In the PICO framework, what does C stand for?

• A. Control
• B. Comparison interventions
• C. Care
• D. Consequence

Answer: (B)

In PICO, the C stands for Comparison (also called the comparator). This is the alternative against which the intervention is evaluated. It can be a placebo, standard care, no treatment, or another active treatment. Including a comparison helps you determine whether the new intervention provides better outcomes than the alternative and to estimate the effect size. While you might hear terms like control in some contexts, the PICO framework uses comparison/comparator to cover all possible alternatives, not just no-treatment controls. For example, in testing a new antihypertensive drug, the comparison could be a standard existing drug or placebo, depending on the question.