The document provides a comprehensive guide on conducting a literature review, emphasizing its importance in the research process for establishing theoretical backgrounds, identifying research gaps, and enhancing methodological rigor. It outlines critical skills needed for literature reviews, such as critical thinking and reading, alongside practical steps for compiling and synthesizing scholarly sources. Additionally, the document discusses the use of literature reviews in various research designs and includes resources for accessing literature relevant to nursing and healthcare research.

1. REVIEW OF LITERATURE
NISHA CLEMENT
Vice-Principal
VSS College of Nursing

2. Introduction
Review is……………………….
• Nutshell information of entire research
process
• Gain knowledge from old to new
• It is a “map” which guides to obtain
‘Knowledge treasure’

3. Why review?
Establish links to the proposed study
Theoretical background to the study
Contextualize the findings
Bring clarity and focus the research problem
Strengthen methodology
Broaden knowledge base in research area
Searching the unknown with what is known

4. How and what to review?
Why talk about lit reviews?
“…I don’t even know
what to research, yet!”
“…I still need to do more
reading before I can
actually think about
writing a literature
review!”

5. My experience ………..

6. Definition
• As a broad, comprehensive, in depth,
systematic and critical review of scholarly
publications, unpublished scholarly print
materials, audio-visual materials, and
personal publications.
• It IS an analysis and synthesis of primary
source materials, written in a specific style
which flows from broad to narrow, and
takes into account both the theoretical and
empirical issues of the problem without
over citing any source or sources.

7. The term “literature” refers to activities
Involved in identifying , searching for
information on a topic in order to
develop a comprehensive picture to
gain knowledge on that topic
The term also designate a written
summary of state of art on a research
problem

8. • What should I research?
• What should I read?
• Where can I find more on …?
• What have others done?
• Is there anything left for me to research?
• How do I know this hasn’t been done before?
• When should I start to write?
•What should I write about?
•How do I write a literature review
Important questions

9. Purpose
• Delimiting the problem
• Seek new approaches
• Avoid duplication
• Provide insight about the methodology
• Recommendations for further research
• Sampling current opinion

10. objectives :…..
-Identify research problem, develop hypothesis,
research questions
-orientation to what is known and not?
-determine the gaps, inconsistencies
-identify innovative clinical interventions via empirical
testing
-identify suitable designs , data collection methods for
the study
-recognize the experts in the field, find out funding
resources
-helps to assist in interpreting the findings, develop
implications and recommendations for further study

11. Uses :
• In Research :
For applying qualitative design in
-phenomenological study- compare and combine
the findings
-grounded theory- to explain, support and extend
the theory generated
-ethnography- provides a background for
conducting study
-historical studies-to develop research questions,
forms a source of data in the study

12. Uses :
• Use quantitative designs in all the steps of the
research process i.e.
-identify problem
-Need significance
-question/hypothesis
-theoretical/conceptual framework
-design/methodology-tools, data collection
methods and type of analysis
-Findings
-simplification of findings
-recommendations

13. Other uses
• Help to prepare Oral presentations,
debates on a topic or issue
• Implement research based nursing
interventions.
• Help to sort out and develop hospital
specific nursing protocol related patient
care
• Develop practice guidelines to ensure
continues quality assurance

14. Sources:
• Primary: they are research reports which are
descriptions of studies done by the researcher
who conducted them e.g. thesis, articles
published in journal, books
For e.g. An original qualitative study on patient
experiences in ICU: Hupcep, J.E(2000),
Feeling safe: The psychosocial needs of ICU
patients .Journal of nursing scholarship, 32,
361-367

15. Secondary source:
they are the research documents ,
descriptions of studies prepared by
someone other than the original researcher.
For e.g. a review of literature on patient
experience in ICU: stein- parbury, (2000)
patient’s experience of being in ICU care : a
select literature review
note: secondary source cannot be a
substitute always, if primary source is not
located it , secondary source provides ideas
about the concept that is searched

16. Literature review as a process

17. Skills required to do review:
•
1.critical thinking skill- researcher need to
engage with
• -Art of thinking which should be clear, precise,
accurate, relevant, consistent and fair
• -Art of constructive skepticism
• -Art of clarifying what to understand, what is
not known
• Art of identifying , removing bias, prejudice and
one-sided thought

18. 2. critical reading skill- it
involves
synthesi
s
Analysis
Comprehensive
understanding
Preliminary understanding

19. Preliminary understanding:
• -orientation on main steps of research
process
• Making notes on the photo copied article
• Mention the key variable on the top of
photo copied article
• Underline the unfamiliar terms
• Reviewing the old and the new terms
before next reading
• Keep the research text and dictionary

20. Comprehensive understanding
• Review the unfamiliar terms for the second
time
• Clarify any additional terms
• Reading the additional sources
• Requesting other faculty member to read
the photocopy of the annotated attitude
• Stating the main theme of the article in
own words

21. Analysis understanding
This stage help to critique the review
• be familiar with the critique strategies
• analyze whether comprehensive reading
meets critiquing criteria
• Consult with an expert to analyze contents
with same criteria and compare the results
• Make a note on what correction made, find
how?each step measures up established
criteria

22. Synthesis understanding
• Review the article on each step measured up
against established criteria
• Briefly summarize the study in your own words
-components
-overall strength and weakness
Limit the summary in one page
Include the citation at the top of the page
Staple the summary to the top of the photocopied
article

23. Guidelines to critique the review:
identify the primary data-base cited in the review
are the references current?
Are relevant studies and theories identified?
Are Relevant landmark described in the studies?
Are the sources paraphrased to promote the flow
of content presented?
Is current knowledge about the research problem
described?
Is the review of literature clearly, logically
developed ,written concisely?

24. Steps :To kept in mind
• Step-1
Select a pertinent book or article from the
general review of literature- read preface
Rapidly to determine author purpose, then
thumb through the chapter quickly asses
the substance- retain sound and pertinent
literature to do the critique

25. Step-2
• Summarize and record the information,
note the following:
• Author name
- Year of publications
- Title
- Journal name
-Volume. No,
-Issue number, page number-all are
needed to find an article

26. Step-3
Record the information in following order:
• Problem statement
• Definition of the concept
• Hypothesis if any
• Theories or assumptions
• Research methodology, samples
• Instruments and the scales used
• Type of research conducted
• Methods, findings of data analysis
• interpretation of the data- hypothesis accepted or rejected
• Recommendations and suggestions for further research
• Make a special note on implications for nursing practice and
theory

27. Step-4
• Note the data that is not included, such as
limitations, means of establishing the
validity and the reliability of the instrument

28. Types of research reviews….
Identified in the form of research
reports written as
Abstracts:
brief description of the study
-about 200words
-research questions, variables, place of
study conducted
-methodology used, samples ,data
collection methods, instrument used
implications for nursing practice

29. for example:
ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTIVENESS OF STRUCTURED TEACHING
PROGRAMME ON SELF CARE MANAGEMENT OF HEMODIALYSIS
AMONG PATIENTS WITH END STAGE RENAL DISEASE
Abstract
The study was conducted at Khivraj Chordia Memorial Dialysis Centre,
Mylapore, and Chennai, to assess the effectiveness of structured
teaching programme on self care management of Hemodialysis among
patients with End Stage Renal Disease. Thirty patients were selected
as study samples. The existing level of knowledge was assessed with
the help of structured questionnaire followed by the structured teaching
of self care management of Hemodialysis. The post test level of
knowledge was assessed after 3 days using the same structured
questionnaire. The analysis showed that majority of them had
inadequate knowledge in pretest where as in post test majority of them
had adequate knowledge.

30. Research report has four
main section:
1) introduction
2) method
3) result
4)discussion

31. Introduction:
after abstract follows the introduction section- main points include are:
1) the central phenomenon, concepts or variables under study
2) the statement of the purpose, research questions, or hypothesis to
be tested
3) a review of related literature
4)the theoretical frame work
5) the significance and the need for the study
For e.g. INTRODUCTION:
Historically the age of patients developing End Stage Renal Disease
steadily rose each year, but it appears to have stabilized since 1993 at
a mean age of 60 years. Kidney damage goes unnoticed in the early
stages, as there are no alarming symptoms. Chronic and maintenance
dialysis is indicated in End Stage Renal Disease which is very
expensive. It is estimated that 100,000 people are developing End
Stage Renal Disease each year. For patients with End Stage Renal
disease, depending on hemodialysis the self care management plays a
vital role in extending their life span

32. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY: End Stage Renal Disease is a
major cause of morbidity and mortality. Currently 60- 70% of patients
are treated with maintenance dialysis. The five years survival rate for
the patients undergoing dialysis is approximately 35%. Patients with
End Stage Renal Disease on Hemodialysis have demanding treatment
regimen that includes dietary management, fluid regulation, and care of
vascular access site. But they often fail to follow the prescribed diet
and fluid regimen, which undermines the effectiveness of care and
leads to unpredictable progression of the disease and greater
livelihood of complications. Patient’s education is an important
component in management of End Stage Renal Disease to maintain a
quality life.
OBJECTIVES:
1. To assess the existing level of knowledge on self care management
of hemodialysis among patients with End Stage Renal Disease.
2. To assess the post level of knowledge oneself care management of
hemodialysis among patients with End Stage Renal Disease.
3. To assess the effectiveness of structured teaching programme on
self care management of hemodialysis among patients with End Stage
Renal Disease.
4. To associate the post test level of knowledge on self care
management of
hemodialysis among patients with their demographic variables

33. 2) Method section: it includes
-the research design
-the subjects
-measures and data collection
-study procedures

34. FOR e.g.: METHODOLOGY: A pre experimental one group pre test
post test study was conducted Khivraj Chordia Memorial Dialysis
Centre. Mylapore, Chennai, to assess the effectiveness of structured
teaching programme of knowledge on self care management of
hemodialysis among patients with end stage renal disease.
Sample
The sample comprised of thirty (30) patients receiving
hemodialysis. .Convenient sampling technique was used.
Inclusion Criteria
1. Patients diagnosed to have End Stage Renal Disease within 3 years
2. Patients in the age group of 20-60 years
3. Patients receiving dialysis twice in a week
4. Patients who can speak and understand English and Tamil
Exclusion Criteria
1. Patients not willing to participate in the study.
2. Critically ill patients.
Instrument
The instrument used had four sections.
Section 1: Multiple choice questions to assess the level of knowledge
on End Stage Renal Disease and complication.
Section 2: Questions related to dietary management.
Section 3: Questions related to fluid regulation (oral).
Section 4: Questions related to care of vascular access site.

35. ETHICAL CONSIDERATION: The study was
conducted after the approval of dissertation
committee research. Permission from the head of
the institution and the dialysis in charge were
obtained, to conduct the pilot study and the main
study. Informed verbal consent was obtained from
each patient. Confidentiality was maintained
throughout the study.
DATA COLLECTION PROCEDURE: Thirty
patients were selected for the study and the
information were collected from them using the
structured questionnaire followed by the structured
teaching programme. After three days post test
was conducted with the same questionnaire for the
same group.

36. RESULTS section :
it presents the research findings, often
accompanied by tables, figures, has
statistical information, values of statistics,
level of significance-
for example:
Data finding revealed that the pre test
knowledge mean value 34.67 with S.D of
15.33 whereas post test knowledge mean
value 79.11 with S.D of 7.97. Paired ‘C test
value was 15.18 which was highly significant

37. Discussion section:
it includes interpretation of the
results, implications, study
limitations

38. Type of review…………..
In the research proposal :
A review in the proposal provides knowledge about
the context, confirms the need for significance of
new research
It demonstrates writer’s commands of the literature
In thesis or dissertation:
Thorough review is made covering the topic,
directly, indirectly related to the problem area

39. Type of review……….
Free - standing literature review
• Nurses prepare review that are critically
appraised, summarize the body of
research about the topic useful in the
development of evidence based practice
• Research Experts perform integrative
review contribute to evidence based
practice
Covers 15-pages

40. Style of research journal articles:
- four factors contribute:
1) compactness- compress ideas in short
space
2) jargon- specific vocabulary used- not
used by every one-
3) objectivity-use of passive voice
4) statistical information- require knowledge
to understand mathematics

41. Performing the review:
1) using the library
2) identifying relevant research
sources
3) locating the relevant sources

42. Categories in using the library:

43. Library departments:
library personal
interlibrary loan -department
circulation-department
reference-department
computer-
photocopy service-department
resources include:
journals
conference proceedings
master thesis
doctoral dissertations

44. 2) identifying relevant research source
Search two types:
a) manual- brief examination, clarify, narrow
the topic, make a catalog list, indexes,
which help to direct computer search
b) computer search- scan the citations of
different data base, help to identify sources
relevant

45. Selection of database to search:
a bibliographical database is compilation of
citations
citations provide information to locate the
references
for e.g.
-Author name
- Year of publications
- Title
- Journal name
-Volume. No,
-Issue number, page number-all are needed
to find an article

46. selecting database for nursing:
• 1) CINHAL- Cumulative Index to Nursing
and Allied Health Literature accessible at
http://www.cinahl.com
-contains citations of nursing literature
published after 1955
- more than 800 journals, 21500 records
-initiated from 1983
-updated every month
-require payment for membership

47. Sample from CINHAL-

48. MEDLINE
• 2)MEDLINE-Medical Literature Analysis and
Retrieval System accessible at
http://www.ncbi.nih.gov/entrez/.query.fcgi
-database offered by national library of medicine
-more than 40 databases
commonly used is the MEDLINE-online
has 6 million articles from 3500 journals
has separate file called “special list nursing”-has
citation from 260 nursing journals gives information
about Author name, Year of publications, Title,
Journal name ,Volume. No, Issue number, and
abstracts

49. AVLINE
• Audiovisual catalog on line
• 11000 a. v packages supplied by national library
medicine gives information on
• nurse patient relationships, nursing care , nursing
audit and legal aspects of nursing
• information’s are updated every month
• Information about- title, media type, authorship,
physical description, indexing terms, run time,
audience level review rating/date, reviewer, learning
method, abstract
• Continuing education credit note, price and source for
purchase loan

50. BIOETHICSLINE:
deals with the ethical questions arising in the
health scenario, biomedical research on the
humans, patients rights, death and dying
suppliers by the national library of medicine and
Kennedy institute of ethics
include citation from the year 1973 updated 3
times a year
gives information about –author, title, source,
indexing terms, language and type of publication

51. CANCERLIT:
contains more than 68000 citations from
3000 journals, books conference
proceedings , thesis and reports
suppliers by national library of medicine and
cancer institute
covers all the aspects of cancer from the
year 1963
updated monthly
databases includes –author, authors
affiliation, title, abstract, language, type of
publication and indexing terms

52. Combined information database: CHID
contains more than 44000 citations and
abstract information for health
professionals , patients and general public
covers the topic on- Alzheimer's ,AIDS-
education, blood pressure and cholesterol
education
initiated in the year 1973
updated 4 times a year

53. CATLINE:
this database contains about 500,000
reference for the books , serial
cataloged at national library of
medicine
information include: author, title,
source, language, indexing terms
originated at in the year 1965
updated weekly

54. Electronic literature search: to sort out the relevant
database
bibliographic files :
1) Aries knowledge-www.ariessys.com
2) EBSCO information system-www.ebsco.com
3) Ovid technologies-www.ovid.com
4) paper chase-www.paperchase.com
5) sliver platter information-www.sliverplatter.com

55. Reference management software:
it make easy to track the references
that obtained through the searches
commonly used package:
http://www.isirese
archsoft.com/pc/pchome.asp
http://www.endnote.com

56. Use of key words :
a) name the database used
b) date the search performed
c) exact search strategy is used
d)record number of articles noted
e) percentage of relevant article
found

57. Written search record of data base
Data base
searched
Date of
search
Search
strategy
No. of
articles
Percentage
of articles
relevant
CINHAL
MEDLINE
Academic
Search
premier
Cochrane
Library

58. locating the relevant sources:
steps-
1) organizing the list of identified sources
2) searching the internet and library for
those sources
3) systematically recording references

59. Organizing list of the sources
identified:
a) journal source by author name, year
b) library catalog-books, conference,
publication by author name or subject
c) eliminate the duplicate reference

60. 2)searching the library and internet for
the sources:
full version of the article can be obtained should
be saved in the HTML or PDF version
-Sigma Theta Tau International-they are online
journal of knowledge synthesis for nursing-
www.nursingknowledgeinternational.com
-need computer + modem + network + internet-
OCLC- online computer library center
needs subscription online -journal

61. Systematic recording of the reference
Author
name
purpose sample measurement treatment Results
and
findings
S.Jancy,
Dr.A.Judie
(2000)
Assessment of
effectiveness of
STP on self
care
management of
hemodialysis
among pts with
ESRD
30 pts
Receiving
hemodialysi
s
Multiple choice
questions on
ESRD, dietary
Management,
Fluid regulation
And
Care of vascular
access
Pre-
experimental
one group
pretest post
study, data
collection
using
structured
Questionnair
e, followed
by STP
Pretest
knowledg
e mean
value
34.67 with
S.D of
15.33 ,
posttest
mean
value-
79.11 with
S.D of
7.97,
paired “t”
test was
15.18 was
highly

62. Protocol for review of literature

63. Writing the review of literature :
begins with-
1) introduction
2) presentation of the relevant
studies
3) conclude with summary of the
current knowledge

64. Introduction: indicates focus, purpose, describes
organization of sources, should be brief,
interesting to capture the attention
rewritten several times
content- for each study write the purpose, sample,
size, design, specific findings should be presented
with a scholarly ,brief and concise, include strength
and weakness

65. six typical ways of organizing the
sources into a review:
Chronological
By publication
By trend
Thematic
Methodological
Question for Further Research
critique should be clear, concise, context best paraphrased
in own words
short direct quotation used to promote the flow of ideas,
ethical issues to be considered, honest representation of
weakness of the study in a neutral way

66. Summary: concise presentation of
research knowledge about the selected
d topic, include what was known and
not known, once finalized take decision
whether obtained review gives
adequate knowledge

67. To summarize……..Flow of tasks in a
literature review
Identify
the key
words
and
concepts
to be
searched
Identify
potential
reference
through
Electronic
or manual
search
Retrieve
promising
reference
Discard
irrelevant and
inappropriate
reference
Screen
references
For relevance &
appropriateness
Identify new
reference
through citations
Read
relevant
reference
and take
notes
Organize,
analyze
and
integrate
Write
the
review

68. Conclusion:
reviewing the literature is an art, which
needs patience, nurse should possess
the skill in critical thinking, reading,
writing, clarifying the facts with the
expert, critiquing the research articles
will help the student to reach the
treasure of knowledge that is searched

69. Thank you