title: Reviewing the Literature: Essential First Step in Research, Quality Improvement, and Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice.
abstract: This article provides nursing professional development specialists with a concise resource on conducting literature reviews: the essential first step of a research project, quality improvement initiative, or the implementation of evidence-based practice. The literature review cannot be overlooked because it sets the foundation for an investigative project's ethical implementation and subsequent success. Conducting a literature review may seem overwhelming for the novice, but these fears can be overcome with knowledge and practical assistance.
authors.affiliation: Esther I. Bernhofer, PhD, RN-BC, is Senior Nurse Researcher, Office of Research and Innovation, Nursing Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Ohio.
authors.forename: Esther I
authors.initials: EI
authors.lastname: Bernhofer
mesh_terms: D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D055318:Evidence-Based Nursing; D015399:Nursing Research; D058996:Quality Improvement; D012107:Research Design; D012196:Review Literature as Topic; D013192:Staff Development