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Searching and critiquing research literature

Last Reviewed: 10/03/2025
Searchingandcritiquingresearchliterature

Course

Exclusive quality-assured RCN course.

Available to RCNi Plus subscribers

Applicable for any nurse with an RCNi subscription

This module provides advice on how to search and critique the research literature. Information on how to undertake a critical analysis of the available evidence is also provided.

Who is this resource for?

Explains what the component is for

This resource is aimed at nurses and nursing support workers across all settings and levels of practice, including students of health, social work and care professions.

Course information

The aim of this module is to examine how to search and critique research literature.Don't forget that you do not have to complete our two-hour learning modules all in one go. Tailor your learning to fit into your busy schedule by undertaking one or two sections at a time. You can stop and save your learning at any point and pick up where you left off when you return. Learning aims and intended outcomes Define the term literature review Describe the steps that need to be taken to generate a clear question to guide a literature search Formulate a series of keywords to guide the literature search Analyse what constitutes an appropriate database in terms of locating potential articles for review Summarise how best to narrow the literature search to make it manageable for the specific purpose Identify the main steps that need to be taken to present a coherent explanation of why a review of the literature is necessaryDisclaimer Please note that information provided by RCNi Learning is not sufficient to ensure competence in the skill. Assessment of competence should take place in line with local practice. Practice should always align with local protocols and procedures, latest guidelines and any regulatory code. All modules should currently be viewed together with available national and local Covid-19 guidelines. For advice, go to www.rcn.org.uk/covid-19

Authors

Ann Wakefield

Professor of nursing education, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Manchester, Manchester.

The RCN delivers quality-assured and up-to-date resources for the nursing workforce. Reviewed annually, RCN Learn resources meet the RCN Nine Quality Standards.

: 18 Mar 2025.
 https://uatlearnamber.rcn.org.uk/Search/364-Searchingandcritiquingresearchliterature.
Last Reviewed: 10/03/2025