue

This paper focuses on the repercussions of the pandemic on pediatric mental health and its consequent effects on healthcare delivery among caregivers. Pediatric hospitals across various regions have observed a notable surge in emergency department (ED) visits, indicating the magnitude of the issue (Bartek et al., 2021).

How Pediatrics & Caregivers Are Affected

COVID-19 and its containment measures have disrupted various facets of life, including education and healthcare services, impacting children’s mental health (Fitzpatrick et al., 2021). Preliminary data suggest that these disruptions exacerbate stressors, leading to adverse mental health outcomes in children, parents, and caregivers. Reports indicate a decline in emotional and social well-being among children and adolescents, manifesting as internalizing and externalizing problems.

Continuation

Social isolation, closure of schools, and stay-at-home orders further contribute to stress among adolescents and children. Notably, approximately 35% of children who benefited from mental health services through school programs are now deprived of such services due to closures (Fitzpatrick et al., 2021). Moreover, caregivers and parents experience deteriorating mental health due to increased childcare responsibilities, financial strain, unemployment, and loss of health insurance coverage.

How To Improve Access to Mental Health During the Pandemic

The strain on pediatric mental health resources during the pandemic underscores the need for enhanced accessibility and specialized care. While emergency departments have played a crucial role in addressing pediatric mental health needs, advocating for funding to establish dedicated mental health care facilities and providing training to primary care pediatricians are essential steps (Gupta et al., 2021). Additionally, governmental prioritization of community awareness and preventive measures is imperative.

PICOT Question

In a general population, how has pediatric patients’ mental health, compared to other diseases, been affected since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic?

Formulating the PICOT Question

A well-developed PICOT question is crucial for identifying and addressing issues in pediatric nursing practice through evidence-based approaches. The components of PICOT—population, intervention, comparison, outcome, and time frame—ensure clarity and guide research efforts.

Continuation

The patient population (P) comprises pediatric patients presenting in ED during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The intervention (I) involves evidence-based interventions aimed at addressing mental health effects, including counseling and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
Comparison (C) involves the alternative intervention of school-based primary care.
The outcome (O) focuses on the impact of the new intervention on reducing ED visits, assessed over a six-month period.

NURS 6052 Assessment 3 EB003 Clinical Inquiry, Problem-Intervention-Comparison-Outcome-Time (PICOT), and Searching Databases

Research Databases

Utilizing peer-reviewed articles and databases such as Education Source, MEDLINE, ProQuest, and OVID is essential for ensuring the validity and reliability of data in nursing research. Combining these resources with the PICOT framework facilitates the development of evidence-based practices for practical implementation.

Levels of Evidence and Strengths

Level 1 research, involving systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials, offers robust evidence for informing clinical practice. Randomized controlled trials help evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, while systematic reviews aid in identifying and evaluating relevant studies on specific clinical issues.

References

Fitzpatrick, O., Carson, A., & Weisz, J. R. (2021). Using mixed methods to identify the primary mental health problems and needs of children, adolescents, and their caregivers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Child Psychiatry & Human Development, 52(6), 1082-1093.
AJN. (2021, September). The Psychological Toll of COVID-19 on Children: AJN The American Journal of Nursing. American Journal of Nursing.
Bartek, N., Peck, J. L., Garzon, D., & VanCleve, S. (2021). Addressing the clinical impact of COVID-19 on pediatric mental health. Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 35(4), 377-386.
Gupta, S., Schreiber, M., McGuire, T., & Newton, C. (2021). Addressing pediatric mental health during COVID-19 and other disasters: A national tabletop exercise. Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, 1-4.

EB003 Clinical Inquiry, Problem-Intervention-Comparison-Outcome-Time (PICOT), and Searching Databases