Identifying Relevant Literature Resources Searching For Rele

Identifying Relevant Literature Resourcessearching For Relevant Litera

Conducting literature searches is a critical step in developing a comprehensive understanding of a research topic in health and social care. Effective searching involves selecting appropriate search terms, using reliable search tools, assessing the relevance of literature, and employing alternative search strategies when initial attempts do not yield sufficient resources. This paper discusses the process of formulating a PICO question, identifying relevant search terms, utilizing library search tools, evaluating research relevance, and applying strategies for broader or more refined searches.

Paper For Above instruction

1) PICO Question and Search Terms

My initial PICO question focuses on assessing the effectiveness of telehealth interventions in managing chronic diabetes among adults. The first draft of this question is: "In adults with type 2 diabetes, how does telehealth compared to standard care affect glycemic control?" Based on this PICO question, I have identified ten search terms to guide my literature review:

  • Telehealth interventions
  • Telemedicine diabetes management
  • Chronic disease management
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Glycemic control
  • Remote patient monitoring
  • Digital health tools
  • Diabetes self-management
  • Outcomes of telehealth
  • Electronic health interventions

2) Literature Search Tool: CINAHL in the Walden Library

One of the primary literature search tools I identified is the CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) database available through the Walden University Library. CINAHL is a comprehensive resource structured to provide access to scholarly articles, research studies, and evidence-based practice resources related to nursing and allied health professions. It is accessible via the Walden Library’s main search portal under the "Databases" section. Once logged into the library website, users can select CINAHL from the list of available research databases, which offers advanced search options to refine searches using keywords, subject headings, and filters such as publication date, peer-reviewed status, and article type.

3) Assessing Research Relevance

Assessing the relevance of research involves several strategies to ensure that selected literature aligns with the PICO question. First, examining the study objectives and research questions helps determine whether the articles address the specific population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes outlined in the PICO framework. Second, reviewing the publication date ensures the literature is current and reflects the latest evidence. Third, evaluating the study design is essential—randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews generally provide higher levels of evidence for clinical effectiveness. Fourth, scrutinizing the sample size and characteristics determines the applicability to the target population. Lastly, assessing the methodology, such as data collection and analysis techniques, helps verify the validity and reliability of findings, ensuring the research provides meaningful insights aligned with my research question.

4) Strategies for Alternative Searches

If initial searches do not yield enough relevant studies, several strategies can be employed. One approach is to broaden the search terms by using synonyms, related concepts, or MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) terms to capture a wider array of literature. For example, replacing "telehealth interventions" with "remote health services" or "digital health" can reveal additional resources. Additionally, utilizing different databases such as PubMed, ProQuest, or Google Scholar can extend the scope beyond CINAHL. Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) can be combined to refine or expand searches—for example, using "telehealth AND diabetes" for specificity or "telehealth OR telemedicine" to increase comprehensiveness. Another strategy involves examining reference lists of key articles to identify seminal or relevant studies that may not appear in initial database searches. Lastly, adjusting search filters, such as expanding publication years or including grey literature like government reports and clinical guidelines, can provide a broader evidence base when research is scarce.

References

  • Aveyard, H. (2007). Doing a literature review in health and social care: A practical guide. McGraw-Hill International [UK] Limited.
  • Rozas, L. W., & Klein, W. C. (2010). The value and purpose of the traditional qualitative literature review. Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work, 7(5), 387–399.
  • Scutt, D. (2008). How to review literature. Radiologic Technology, 79(4), 306–308.
  • Barker, J. (n.d.). Basic search tips and advanced Boolean explained. Retrieved from the Walden Library.
  • Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library. (n.d.). Evidence-based clinical practice resources. Retrieved from the library website.
  • Library of Congress. (2008). Boolean searching. Retrieved from https://www.loc.gov/
  • Indiana State University Library Guides. (n.d.). Literature reviews: Database search strategies. Retrieved from https://library.indstate.edu/
  • Walden University. (2013). Searching & retrieving materials in the databases. Retrieved from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/
  • Laureate Education. (n.d.). Literature reviews [Video]. Retrieved from the Walden Library media resources.
  • National Institutes of Health. (2020). Telehealth and COVID-19: Opportunities and challenges. NIH COVID-19 Research.

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