Narrative Literature Reviews
Narrative literature reviews
Introduction
n A literature review is a comprehensive study and interpretation of the work that has been published on a particular topic n A literature review should convey the knowledge and ideas that have been established on a topic and their strengths and limitations
Why undertake a literature review? n To provide a review of the current knowledge in a particular field n Provide a description of research studies n Identify gaps in current knowledge n Identify emerging theoretical issues n Identify theories relevant to your chosen topic n Allow studies to be compared and contrasted n Learn about the practice experience of others n Become informed about the debates and arguments on a specific subject n Question our practice and identify opportunities for change n ( Bryant et al 2003, Price 2003)
The value of literature reviews n The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination media stories in 1998-1999 n In 1998 Wakefield published an article in the Lancet suggesting a possible link between the vaccination, autism and bowel disorders. Based on 12 children, no controls n Newspaper headlines led the public to believe that the link was more certain than Wakefield’s report concluded n The effect was that vaccination rates dropped by half – measles reappeared having been almost eradicated and a child died n More research has been commissioned, studies reviewed and no evidence found to confirm the link n (Mcgraw-Hill 2009)
Three types of literature review n The three basic types of literature review are: n Qualitative systematic reviews – reviews only original research where each paper is reviewed systematically and consistently. Called a qualitative review because the results of all the studies reviewed are not statistically combined
n Quantitative systematic literature review (Meta-analysis): n Critical evaluation of each research paper and statistical combination of the results of the studies
Narrative literature reviews n Or
Introduction
n A literature review is a comprehensive study and interpretation of the work that has been published on a particular topic n A literature review should convey the knowledge and ideas that have been established on a topic and their strengths and limitations
Why undertake a literature review? n To provide a review of the current knowledge in a particular field n Provide a description of research studies n Identify gaps in current knowledge n Identify emerging theoretical issues n Identify theories relevant to your chosen topic n Allow studies to be compared and contrasted n Learn about the practice experience of others n Become informed about the debates and arguments on a specific subject n Question our practice and identify opportunities for change n ( Bryant et al 2003, Price 2003)
The value of literature reviews n The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination media stories in 1998-1999 n In 1998 Wakefield published an article in the Lancet suggesting a possible link between the vaccination, autism and bowel disorders. Based on 12 children, no controls n Newspaper headlines led the public to believe that the link was more certain than Wakefield’s report concluded n The effect was that vaccination rates dropped by half – measles reappeared having been almost eradicated and a child died n More research has been commissioned, studies reviewed and no evidence found to confirm the link n (Mcgraw-Hill 2009)
Three types of literature review n The three basic types of literature review are: n Qualitative systematic reviews – reviews only original research where each paper is reviewed systematically and consistently. Called a qualitative review because the results of all the studies reviewed are not statistically combined
n Quantitative systematic literature review (Meta-analysis): n Critical evaluation of each research paper and statistical combination of the results of the studies
Narrative literature reviews n Or
References: further reading n Bryant J et al (2003) Writing a literature review. University of Sydney, Australia n Colling J (2003) Demystifying the clinical nursing resea299rch process: the literature review. Urologic Nursing 23(4) 297-299 n Fitzgerald S, Rumrill P (2005) Qualitative alternatives to narrative reviews for understanding research literature. Work 24(3) 317-323 n Green B, Johnson C, Adams A (2006) Writing narrative literature reviews for peer-reviewed journals: secrets of the trade. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine 5(3) 101-117 n Price B (2003) Conducting a literature review. Nursing Standard 17(39) n Rumrill P, Fitzgerald s (2001) Using narrative litearture reviews to build a scientific knowledge base. Work 16(2) 165-170 n Mcgraw-Hill (2009) www.mcgraw-hill.co.uk/openup/chapters9780335222612 pdf accessed 22/10/09 n Taylor D, Proctor M (2003) Tips for conducting a literature review. www.alphaplus.ca/pdfs/litrev.pdf accessed 22/10/09