A Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting an Integrative Review

by Coleen E. Toronto, Ruth Remington

Overview

This book provides guidance to readers for how to conduct an integrative review. Over the decades, with the expansion of evidence-based practice (EBP), the evolution of methods used in reviews has resulted in a wide spectrum of review types. Due to the overlapping characteristics of the various review methods, confusion exists related to terminology, descriptions and methods of each type. To fill this gap, this book examines components necessary to conduct a rigorous integrative review from formulating questions through dissemination of the results of the review. Each chapter focuses on one component or step in this process and is written in a straightforward and readable manner. An integrative review is considered by many as an actual research study, hence it should be approached following established research methods involving well‐defined steps. The integrative review is often compared with the systematic review. Both are used in healthcare research and follow a systematic process in reviewing literature and developing recommendations, but there are important differences that are addressed in the book. Evidence-based practice (EBP) demands high quality, rigorous evidence for nurse clinicians to make informed decisions with and for their patients. In nursing education, the integrative review is a frequent capstone project for graduate students and forms the basis for many doctoral projects. The Integrative review process should be valid, reliable and transparent and this book provides clear guidelines for writing an integrative review for students, educators, clinicians, and researchers. This book is a useful addition to courses for both undergraduate and graduate level writers of integrative reviews. In academia, a likely adoption would be in graduate research and research methods courses, and baccalaureate honor courses.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783030375034
Publisher:	Springer International Publishing
Publication date:	02/18/2020
Edition description:	1st ed. 2020
Pages:	106
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Coleen Toronto, PhD, RN, CNE, is an Associate Professor in the School of Nursing at Curry College, USA. Dr. Toronto is a BSN graduate of Northeastern University, received her master’s in nursing education from Framingham State University, and her PhD in nursing from University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Dr. Toronto is a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE). Her research interests include integrative review methodology, nursing education, health literacy and Delphi methodology.

Ruth Remington, PhD, RN, is a Professor of Nursing at Framingham State University, USA. She received her BS in nursing from Rutgers University and her MS and PhD from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Worcester. She is a nurse practitioner with extensive experience in the care of the older adult. Her research interests include integrative review methodology, non-pharmacological interventions to manage the symptoms of dementia, and nutrition and cognition.

Table of Contents

Overview of the Integrative Review.- Formulating Review Questions.- Searching Systematically and Comprehensively.- Quality Appraisal.- Analysis and Synthesis.- Discussion and Conclusion.- Dissemination.

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Lynne M. Kuhl, MSN, RN (Viterbo University)
Description: This book provides guidance for conducting an integrative review. Integrative review is often compared to systematic review of research literature. This book offers a systematic process for those involved in evidence-based practice by clearly outlining the process of integrative review from formulation of the question through dissemination of the findings. It examines components for conducting a rigorous integrative review through a stepwise approach, clear division of the components, and a process for a valid and reliable integrated review.
Purpose: The purpose is found in the book's foreword: "Reviews are critical to answer our (nursing's) questions about practice and how to care for patients. To make these important decisions, however, we need rigorous reviews that carefully and systematically search the literature, appraise studies, and synthesize findings... This book explains the process." The authors further describe the need for developing a resource for students detailing the process of integrative review due to a lack of consistency in method. Integrative reviews are foundational to nursing at all levels of practice. This textbook offers a process that is outlined clearly and meets the objectives for conducting an integrative review toward developing valid and reliable evidence for nursing practice.
Audience: The authors state that graduate nurses will highly benefit from this book. There is also opportunity for pre-licensure (undergraduate) use in learning about the review process as the book offers clear steps with examples. Graduate nurses will value the focus on the skills of analysis and integrative reviews related to scholarship while those in practice will find the process and stepwise approach helpful for evidence-based practice. The authors possess a wealth of expertise in nursing research, clinical practice, and academic scholarship, which brings a level of detail needed to this topic. The credentials and academic prowess of the contributors provides readers a solid foundation for their own development and learning in nursing research and integrative analysis.
Features: This book is clearly outlined with a table of contents that logically divides the book into seven chapters that closely follow steps of the research process. Appropriately, each chapter builds on the previous and incorporates enriching tables and diagrams. The chapters are simply integrated without transitions mimicking a journal or compilation of articles, allowing the book to be both a textbook and reference. Addition of an introduction and glossary would strengthen the book. The user-friendly language and abundance of citations create a scholarly learning setting and ease in understanding.
Assessment: This book provides an excellent tool for nursing faculty, students, or those in practice for writing or analyzing an integrative review. Drawing from the rich experiences and knowledge of the authors and contributors, this book is a valuable resource for nurses at a practice level. Based on the understandability of the book, it stands on its own merits. It can be incorporated in research courses or as a resource for learners to deepen their own understanding. It is well done and of value.

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