Here are some general rules of thumb to follow when creating PowerPoint presentations.

· The rule of 7:

o No more than seven lines on each slide (additional information should be put in the notes section at the bottom)

o No more than seven words per line

· Use APA formatting– in-text citations within the slide and an ending “References” slide with your APA-formatted references.

· Download new templates from the Microsoft website from within PowerPoint.

· When presenting your PowerPoint, avoid reading your bullet points. Instead support your verbal talk with graphs, charts, and other graphics that reinforce the point you’re trying to make.

· Limit the use of animations or page dissolves. They do not add to your content and can be distracting for your audience.

· Use simple templates. Dark fonts on light backgrounds are easiest to read. Focus your creativity on the content.

Here’s the PICO question: PICO Question: For the hospitalized patient, is it more beneficial to utilize a computerized systematic reminder based system, versus traditional written protocols that lack follow-up assessment, for indwelling urinary catheter removal to obtain lower incidences of catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) measured over the length of stay?