Why is the statement "PICO" considered unsuitable for qualitative research?

The statement that "PICO" is considered unsuitable for qualitative research because it is structured for quantitative research purposes is accurate. PICO, which stands for Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome, is a framework designed to formulate research questions primarily within the context of quantitative studies. This structure is highly effective for studies that aim to measure relationships, outcomes, and effects typically found in experiments or clinical trials.

In qualitative research, the focus shifts from measuring these specific variables and outcomes to exploring deeper insights into human experiences, perspectives, and behaviors. Qualitative studies often aim to understand the meaning behind people's actions or the context of social phenomena, which does not align well with the PICO framework. Instead, qualitative research often employs different methodologies and conceptual frameworks, such as thematic analysis or grounded theory, which are better suited to address the complexities and richness of qualitative data.

This approach highlights the fundamental differences in the design and intent between qualitative and quantitative research, thus making PICO less applicable in qualitative contexts.