Systematically search the literature
for research evidence to address your PICOT question. You may wish to obtain
the assistance of a librarian if you need assistance. Save your searches and
processes and then write them up. (See the example search strategies located in
Blackboard under Course Resources/ Example Review Papers / Example of search
strategy).
- a) Describe the databases searched, search terms used, and
limits used. - b) Describe both the inclusion and exclusion criteria for
articles (they may mirror each other). - c) Summarize the findings of your searches (number of articles
located for inclusion, types of evidence [e.g., RCTs, observational,
systematic reviews, practice guidelines], sources [e.g., published, grey
literature, etc.]).
The number of articles included will vary
depending on the scope of the PICOT. Ideally, students should aim to include
around 10 articles. If very few articles are found (<5 articles), students
should consider broadening the scope of their PICOT question. Similarly, if a
lot of articles are found (>20 articles), students should consider narrowing
the scope of their PICOT.