Systematic Reviews: Searching and Analysis of the Literature
This Assignment expands upon the work you have been conducting for this week's Discussion.) you will conduct a search for literature on your selected practice problem. A Literature Review Matrix template will be used to identify gaps in the literature.
To prepare:
Consider the practice problem you addressed in this week's Discussion. (You may select a new issue if necessary, but it is not recommended): Practice problem chosen: Health literacy and self-care activities, self-efficacy, and health related outcome of patients with type 2 Diabetes.
Review the guidelines in the Literature Review Matrix, included in the Learning Resources.
Formulate a research question around your issue as indicated in Part I. Then
complete Part II of the Matrix, identifying the resources you will use, search terms and criteria, and Boolean search strings.
Using the Walden Library, locate 10 articles related to your research question. At least one article must be a systematic review.
All of the articles should be primary sources. NOTE: If appropriate, you may use the four articles you reviewed for this week's Discussion.
Actual Assignment:
Complete Part I and Part II of the Literature Review Matrix template.
Begin working on Part III.
Review Part III of the Literature Review Matrix and notice which middle range theories were used most frequently in the articles you reviewed.
Consider the appropriate use of the theoretical frameworks in each article.
Review the information on empiricism presented in Chapter 1 of Theoretical Basis for Nursing and Chapter 6 in The Practice of Nursing Research: Appraisal, Synthesis, and Generation of Evidence as you consider your response to Part IV.
Complete Part III of the Literature Review Matrix.
In your analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the existing literature, note the appropriate use of the theoretical frameworks.
Complete Part IV addressing the influence of empiricism on quantitative methodology.
Literature Review Matrix
Part I: PICO Analysis of Research Topic
P: Patient or Population
I: Anticipated Intervention
C: Comparison group or Current standard
O: Outcome desired
Source: Adapted from Elkins (2010)
Step 1: Frame your clinical question using the PICO method.
P:
I:
C:
O:
Part II: Search Strategy
Using the Walden Library and other appropriate databases, locate ten scholarly articles that pertain to a practice issue of interest to you and that is appropriate for an evidence-based practice project.
Step 1: Identify the resources you will utilize, or utilized, to find articles that pertain to your topic
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Electronic Databases
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Research or Professional Organizations
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Experts in the field to consult
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Books, encyclopedias, handbooks
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Step 2: Identify search terms and criteria
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Key words & phrases
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Major authors
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Inclusion criteria
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Exclusion criteria
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Step 3: Identify Boolean search strings
Part III: Analysis of Literature
Step 1: Summarize the ten (10) articles you select from your search efforts completing the table below.
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Summary Table of Analyzed Articles (you may determine your own headings)
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Citation
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Conceptual Framework/ Theory
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Main finding
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Research method
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Strengths of study
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Weaknesses
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Level of Evidence
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Step 2: Briefly summarize the history and purpose of your research question.
Step 3: Analysis of strengths and weaknesses of existing literature.
Step 4: What gap exists in the current literature? Explain.
Part IV: Identify the influence of empiricism on quantitative research methodology. Discuss its applicability to evidenced-based practice projects.