Without a literature review, there can be no research project. Literature reviews are necessary to learn what is known (and not known) about a topic of interest. In the respiratory care profession, the body of research is enormous, so a method to search the medical literature efficiently is needed.
Medical literature review process: step-by-step guide for researchers
This article introduces a concise step guide tailored for researchers engaged in systematic reviews within the field of medicine and health, aligning with the imperative for evidence-based healthcare.
Types of medical literature reviews: systematic vs narrative reviews
Review types differ in purpose, scope, methodology, and rigor. Some aim to provide a broad overview, such as narrative reviews, while others emphasize methodological rigor and reproducibility, such as systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
Medical literature review: how to evaluate quality and reliability
By understanding the main points of critical appraisal, researchers can assess the quality, relevance, and reliability of articles, thereby enhancing the validity of their findings and decision-making processes.
How to conduct a comprehensive medical literature review
Best tools and databases for medical literature review
For medical topics, a combination of PubMed (or other search of PubMed data) plus Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar has been shown to provide adequate recall (Syst Rev. ;6 (1)). For topics that reach beyond the biomedicine, other databases need to be considered.
What is a medical literature review and why is it important?
Literature reviews are necessary to learn what is known (and not known) about a topic of interest. In the respiratory care profession, the body of research is enormous, so a method to search the medical literature efficiently is needed. It helps explain why your study is important in the context of the literature, and can also help you identify areas that need further research. The rest of this guide will cover some basic steps to consider when conducting a traditional literature review.
