In a PICO question regarding stroke clients, what does the "O" represent?

In a PICO question, the "O" stands for "Outcome." This represents the specific effect or change being measured as a result of an intervention. In this context, the outcome of interest is preventing skin breakdown, which is a critical concern for clients who have experienced a stroke. Stroke patients often have reduced mobility and sensation, increasing their risk of skin integrity issues, so addressing how turning frequency affects the rate of skin breakdown is a key question in evidence-based practice.

This emphasis on outcome aligns with the focus on tangible effects of care strategies that improve patient health and quality of life. By clearly defining the expected outcome as preventing skin breakdown, healthcare practitioners can tailor their interventions and evaluate the effectiveness of different turning schedules on this critical aspect of patient care.