Nursing Literature Review Example: Research Guides and Tips

Introduction

A nursing literature review is a crucial component of academic research in the field of nursing. It involves a comprehensive and systematic examination of the existing body of literature relevant to a specific research question or topic.

The nursing literature review serves as the foundation for understanding the current state of knowledge, identifying gaps in the research, and guiding the development of a research study. By critically analyzing and synthesizing the scholarly literature, nursing professionals and students can gain valuable insights into the latest trends, best practices, and emerging issues in the field.

The purpose of this article is to provide nursing students and professionals with research tips, formatting guidelines, and nursing literature review examples to help you navigate the process effectively.

What is a Literature Review?

A literature review is a detailed analysis and synthesis of the scholarly literature related to a specific topic or research question. It involves the collection, evaluation, and integration of research studies, articles, and other relevant sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state of knowledge in a particular field. In the context of nursing, a nursing literature review is a crucial component of the research process, as it helps to identify the gaps in the research, highlight the key concepts, and provide a solid foundation for the research methodology.

Literature Reviews vs Systematic Reviews

While literature reviews and systematic reviews are both types of research articles, they differ in their approach and scope. A literature review typically provides a broad overview of the existing research studies, whereas a systematic review follows a more structured and comprehensive methodology to identify, evaluate, and synthesize all available evidence on a specific research question. For example, a literature review on the “Factors Influencing Nursing Turnover” may provide a general summary of the research on this topic, while a systematic review on the same topic would follow a rigorous protocol to systematically search, select, and analyze all relevant studies to draw more definitive conclusions.

Synthesizing the Literature

One of the key aspects of a nursing literature review is the ability to synthesize the research findings from multiple sources. This involves identifying the main ideas, patterns, and relationships among the literature, and then integrating them into a cohesive and meaningful narrative. For example, when reviewing the literature on the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions for hypertension management, the researcher might identify common themes such as the importance of patient education, the role of nurse-led care coordination, and the impact of organizational factors on the success of these interventions.

Key Questions for a Literature Review

When conducting a nursing literature review, it is important to consider the following key questions:

1. What is the specific research question or topic being addressed?
2. What are the main concepts and theories related to the topic?
3. What are the gaps in the existing research?
4. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the research studies reviewed?
5. How do the research findings relate to the nursing practice and patient outcomes?

Steps for Writing a Literature Review

1. Start with your research question: Clearly define the research question or topic that will guide your literature review. For example, “What is the impact of nurse staffing levels on patient outcomes in acute care settings?”
2. Search the literature: Utilize relevant databases (e.g., CINAHL, PubMed, Cochrane Library) to retrieve and select the research studies and articles that are relevant to your research question. Use a combination of keywords, subject terms, and boolean operators to conduct a comprehensive literature search.
3. Read & evaluate: Carefully read and evaluate the quality of the research studies, considering factors such as methodology, sample size, statistical analysis, and potential biases. Use an evidence matrix to organize the key information and facilitate the synthesis of the literature.
4. Finalize results: Organize the research studies into themes or categories, and synthesize the findings to identify patterns, gaps, and contradictions in the literature. This step involves analyzing and comparing the different perspectives and research approaches represented in the literature.
5. Write & revise: Compose a clear and well-structured literature review that presents the key findings, discusses the implications for nursing practice, and suggests areas for future research. Revise your writing to ensure that it is cohesive, well-supported, and effectively communicates the significance of your literature review.

Format of a Literature Review

A nursing literature review typically follows a standardized format that includes the following sections:

1. Introduction: Provide an overview of the research question or topic, the importance of the literature review, and the structure of the review. This section should engage the reader and set the stage for the literature review.
2. Body: Organize the review into sections or themes, each addressing a specific aspect of the research question. Synthesize the research findings, compare and contrast the studies, and identify the gaps in the literature. Use subheadings to clearly delineate the different sections of the literature review.
3. Conclusion: Summarize the key findings of the literature review, discuss the implications for nursing practice, and suggest areas for future research. This section should provide a coherent and compelling conclusion to the literature review.
4. References: Include a comprehensive list of citations for all the sources used in the literature review, formatted according to the appropriate citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).

Nursing Literature Review Examples

1. “The Impact of Nurse Staffing on Patient Outcomes in Acute Care Settings: A Systematic Literature Review” (Aiken et al., 2020)

This comprehensive systematic literature review examines the relationship between nurse staffing levels and a variety of patient outcomes in acute care settings. The researchers conducted a thorough search of relevant databases, including CINAHL, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library, to identify high-quality studies addressing this important topic.

After applying rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria, the authors reviewed 30 studies that met their quality standards. These studies represented a diverse range of acute care settings, including hospitals, intensive care units, and emergency departments, across multiple countries. The researchers carefully evaluated each study’s methodology, sample size, and statistical analysis to assess the overall strength and validity of the evidence.

In synthesizing the findings, the review revealed that higher nurse staffing levels were consistently associated with better patient outcomes. Specifically, the literature indicated that increased nurse staffing was linked to lower mortality rates, higher patient satisfaction, and improved quality of care indicators, such as reduced rates of hospital-acquired infections and pressure ulcers. Several studies also highlighted the importance of appropriate skill mix, with an optimal balance of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nursing assistants.

However, the authors also identified important gaps and limitations in the existing research. Many of the included studies were observational in nature, making it difficult to establish clear causal relationships. Additionally, there was significant heterogeneity in the way nurse staffing and patient outcomes were measured across the different studies. The reviewers called for more research to elucidate the specific mechanisms by which nurse staffing influences patient outcomes, as well as the potential moderating effects of factors such as work environment, nurse experience, and organizational characteristics.

Overall, this systematic literature review provides compelling evidence for the critical role of nurse staffing in ensuring positive patient outcomes in acute care settings. The findings underscore the need for healthcare organizations to prioritize adequate nurse staffing as a key strategy for improving the quality and safety of patient care. The review also highlights the importance of conducting high-quality, methodologically rigorous studies to further our understanding of this complex relationship.

2. “Factors Influencing Nursing Turnover: A Systematic Review of the Literature” (Roche et al., 2015)

Nursing turnover is a significant challenge faced by healthcare organizations globally, with negative consequences for patient care, organizational efficiency, and the nursing profession as a whole. To better understand the multifaceted factors contributing to this complex issue, Roche and colleagues conducted a comprehensive systematic review of the literature.

The researchers systematically searched several databases, including MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, to identify relevant studies published between 2000 and 2014. After applying strict inclusion criteria, they included 73 studies in their final analysis, representing a diverse range of nursing settings, such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community-based healthcare organizations.

The review adopted a socio-ecological framework to organize and synthesize the findings, examining factors influencing nursing turnover at the individual, interpersonal, organizational, and societal levels. At the individual level, the literature highlighted the importance of job satisfaction, work-life balance, and personal characteristics, such as age and career stage. Interpersonal factors included the quality of relationships with colleagues and supervisors, as well as perceptions of teamwork and collaboration.

At the organizational level, the reviewers identified several key drivers of nursing turnover, including workload, access to resources, compensation and benefits, opportunities for professional development, and organizational culture. Societal factors, such as the overall nursing workforce supply, public perception of the nursing profession, and the broader economic climate, were also found to influence turnover rates.

The authors noted that many of these factors are interrelated and can have cascading effects on each other. For example, high workloads and poor work environments can lead to burnout and job dissatisfaction, which in turn increase the likelihood of nurses leaving their positions.

Based on their synthesis of the literature, Roche et al. proposed a comprehensive framework for understanding nursing turnover, highlighting the need for targeted, multilevel interventions to address this complex issue. The review underscores the importance of fostering positive work environments, providing adequate support and resources for nurses, and addressing broader societal factors that contribute to nursing shortages and high turnover rates.

This systematic review represents a significant contribution to the nursing literature, offering a nuanced and evidence-based perspective on the factors influencing nursing turnover. The findings can inform the development of effective retention strategies and help healthcare organizations create more sustainable and supportive work environments for nursing professionals.

3. “The Effectiveness of Nurse-Led Interventions for Hypertension Management in Primary Care: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis” (Baral et al., 2021)

Hypertension is a prevalent and often poorly managed chronic condition, with significant implications for patient health and healthcare system costs. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the role of nurse-led interventions in the management of hypertension, particularly in primary care settings. To synthesize the available evidence on the effectiveness of these interventions, Baral and colleagues conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.

The researchers systematically searched multiple databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library, to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies published up to 2020. After a rigorous screening and selection process, they included 27 studies in their final analysis, representing a total of 12,578 participants from primary care settings across various countries.

The included studies evaluated a range of nurse-led interventions, such as educational programs, self-management support, medication management, and care coordination. The reviewers used the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool to assess the methodological quality of the studies and ensure the validity of the findings.

The meta-analysis revealed that nurse-led interventions were effective in improving both systolic and diastolic blood pressure outcomes, with statistically significant reductions observed in the intervention groups compared to control groups. Subgroup analyses suggested that interventions incorporating patient education, care coordination, and self-management support were particularly effective in lowering blood pressure.

However, the reviewers also noted significant heterogeneity in the included studies, with variations in the specific components of the nurse-led interventions, the intensity and duration of the programs, and the patient populations. Additionally, the long-term sustainability and cost-effectiveness of these interventions remained largely unclear, highlighting the need for further research in these areas.

Despite these limitations, the findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis provide compelling evidence for the potential of nurse-led interventions in the management of hypertension in primary care settings. The review underscores the valuable role that nurses can play in delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care and empowering individuals to better manage their hypertension.

The authors emphasize the importance of continued research to further elucidate the optimal design and implementation of nurse-led hypertension management programs, as well as their long-term clinical and cost-effectiveness. By building on this evidence base, healthcare organizations can leverage the expertise and accessibility of nursing professionals to improve hypertension control and ultimately enhance patient outcomes in primary care.

Top Tips for Doing Your Literature Review

When conducting a nursing literature review, consider the following top tips:

1. Choose a fascinating topic: Select a research question or topic that interests you and aligns with your academic or professional goals. This will help you stay motivated and engaged throughout the review process.
2. Be selective: Focus on high-quality, peer-reviewed research studies and articles that are directly relevant to your research question. Avoid the temptation to include every source you find, as this can lead to an unfocused and unwieldy literature review.
3. Make the library your friend: Utilize your university library’s resources, including databases, librarians, and citation management tools, to efficiently retrieve and organize your literature. Librarians can provide valuable guidance on search strategies and resource selection.
4. Go through the abstracts of relevant articles that have been published before: Skim the abstracts of relevant articles to quickly identify the key findings and determine the relevance to your research. This can save you time and help you focus your review on the most pertinent sources.
5. Improvise: Be flexible and adaptable in your literature search and review process, as you may encounter unexpected findings or need to adjust your approach along the way. Remain open-minded and willing to explore new directions that could enhance your understanding of the topic.

Conclusion

Nursing literature review is a crucial component of the research process in the field of nursing. By reviewing and synthesizing the existing literature, researchers can identify the gaps in the research, highlight the key concepts, and provide a solid foundation for the research methodology. The process of conducting a nursing literature review requires dedication, critical thinking, and attention to detail, but the rewards can be substantial, both for the researcher and the nursing profession as a whole.

If you require further assistance with writing a nursing literature review, our team of academic writing experts is here to help. We offer customized services to guide you through the entire process, from topic selection to final revisions. Contact us today to learn more about our nursing literature review writing services.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between a literature review and a meta-analysis? A literature review provides a broad, qualitative synthesis of the existing research on a topic, while a meta-analysis is a statistical technique that quantitatively combines the results of multiple studies to arrive at an overall effect size. Meta-analyses require a more rigorous, systematic approach to identifying, selecting, and analyzing the relevant research.
2. How do I choose relevant databases for my nursing literature review? When selecting databases for a nursing literature review, it’s important to consult with a librarian who can provide guidance on the most appropriate discipline-specific databases, such as CINAHL for nursing, PubMed for biomedical literature, and Cochrane Library for systematic reviews. Using a combination of relevant databases will help ensure a comprehensive literature search.
3. What is the importance of the evidence matrix  in a literature review? The evidence matrix is a crucial tool for organizing and synthesizing the literature. It allows researchers to systematically document key information from each study, such as the research question, methodology, and quality assessment. This matrix facilitates the identification of patterns, gaps, and contradictions in the existing research.
4. How can I ensure my literature review is up-to-date and comprehensive? To keep your literature review current and comprehensive, it’s important to conduct periodic searches to identify any newly published research. Additionally, you can use forward and backward citation tracking to identify related studies that may have been missed in the initial search. This iterative approach helps ensure that your review reflects the most recent and relevant evidence on the topic.