A simple guide for completing an integrative review using an example article

The integrative review (IR) is a methodology of importance to nursing and other disciplines to evaluate and synthesize data from diverse sources to answer research questions, generate new theories, and to provide a comprehensive view of what is known regarding a topic of interest. Current, concise and introductory articles on how to conduct IRs are limited. Although a bias may exist that the IR is less rigorous than other types of literature reviews, the complexity of the search and evaluation of diverse sources increases the need for rigor to produce a well-written IR that advances evidence-based practice (EBP). This article provides a guide for students and beginning researchers to conduct this type of review by summarizing the IR into simple steps with strategies to increase rigor at each step. Use of an example IR related to acupuncture for neuropathy illustrates key points and lessons learned during the process.