How to Write a Literature Review in Nursing

A literature review is an essential part of any academic paper in nursing. It is a critical evaluation of the existing literature on a specific topic, which enables the reader to understand the current state of knowledge on the topic. It is also a process that allows the researcher to identify gaps in the existing literature and generate ideas for future research. In this article, we will discuss the steps involved in writing a literature review in nursing.

Step 1: Identify the Topic

The first step in writing a literature review is to identify a relevant topic. The topic should be specific, and the research question should be well-defined. This will help you to identify the key concepts and keywords that you will use in your search.

For example, if your topic is "The Effectiveness of Hand Hygiene Practices in Reducing Hospital-Acquired Infections," your research question could be, "What is the evidence on the effectiveness of hand hygiene practices in reducing hospital-acquired infections?"

Step 2: Conduct a Comprehensive Search

Once you have identified your topic and research question, the next step is to conduct a comprehensive search of the literature. You can use a variety of sources, such as electronic databases, academic journals, and books, to identify relevant literature.

It is important to use a variety of search terms and keywords to ensure that you capture all relevant literature. You can also use Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to combine search terms and narrow down your search.

Step 3: Evaluate the Literature

Once you have identified relevant literature, the next step is to evaluate it. You should critically analyze each source, including the methodology used, the sample size, and the results.

You should also assess the credibility of each source. This includes assessing the author's qualifications, the publication's reputation, and any potential biases.

Step 4: Organize the Literature

After evaluating the literature, you should organize it into themes or categories. This will help you to identify the key concepts and ideas that emerge from the literature.

For example, you might organize the literature on "The Effectiveness of Hand Hygiene Practices in Reducing Hospital-Acquired Infections" into themes such as "Hand hygiene compliance," "Hand hygiene education," and "Hand hygiene technologies."

Step 5: Synthesize the Literature

The next step is to synthesize the literature. This involves analyzing the themes and categories that you have identified and synthesizing the key findings.

You should look for patterns and relationships between the different sources and draw conclusions about the state of knowledge on the topic.

Step 6: Write the Literature Review

Finally, you can begin writing your literature review. Your literature review should include an introduction, body, and conclusion.

The introduction should provide an overview of the topic and research question, as well as a justification for the importance of the review.

The body should include a summary of the literature, organized by theme or category. You should also synthesize the key findings and identify any gaps in the literature.

The conclusion should summarize the main points of the literature review, highlight any gaps in the literature, and suggest future directions for research.

Tips for Writing a Literature Review in Nursing

Here are some tips for writing a literature review in nursing:

1. Start Early

A literature review can take a long time to complete, so it is important to start early. Give yourself plenty of time to identify relevant literature, evaluate it, and synthesize the key findings.

2. Use a Variety of Sources

To ensure that you capture all relevant literature, use a variety of sources, such as electronic databases, academic journals, and books.

3. Use Keywords and Search Terms

Use a variety of keywords and search terms to capture all relevant literature. You can also use Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to combine search terms and narrow down 

4. Critically Evaluate the Literature

It is important to critically evaluate each source of literature, including assessing the methodology used, the sample size, and the results. You should also assess the credibility of each source, including the author's qualifications and any potential biases.

5. Organize the Literature

After evaluating the literature, organize it into themes or categories. This will help you to identify the key concepts and ideas that emerge from the literature.

6. Synthesize the Literature

Analyze the themes and categories that you have identified and synthesize the key findings. Look for patterns and relationships between the different sources and draw conclusions about the state of knowledge on the topic.

7. Write Clearly and Concisely

Write your literature review clearly and concisely, making sure to use appropriate language and tone. Use subheadings to organize the different themes or categories and make sure to provide clear transitions between different sections.

8. Cite Your Sources

Make sure to cite your sources properly using the appropriate citation style. This is important to avoid plagiarism and to give credit to the authors of the sources you have used.

Conclusion

A literature review is an essential part of any academic paper in nursing. It is a critical evaluation of the existing literature on a specific topic, which enables the reader to understand the current state of knowledge on the topic. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can write a comprehensive and effective literature review in nursing. Remember to start early, use a variety of sources, critically evaluate the literature, organize it into themes or categories, synthesize the key findings, write clearly and concisely, and cite your sources properly.