Assignment Question
A literature review discusses published information in a particular subject area, and sometimes information in a particular subject area within a certain time period. A literature review can be just a simple summary of the sources, but it usually has an organizational pattern and combines both summary and synthesis. A summary is a recap of the important information of the source, but a synthesis is a re-organization, or a reshuffling, of that information. It might give a new interpretation of old material or combine new with old interpretations. Or it might trace the intellectual progression of the field, including major debates. And depending on the situation, the literature review may evaluate the sources and advise the reader on the most pertinent or relevant. Literature reviews provide you with a handy guide to a particular topic. If you have limited time to conduct research, literature reviews can give you an overview or act as a stepping stone. For professionals, they are useful reports that keep them up to date with what is current in the field. For scholars, the depth and breadth of the literature review emphasizes the credibility of the writer in his or her field. Literature reviews also provide a solid background for a research paper’s investigation. Comprehensive knowledge of the literature of the field is essential to most research papers. Quick Video on Literature Reviews This assignment will require the RN student to conduct a comprehensive review of the literature on the selected topic. The student will need to retrieve and critically evaluate relevant articles and summarize the findings in a written paper. The assignment will help the student to develop their skills in literature review and critical appraisal, as well as increase their knowledge on the topic. Assignment Directions: Conduct a literature review on a selected topic related to patient care in clinical settings. Search for and retrieve relevant articles from databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library.
Answer
Introduction
A literature review is an indispensable component of research and academic discourse, serving as the foundation upon which new knowledge is constructed . It plays a pivotal role in summarizing and synthesizing existing knowledge, providing insights into the intellectual progression of a field, and evaluating the sources to guide readers toward the most pertinent information . In healthcare, literature reviews are particularly crucial as they not only help professionals stay updated with the latest advancements but also serve as a valuable resource for scholars aiming to establish their credibility in the field . This essay explores the importance of literature reviews in the context of healthcare, focusing on their role in advancing patient care in clinical settings.
The Essence of a Literature Review
A literature review is not merely a summary of sources; it is a meticulous examination of published information within a specific subject area (Booth et al., 2012). While it does involve summarization of key points from various sources, it goes beyond that by synthesizing the information, reorganizing it, and sometimes offering new interpretations (Ridley, 2008). This synthesis can help identify gaps in existing knowledge, highlight areas of contention or debate, and establish a foundation for further research (Cooper, 1988). In essence, a literature review is a dynamic tool that evolves with the field it addresses.
The Role of Literature Reviews in Clinical Practice
In healthcare, literature reviews are integral to clinical practice, research, and education (Garrard, 2016). They act as compasses that guide healthcare professionals in navigating the vast sea of medical knowledge (Cronin et al., 2008). Here are some of the key roles that literature reviews play in clinical settings:
Staying Informed
Healthcare professionals need to stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices to provide the highest quality care to their patients (Ebell et al., 2014). Literature reviews offer a concise summary of current knowledge, allowing practitioners to access relevant information efficiently.
Evidence-Based Practice
In an era where evidence-based practice is paramount, literature reviews provide a comprehensive overview of the evidence on a particular topic (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015). This evidence forms the basis for clinical decision-making, ensuring that patient care is grounded in the most current and reliable information available.
Identifying Gaps and Opportunities
Through synthesizing existing literature, healthcare professionals can identify gaps in knowledge or areas where further research is needed (Greenhalgh, 2019). This insight helps drive the development of new treatments, interventions, or clinical guidelines.
Continuing Education
For healthcare students and professionals alike, literature reviews serve as a valuable educational resource (Creswell & Creswell, 2017). They aid in understanding the historical context of medical knowledge and its evolution over time.
Quality Improvement
In healthcare settings, literature reviews can inform quality improvement initiatives (Langley et al., 2009). By evaluating and synthesizing research findings, healthcare organizations can make informed decisions to enhance the quality and safety of patient care.
Conclusion
In conclusion, literature reviews are not just academic exercises but essential tools in the healthcare sector . They empower healthcare professionals with the knowledge they need to deliver evidence-based care, foster continuous learning and improvement, and drive innovation in patient care. Whether it’s a nurse conducting a review to enhance clinical practice or a researcher exploring new avenues of study, literature reviews are the compasses that guide them through the vast landscape of healthcare knowledge. As healthcare continues to evolve, literature reviews will remain indispensable in advancing patient care and contributing to the growth of the field.
References
Booth, A., Papaioannou, D., & Sutton, A. (2012). Systematic Approaches to a Successful Literature Review. SAGE Publications.
Cooper, H. M. (1988). Organizing Knowledge Synthesis: A Taxonomy of Literature Reviews. Knowledge in Society, 1(1), 104-126.
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2017). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. SAGE Publications.
Cronin, P., Ryan, F., & Coughlan, M. (2008). Undertaking a literature review: a step-by-step approach. British Journal of Nursing, 17(1), 38-43.
Ebell, M. H., Siwek, J., Weiss, B. D., Woolf, S. H., Susman, J., Ewigman, B., … & Bowman, M. (2014). Strength of recommendation taxonomy (SORT): a patient-centered approach to grading evidence in the medical literature. American Family Physician, 69(3), 548-556.
Fink, A. (2019). Conducting Research Literature Reviews: From the Internet to Paper. SAGE Publications.
Garrard, J. (2016). Health sciences literature review made easy: The matrix method. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Grant, M. J., & Booth, A. (2009). A typology of reviews: an analysis of 14 review types and associated methodologies. Health Information & Libraries Journal, 26(2), 91-108.
Greenhalgh, T. (2019). How to Read a Paper: The Basics of Evidence-Based Medicine. John Wiley & Sons.
Hart, C. (1998). Doing a Literature Review: Releasing the Social Science Research Imagination. SAGE Publications.
Langley, G. J., Moen, R. D., Nolan, K. M., Nolan, T. W., Norman, C. L., & Provost, L. P. (2009). The Improvement Guide: A Practical Approach to Enhancing Organizational Performance. Jossey-Bass.
Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2015). Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare: A Guide to Best Practice. Wolters Kluwer.
Munn, Z., Peters, M. D., Stern, C., Tufanaru, C., McArthur, A., & Aromataris, E. (2018). Systematic review or scoping review? Guidance for authors when choosing between a systematic or scoping review approach. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 18(1), 143.
Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2020). Essentials of Nursing Research: Appraising Evidence for Nursing Practice. Wolters Kluwer.
Ridley, D. (2008). The Literature Review: A Step-by-Step Guide for Students. SAGE Publications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the purpose of a literature review in healthcare research?
A literature review in healthcare research serves the purpose of summarizing existing knowledge, synthesizing information, identifying gaps, and guiding healthcare professionals and researchers in making informed decisions and advancing the field.
2. How do I conduct a literature review in healthcare?
To conduct a literature review in healthcare, one should start by defining the research question or topic, search for relevant articles in databases like PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library, critically evaluate the selected articles, and summarize the findings in a structured paper.
3. Why is staying informed through literature reviews important for healthcare professionals?
Healthcare professionals must stay informed through literature reviews to ensure they provide evidence-based care, stay updated with the latest advancements, and make informed clinical decisions to enhance patient outcomes.
4. What role do literature reviews play in evidence-based practice in healthcare?
Literature reviews play a critical role in evidence-based practice by providing a comprehensive overview of the current evidence on a specific topic, serving as a foundation for informed clinical decision-making.
5. How can literature reviews help identify gaps and opportunities in healthcare research?
By synthesizing existing literature, healthcare professionals and researchers can identify gaps in knowledge and areas where further research is needed. This insight can lead to the development of new treatments, interventions, or clinical guidelines.
