COPES Framework
Updated 2026-08-16
INTRODUCTION
English translation pending.
CORE DEFINITION
COPES is a framework for constructing evidence-based clinical questions. C stands for Client or Clinical situation, the patient's characteristics and clinical context. O stands for Objective, the treatment outcome the patient hopes to achieve. P stands for Problem, the main issue that must be resolved. E stands for Evidence, the best available evidence supporting the decision. S stands for Setting, the specific environment in which treatment is delivered. The framework helps clinicians consider the patient's situation, goals and evidence systematically instead of mechanically applying guidelines, enabling individualized shared decisions.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
- Individualize the question: ground every single clinical decision in this patient's situation and setting. - Tie goals to evidence: always connect the desired outcome directly to the best available evidence. - Escape guideline-matching: consciously adapt the general rules to the specific person and context.
Anchor fast decisions
Built on individualized clinical decision making. The five dimensions of client situation, objective, problem, evidence and setting are combined so the clinician adapts to the individual instead of mechanically applying a guideline.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/1Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PICO_(evidence-based_medicineverified
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