Search

This paper highlights the key steps to follow when conducting a systematic review (see Box 2). Healthcare practitioners may be limited by time and resources when conducting literature reviews, however, a systematic and transparent approach should be adopted wherever possible. Further detailed guidance on conducting systematic reviews is available from the NHS Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (NHS CRD, 2001) and the Cochrane Reviewers' Handbook (Alderson et al, 2003).

This fourth paper in a series on research emphasises the importance of conducting comparative research across cultures and countries. It highlights the advantages of such research and outlines some methodological issues inherent within it.

This third paper in a series on research emphasises the importance of interviews in both qualitative and quantitative research. It explores the key aspects of conducting effective interviews.

This second paper in a series on research emphasises the importance of conducting 'pilot' or 'feasibility' studies prior to embarking on more in-depth research. It focuses on piloting the two main data collection methods used by midwives in social or health research--quantitative questionnaires and qualitative interviews.

This paper introduces the preliminary steps in taking a clinical question or observation from practice and turning it into a potential research project. Future papers in this series will look at aspects of the research process in more detail.