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Published on: October 24, 2019
Undertaking a literature review: a step-by-step approach
Patricia Cronin1, Frances Ryan, Michael Coughlan
1School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Dublin,Trinity College, Dublin.
British Journal of Nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
|April 11, 2008
Summary
This guide simplifies the literature review process for nurses and researchers. It breaks down essential steps for conducting effective literature reviews, from topic definition to final reporting.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Research Methodology
- Evidence-Based Practice
Background:
- Literature reviews are a common requirement for nurses, impacting academic study, research, and clinical practice.
- Novice nurses and researchers often find literature reviews challenging due to the complex skills required.
- Key skills include topic definition, literature searching, data analysis, synthesis, and academic writing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a step-by-step guide to the literature review process.
- To enhance understanding of the critical elements involved in conducting a literature review.
- To support nurses and researchers in successfully completing literature reviews.
Main Methods:
- The article focuses on the traditional or narrative literature review.
- It outlines a systematic approach to the literature review process.
- Guidance is provided on defining topics, searching and retrieving literature, analyzing and synthesizing data, and reporting findings.
Main Results:
- The guide demystifies the literature review process, making it more accessible.
- It highlights the essential skills and stages involved in a comprehensive review.
- The article serves as a practical resource for academic and research purposes.
Conclusions:
- Effective literature reviews are crucial for nursing practice and research.
- This guide offers a clear framework to navigate the complexities of literature reviews.
- Mastering literature review skills empowers nurses to contribute to evidence-based practice and policy development.
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