Homework help: nursing research literature review organization

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I know this may be better suited for a writing forum, but I am afraid that I would have to explain too many nursing terms in order to get any assistance.

I am doing a huge research project as a requirement for my BSN degree. We have to do a research literature review on an issue that our unit is facing. Since I work in long term care, I am researching ways to reduce/prevent UTIs in the elderly. My hang up is how to organize the literature review. I have always had trouble with that part of a lit review. I was thinking about comparing and contrasting articles using ADPIE. Do you think that would be a good idea? If not, can you give me some other ways that I could organize it?

I have articles about whether or not delirium is a sign of a UTI, about probiotics as a prophylactic as well as cranberry juice or pills, and research on ATB resistance.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Conducting a comprehensive lit review is an essential skill - not limited to academics. It is the initial step in any sort of organizational initiative or quality improvement activity. Just wanted you to know this so you will see the value of learning how to do it well.

I usually start out by looking for some meta-analyses or existing lit reviews on relevant topics. As I read them, I create an outline of the 'relationship' of all the variables that are discussed. You can label them in any way you choose... "Cause & Effect", "Independent & Dependent", etc. Sometimes, if the relationships seem to be a bit confusing, I do a freehand concept map to help me get a clear idea of what's what. As you go through this, you'll be able to begin to sort out the common elements in a way that begins to make sense to you... these are your preliminary section headings. Be sure to delve into all of the articles that are referenced in each article - pay close attention to those that are more recent.

Then, create your outline - using those major section headings. The key to a good lit review is a logical flow to the information. As thoughts and ideas pop into your head, go ahead and draft some paragraphs (APA style of course - LOL). You can always sort those paragraphs into a logical sequence as you edit. Do NOT write anything that is too similar to any of the materials you're using. Schools use software that will detect this and interpret it as plagiarism.... even if it is not deliberate.

The purpose of a lit review is NOT to express your own ideas or conclusions... it is to outline information that has already been published (in reputable journals) on your subject. HINT >>>> Since it seems that you're focusing on a topic that already interests you. You can utilize & expand your lit review in the future as part of a larger effort (ex: thesis & dissertation).

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Thank you very much HouTx. I will try that and see what I can come up with :)

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