Ch. 3- Literature Review
What is a Literature Review?
- A systematic and critical appraisal - Provides the development and foundation of a research study - Provides the development and foundation of the theoretical framework - ESSENTIAL to evidence-based nursing practice
What Is a Refereed or Peer-Reviewed Journal?
A panel of scholars who are experts review submitted manuscripts. Usually the reviews are "blind" to promote objectivity; that is, the manuscript to be reviewed does not include the name of the authors. The reviewers use a set of scholarly criteria to judge whether a manuscript meets the publication standards of the journal.
Goal of the Literature Review: from the Consumer's perspective
Answer a clinical question or solve a problem to improve patient outcomes: Identifying and gathering evidence Critically appraising and synthesizing evidence Assessing the usefulness of the evidence in changing practice Changing practice to improve outcomes or justify current interventions Developing evidence-based practice projects
Which source provides the most information on evidence-based practice? A. CINAHL B. MEDLINE C. PsycINFO D. Cochrane Systematic Review
Answer: D
Questions to Consider when Critiquing Literature Review [Just Review, don't need to memorize]
Are all the relevant concepts and variables included in the literature review? Does the search strategy include an appropriate and adequate number of databases and other resources to identify key published and unpublished research and theoretical sources? Are both theoretical and research literature included? Is there an appropriate theoretical or conceptual framework that guides the development of the research study? Are primary sources mainly used? What gaps or inconsistencies in knowledge does the literature review uncover? Does the literature review build on earlier studies? Does the summary of each reviewed study reflect the essential components of the study design? Does the synthesis summary follow a logical sequence that presents the overall strengths and weaknesses of the reviewed studies and arrive at a logical conclusion? Is the literature review presented in an organized format that flows logically? The literature review should clearly outline the need for the particular research study or evidence-based practice project. Does the literature review follow the proposed purpose of the research study or evidence-based practice project? Does the literature review generate research questions or hypotheses or answer a clinical question?
Goal of the Literature Review: from the researcher's perspective
Facilitates understanding of the problem by identifying a theoretical or conceptual framework to provide a context Discover what is known and not known to refine the research question and hypothesis Assists in the design and methods to be used Allows interpretation and discussion of the outcome of the analysis by comparison with previous studies
Where does literature review lie to the theory, research, education, and practice network?
It lies at the center
Primary Sources for Literature Review
Primary: Research articles and books by the original author
What are the outcomes of the analysis from a literature review ?
Problem/ Need/ Significance Question/ Hypothesis Design/ Methodology Findings Implications Recommendations Theoretical Framework
Secondary Sources for Literature Review
Secondary: Published articles or books that are written by persons other than the individual who conducted the research study or developed the theory
What should be included in Literature Review
The critique of each reviewed study should include: Strengths Weaknesses Limitations of the design Conflicts Gaps in information
How Far Back Should a Search for Literature Go?
Usually 5 years is good, but some advanced projects may require searches that go back 10+ years. Although systematic reviews contain secondary sources, they can give a scholarly overview of a topic and are helpful in deciding how far back to search.