Systematic search offers a sound evidence base

This is the first paper is a series that will look at literature reviews as a method of using information to improve practice. This paper explains why we need to use literature review, how we can gain access to the information, how to do the review and, finally, how to write it up. The following three papers will use an example of a task in nursing practice and apply the method of literature review to it. The second paper will be published in the February 28 issue of Nursing Times and will look at oral care.