“Nursing research is a systemic process of inquiry that uses rigorous guidelines to produce unbiased, trustworthy answers to questions about nursing practice” ( Houser, 2018, pg. 5). Nurses can improve quality of life for patients by finding solutions to problems by implementing Evidence based practice and nursing research. Nursing practices that are based on research uses a common format called the PICOT method. According to Riva, Malik, Burnie, Endicott, and Busse, ( 2012), ” Clinicians interested in research pursuits, related to patient care, should consider the use of a literature research and the PICOT format when engaging clinical researchers.” This method allows those researching the direction needed to answer questions of most importance. Upon reading case studies from our reading by Kumar, ( 2015), I chose the middle aged active woman with type 2 diabetes.

PICOT Question:

Can the use of Degludec insulin and dietary modification control blood sugar and reduce hypoglycemic episodes better than the use of another type of insulin with dietary modification in middle aged active females with type 2 Diabetes?

P:  Active middle aged women with type 2 Diabetes

I:   Use of Degludec insulin and dietary modification

C:  Use of insulin pump and dietary modification

O:  Better glycemic control and decreased hypoglycemic episodes

T:   2 months

The focus point of this question would be treatment related. This case study proved that through the use of Degludec insulin therapy, and lifestyle changes, the desired outcome were proved in this 2 month trial, thus allowing this patient to maintain as normal a lifestyle as possible with this treatment. Though the insulin pump worked well for her, it did not mesh well with her current activities.

 

Rose Velez

Burnie, S.J., Busse, J.W., Riva, J.J., Endicott, A.R., & Malik, K.M.( 2012). What is your Research Question?: An introduction to the PICOT format for clinicians. Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, 167-171.

Houser, J.P. ( 2018). Nursing Research Reading, Using, and Creating Evidence. Burlington: Jones and Barlett Learning, LLC.

Kumar, S. (2015). Type 1 diabetes mellitus-common cases. Indian Journal of Endocrinology & Metabolism, 76-77.