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Effective Literature Searching: PFO Framework

Learn how to perform an effective literature search by translating a research question into a search strategy in a database such as PubMed

Other Question Development Frameworks

PFO Framework

The PFO Framework is useful for research questions dealing with prognosis. It is used to determine a condition’s overall prognosis, any links between outcomes or prognostic tests and prognostic factors.

P F O
Population Prognostic Factors Outcome
Age, gender, geographic location or specific characteristics Situation, condition or a characteristic  Consequences of prognosis

PFO Example: Are young adults (P) with OCD (F) more likely to suffer from other mental health issues (O)?