Strategies for the Literature review

Adapted from Chris Gordon: 2012

Searching & Reviewing the literature

Do you feel a bit like the guy in the following slide?

Warning!

Session AimsDatabase searching what to do and what not

to doWildcards, Boolean operators and Search

filtersReview and discussion of systematic

literature reviewsExploring the main principles of the facet

analysis

Research……For those of you currently finding it hard

remember…it is like learning any new language with rules and words and meanings.

However….once learnt you know it for life. And it is worth the effort!

Research Skills…worth the effort.Aid with all the “project management” type

skills like Planning, Implementation & Evaluation

You will be able to critically evaluate research with ease which gives confidence in developing yours and others practice

Ability to think and study autonomously….increased curiosity and developing/ pursuing new ideas.

Why search the literatureEssential to maintain contemporary practiceSupports best practice and facilitates

evidence-based practiceSearching skills are professional and

academic life skillsPractice makes perfect

If you don’t do this already you will soon be addicted…..

Literature Search & Literature Review.Literature Search “a systematic process of identifying material that

is appropriate”

Literature Review Critical Appraisal and Evaluation of the material.

“Succeeding in research project plans & Literature Reviews for Nursing Students” Andrew Whittaker, Graham Williamson, 2011.

What are you looking for?BooksJournalsArticlesPrimary researchSecondary researchGrey literature

Purpose of literature searchesTo Keep up-to-date with current researchHelp to influence practice using

comprehensive literature searchingEffective appraisal needs systematic

searching and retrieval strategiesInadequate searching may mean important

work is missed and erroneous conclusions made

(Newell & Burnard, 2006)

Importance of Systematic Literature ReviewMaximises the likelihood of finding relevant

material

Minimises the chances of being overwhelmed by irrelevant material

The search and retrieval of literature according to set and transparent criteria enables work to be repeated by others.

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Shape of literature review….Broad

Narrow

Designing a search strategyOnce a preliminary search of the literature

has been conducted and a rigorous question is developed a search strategy should be planned

Activity: with a partner consider what are the necessary components of a search strategy?

Search strategiesDatabasesSearch terms

Sensitivity, spelling, abbreviations, alternativesInclusion exclusion criteria

Rationales, do these influence your question?Limitations

Years, English, quality, subsequent biasOther resources

Two of my favourite books….(am I sad?).

Some useful DatabasesBritish Nursing IndexCINAHLMedlineEMBASEProquest

PsychInfoHealth Information

ResourcesDARECochrane Library

Relevant material may be found across medical, nursing, social sciences and perhaps business. No one database will be likely to search and capture the whole topic area. You will find duplication

Search termsP I C O

Activity: In groups using a similar table explore the different possible spellings, alternative language and abbreviations that may apply to your question or topic.

Lets explore…..Look at some of the library e-resources….

EBSCOhost is a powerful online reference system accessible via the Internet or direct connection. It offers a variety of proprietary full text databases and popular databases from leading information providers. The comprehensive databases range from general reference collections to specially designed, subject-specific databases for public, academic, medical, corporate and school libraries.

Subject headings

Databases: Top tipAlways conduct database searches separately

i.e. do not combine a Medline and CINAHL search.

Always use the advanced search page

If you want to capture anything….click “anywhere in text”, if you want it central, then click “title” or “abstract”.

TruncationIf you type in comput*

EBSCO will find computer, computing, computed

nurs* midwi*

Be careful!

WildcardUseful for Americanisms such as color, anemia

pediatric etc

If you type in ne?tEBSCO will find

neatnestne..tne…t

Keep a record…..

Search for simple search terms first and then combine later

Keep track of the hit rateIt is all part of capturing the academic rigour

you have applied to your work.

Don’t get distracted!!

Essential & Relevant

Interesting but

distracting!

ReferencesAveyard, H, (2010). Doing a Literature Review in

Health & Social Care: A Practical Guide. McGraw Hill

Bowling, A, (2009). Research Methods in Health. M cGraw Hill.

Hart, C, (2003). Doing a Literature Review. Open University Press.

Polit, D.F, & Beck, C.T, (2010). Essentials of Nursing Research. Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins.

Sackett, D.L, (1996). Evidence based medicine: what it is and what it isn't

http://www.bmj.com/content/312/7023/71.short