Literature Review

Does this evidence answer the EBP question?

☐ Yes  Continue appraisal

☐ No  STOP, do not continue evidence appraisal

Article Summary Information

Article Title:

Author(s):

Number:

Population, size, and setting: 

Publication date:

Complete after appraisal

Evidence level and quality rating:

Study findings that help answer the EBP question:

Article Appraisal Workflow

Is this study:

☐ QuaNtitative (collection, analysis, and reporting of numerical data) Numerical data (how many, how much, or how often) are used to formulate facts, uncover patterns, and generalize to a larger population; provide observed effects of a program, problem, or condition. Common methods are polls, surveys, observations, and reviews of records or documents. Data are analyzed using statistical tests.

· For QuaNtitative leveling of a single research study go to Section IA

· For QuaNtitative leveling of multiple research studies go to Section IB

☐ QuaLitative (collection, analysis, and reporting of narrative data) Rich narrative data to gain a deep understanding of phenomena, meanings, perceptions, concepts, and experiences from those experiencing it. Sample sizes are relatively small and determined by the point of redundancy when no new information is gleaned, and key themes are reiterated (data saturation). Data are analyzed using thematic analysis. Often a starting point for studies when little research exists; may use results to design empirical studies. Common methods are focus groups, individual interviews (unstructured or semi-structured), and participation/observations.

· For QuaLitative leveling of a single research study go to Section IIA

· For QuaLitative leveling of multiple research studies go to Section IIB

☐ Mixed methods (results reported both numerically and narratively) A study design (a single study or series of studies) that uses rigorous procedures in collecting and analyzing both quaNtitative and quaLitative data. Note: QuaNtitative studies with open-ended questions, or quaLitative studies with multiple-choice questions, may not necessarily meet criteria for mixed methods research. In order to qualify as mixed methods they must truly employ the methodologies of both types of research and generate a better understanding of the research question than using either approach alone.

· For Mixed Methods leveling of single and mixed studies review go to Section III

Section I: QuaNtitative Appraisal

A

Is this a report of a single research study?

☐ Yes  Continue to decision tree

☐ No  Go to Section I: B

Level

Level I studies include randomized control trials (RCTs) or experimental studies

Level II studies have some degree of investigator control and some manipulation of an independent variable but lack random assignment to groups and may not have a control group

Level III studies lack manipulation of an independent variable; can be descriptive, comparative, or correlational; and often use secondary data

Quality

After determining the level of evidence, determine the quality of evidence using the considerations below:

Does the researcher identify what is known and not known about the problem?

☐ Yes

☐ No

Does the researcher identify how the study will address any gaps in knowledge?

☐ Yes

☐ No

Was the purpose of the study clearly presented?

☐ Yes

☐ No

Was the literature review current (most sources within the past five years or a seminal study)?

☐ Yes

☐ No

Was the sample size sufficient based on the study design and rationale?

☐ Yes

☐ No

If there is a control group:

· Were the characteristics and/or demographics similar in both the control and intervention groups?

· If multiple settings were used, were the settings similar?

· Were all groups equally treated except for the intervention group(s)?

☐ Yes

☐ Yes

☐ Yes

☐ No

☐ No

☐ No

☐ N/A

☐ N/A

☐ N/A

Are data collection methods described clearly?

☐ Yes

☐ No

Were the instruments reliable (Cronbach’s [alpha] > 0.70)?

☐ Yes

☐ No

☐ N/A

Was instrument validity discussed?

☐ Yes

☐ No

☐ N/A

If surveys or questionnaires were used, was the response rate > 25%?

☐ Yes

☐ No

☐ N/A

Were the results presented clearly?

☐ Yes

☐ No

If tables were presented, was the narrative consistent with the table content?

☐ Yes

☐ No

☐ N/A

Were study limitations identified and addressed?

☐ Yes

☐ No

Were conclusions based on results?

☐ Yes

☐ No

Section I: QuaNtitative Appraisal (continued)

Quality

Circle the appropriate quality rating below:

A High quality: Consistent, generalizable results; sufficient sample size for the study design; adequate control; definitive conclusions; consistent recommendations based on a comprehensive literature review that includes thorough reference to scientific evidence.

B Good quality: Reasonably consistent results; sufficient sample size for the study design; some control; fairly definitive conclusions; reasonably consistent recommendations based on a fairly comprehensive literature review that includes some reference to scientific evidence.

C Low quality: Little evidence with inconsistent results; insufficient sample size for the study design; conclusions cannot be drawn.

Record findings that help answer the EBP question on page 1

Section I: QuaNtitative Appraisal (continued)

B

Is this a summary of multiple sources of research evidence?

☐ Yes  Continue to decision tree  

☐ No  Use the Nonresearch Evidence Appraisal tool (Appendix F)  

Level

Quality

After determining level of evidence, determine the quality of evidence using the considerations below:

Were the variables of interest clearly identified?

☐ Yes

☐ No

Was the search comprehensive and reproducible?

· Key terms stated

· Multiple databases were searched and identified

· Inclusion and exclusion criteria stated

☐ Yes

☐ Yes

☐ Yes

☐ No

☐ No

☐ No

Was there a flow diagram that included the number of studies eliminated at each level of review?

☐ Yes

☐ No

Were details of included studies presented (design, sample, methods, results, outcomes, strengths, and limitations)?

☐ Yes

☐ No

Were methods for appraising the strength of evidence (level and quality) described?

☐ Yes

☐ No

Were conclusions based on results?

· Results were interpreted

· Conclusions flowed logically from the research question, results, and interpretation

☐ Yes

☐ Yes

☐ No

☐ No

Did the systematic review include a section addressing limitations and how they were addressed?

☐ Yes

☐ No

Section I: QuaNtitative Appraisal (continued)

Quality

Circle the appropriate quality rating below:

A High quality: Topic clearly defined, literature search methods are clear and appropriate, literature thoroughly appraised and synthesized, recommendations consistent with findings, definitive conclusions can be drawn.

B Good quality: Topic defined, literature search methods are clear and appropriate, literature appraised and reasonably synthesized, recommendations consistent with findings, fairly definitive conclusions can be drawn

C Low quality: Topic not well defined, search methods lack clarity, may or may not be appropriate, literature appraisal and synthesis insufficient, recommendations inconsistent with findings, conclusions cannot be drawn.

Record findings that help answer the EBP question on page 1

Section II: QuaLitative Appraisal

A

Is this a report of a single research study?

☐Yes  This is Level III evidence

☐No  Go to Section II: B

After determining the level of evidence, determine the quality of evidence using the considerations below:

Quality

Was there a clearly identifiable and articulated:

· Purpose?

· Research question?

· Justification for design and/or theoretical framework used?

☐ Yes

☐ Yes

☐ Yes

☐ No

☐ No

☐ No

Do participants have knowledge of the subject the researchers are trying to explore?

☐ Yes

☐ No

Were characteristics of study participants described?

☐ Yes

☐ No

Was a verification process used in every step of data analysis (e.g., triangulation, response validation, independent double check, member checking)? (Credibility)

☐ Yes

☐ No

Does the researcher provide sufficient documentation of their thinking, decisions, and methods related to the study allowing the reader to follow their decision-making (e.g., how themes and categories were formulated)? (Confirmability)

☐ Yes

☐ No

Does the researcher provide an accurate and rich description of findings by providing the information necessary to evaluate the analysis of data? (Fittingness)

☐ Yes

☐ No

Does the researcher acknowledge and/or address their role and potential influence during data collection?

☐ Yes

☐ No

Was sampling adequate, as evidenced by achieving data saturation?

☐ Yes

☐ No

Does the researcher provide illustrations from the data?

· If yes, do the provided illustrations support conclusions?

☐ Yes

☐ Yes

☐ No

☐ No

Is there congruency between the findings and the data?

☐ Yes

☐ No

Is there congruency between the research methodology and the:

· Research question(s)

· Methods to collect data

· Interpretation of results

☐ Yes

☐ Yes

☐ Yes

☐ No

☐ No

☐ No

Are the discussion and conclusions congruent with the purpose and objectives, and supported by literature?

☐ Yes

☐ No

Are conclusions drawn based on the data collected (e.g., the product of the observations or interviews)?

☐ Yes

☐ No

Section II: QuaLitative Appraisal (continued)

Quality

Circle the appropriate quality rating below:

A/B High/Good Quality: The report discusses efforts to enhance or evaluate the quality of the data and the overall inquiry in sufficient detail; it describes the specific techniques used to enhance the quality of the inquiry.

Evidence of at least half or all of the following is found in the report:

· Transparency: Describes how information was documented to justify decisions, how data were reviewed by others, and how themes and categories were formulated.

· Diligence: Reads and rereads data to check interpretations; seeks opportunity to find multiple sources to corroborate evidence.

· Verification: The process of checking, confirming, and ensuring methodologic coherence.

· Self-reflection and self-scrutiny: Being continuously aware of how a researcher’s experiences, background, or prejudices might shape and bias analysis and interpretations.

· Participant-driven inquiry: Participants shape the scope and breadth of questions; analysis and interpretation give voice to those who participated.

· Insightful interpretation: Data and knowledge are linked in meaningful ways to relevant literature.

C Low quality: Lack of clarity and coherence of reporting, lack of transparency in reporting methods; poor interpretation of data and offers little insight into the phenomena of interest; few, if any, of the features listed for high/good quality.

Record findings that help answer the EBP question on page 1

Section II: QuaLitative Appraisal

Is this a summary of multiple sources of qualitative research evidence with a comprehensive search strategy and rigorous appraisal method (Meta-synthesis)?

B

☐Yes  This is Level III evidence

☐ No Use the Nonresearch Evidence Appraisal tool (Appendix F)

Quality

After determining the level of evidence, determine the quality of evidence using the considerations below:

Was the aim of the review clearly stated?

☐ Yes

☐ No

Were the search strategy and criteria for selecting primary studies clearly defined?

☐ Yes

☐ No

Was there a description of a systematic and thorough process for how data were analyzed?

☐ Yes

☐ No

· Were methods described for comparing findings from each study?

☐ Yes

☐ No

· Were methods described for interpreting data?

☐ Yes

☐ No

· Was sufficient data presented to support the interpretations?

☐ Yes

☐ No

Did synthesis reflect:

· New insights?

· Discovery of essential features of the phenomena?

· A fuller understanding of the phenomena?

☐ Yes

☐ Yes

☐ Yes

☐ No

☐ No

☐ No

Are findings clearly linked to and match the data?

☐ Yes

☐ No

Are findings connected to the purpose, data collection, and analysis?

☐ Yes

☐ No

Are discussion and conclusions connected to the purpose, objectives, and (if possible) supported by literature?

☐ Yes

☐ No

Did the authors describe clearly how they arrived at the interpretation of the findings?

☐ Yes

☐ No

Circle the appropriate quality rating below:

High quality: The topic and aim of the review are clearly stated. Literature search methods are clear and appropriate. Data analysis well-described. Literature is thoroughly synthesized to generate a deeper understanding. Findings are thoroughly linked to data analysis. Definitive conclusions can be drawn.

Good Quality: Topic and aim of the review clearly stated. Literature search methods are adequate. Data analysis described. Literature reasonably synthesized to generate deeper understanding. Findings linked to data analysis. Fairly definitive conclusions can be drawn.

Low Quality: Topic and aim of review not well defined. Literature search methods lack clarity and may or may not be appropriate. Literature synthesis insufficient. Findings not sufficiently linked to data analysis. Definitive conclusions cannot be drawn.

Record findings that help answer the EBP question on page 1

Section III: Mixed Methods Appraisal

You will need to appraise both parts of the study independently before appraising the study as a whole. Evaluate the quaNtitative part of the study using Section IA (single research study) or Section IIB (multiple research studies). Evaluate the qualitative part of the studying using Section IIA (single research study) or Section IIB (multiple research studies, then return here to complete the appraisal.

Level

Level

Quality

QuaNtitative Portion

QuaLitative Portion

The level of mixed methods evidence is based on the sequence of data collection for a single research study. QuaNtitative data collection followed by quaLitative (explanatory design) is based on the level of the QuaNtitative portion. All other designs (exploratory, convergent, or multiphasic) are Level III evidence.

Explanatory sequential designs collected quantitative data first, followed by qualitative.

Exploratory sequential designs collect qualitative data first, followed by quantitative.

Convergent parallel designs collect quantitative and qualitative data at the same time.

Multiphasic designs collect qualitative and quantitative data over more than one phase.

A summary of multiple QuaNtitative and QuaLitative studies is a mixed studies review and is Level III evidence.

Quality

After determining the level of evidence, determine the quality of evidence using the considerations below:

Was the mixed-methods design appropriate to address the research question?

☐ Yes

☐ No

Circle the appropriate quality rating below:

A High quality: Contains high to good quality quaNtitative and quaLitative study components; highly relevant study design; relevant integration of data or results; and careful consideration of the limitations of the chosen approach.

B Good quality: Contains good-quality quaNtitative and quaLitative study components; relevant study design; moderately relevant integration of data or results; and some discussion of limitations of integration.

C Low quality: Contains good to low quality quaNtitative and quaLitative study components; study design not relevant to research questions or objectives; poorly integrated data or results; and no consideration of limits of integration.

Record findings that help answer the EBP question on page 1