Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is the combination of clinical expertise, patient preferences, and evidence-based research.

What is a literature review? 

A literature review systematically maps out the current state of knowledge on a topic, in order to justify the new knowledge to be gained or current knowledge to be verified or refined. (Healthcare Research: A Handbook for Students and Practitioners)

Steps in a Literature Review:

• Develop a question
• Search the literature
• Analyze the literature
• Write the review

TIP: Set up a research consultation appointment at the library for assistance with a literature review. Just fill out and submit the Book A Librarian form here: https://spokane.wsu.edu/library/book-a-librarian/.

Why conduct a literature review?

There are many reasons to conduct a literature review:

• To provide a theoretical framework for a given topic
• To define terms and variables for an area of research
• To provide an overview and synthesis of current evidence
• To demonstrate a gap in the literature
• To identify methodologies and research techniques for a research area

Baker, J.D. (2016). The purpose, process, and methods of writing a literature review. AORN, 103(3), 265-269. doi: 10.1016/j.aorn.2016.01.016