Succeeding in Literature Reviews and Research Project Plans for Nursing Students

Synopsis

Now in it′s fourth edition and thoroughly updated to ensure all content is mapped to the new 2018 NMC standards, this book is a practical and readable guide to undertaking a research project plan or a literature review for final year assessment. The book guides readers from start to finish, beginning with choosing a nursing topic and developing questions about it, then accessing and critically reviewing research literature, considering ethical issues, proposing research where applicable, and finally, writing up and completing the literature review or research proposal. The authors also explore how to translate evidence into practice and how this can improve day to day decision-making, as well as feeding into assessments.

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction to Literature Reviews and Research Project Plans

This chapter introduces the concepts of literature reviews and research project plans, highlighting their significance in nursing research and evidence-based practice. It provides an overview of the steps involved in conducting a literature review and developing a research project plan.

Real Example: A nursing student interested in improving patient outcomes in pressure ulcer prevention wants to conduct a literature review to identify effective interventions.

Chapter 2: Planning and Conducting Literature Reviews

This chapter provides a step-by-step guide to planning and conducting literature reviews. It covers topics such as formulating research questions, searching for relevant sources, assessing the quality of evidence, and synthesizing findings.

Real Example: The student identifies key terms related to pressure ulcers and prevention, develops search strategies, and uses databases to retrieve pertinent literature.

Chapter 3: Developing Research Project Plans

This chapter outlines the elements of a research project plan, including the introduction, research question, methodology, data analysis plan, and ethical considerations. It emphasizes the importance of aligning the research plan with the literature review findings.

Real Example: Based on the literature review, the student develops a research project plan that investigates the effectiveness of a specific pressure ulcer prevention program in a hospital setting.

Chapter 4: Addressing Ethical Issues in Research

This chapter discusses ethical principles in nursing research, such as respect for human subjects, confidentiality, and informed consent. It provides guidance on how to obtain ethical approval and conduct research in a responsible and ethical manner.

Real Example: The student obtains approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) before recruiting participants for the research project, ensuring that informed consent is obtained and patient confidentiality is maintained.

Chapter 5: Writing and Presenting Literature Reviews and Research Project Plans

This chapter focuses on writing and presenting effective literature reviews and research project plans. It covers aspects such as structure, organization, clarity, and referencing. It also provides tips on presenting research findings in conferences or publications.

Real Example: The student writes a well-organized literature review that synthesizes the evidence on pressure ulcer prevention and presents the research project plan in a logical and compelling manner.

Chapter 6: Evaluating Literature Reviews and Research Project Plans

This chapter discusses criteria for evaluating the quality of literature reviews and research project plans. It provides tools and rubrics that enable students and reviewers to assess the rigor and soundness of research proposals.

Real Example: An expert panel reviews the student's literature review and research project plan, providing constructive feedback on its clarity, relevance, and feasibility.

Chapter 7: Using Literature Reviews and Research Project Plans in Nursing Practice

This chapter explores how literature reviews and research project plans can inform nursing practice and contribute to evidence-based decision-making. It emphasizes the importance of translating research findings into clinical practice and improving patient outcomes.

Real Example: The student's research findings on pressure ulcer prevention lead to changes in nursing protocols, resulting in a reduction in the incidence of pressure ulcers in the hospital unit.