This document provides an overview of literature reviews, including that they summarize and critically evaluate a particular topic within a discipline. Literature reviews can point out gaps in existing literature and need for further research. Developing a literature review requires seeking accurate information and understanding context. Well-researched reviews aim to include highly cited and relevant sources. Databases like PubMed and Scopus can be used to search for sources. The PICO format helps construct clinical questions. Boolean operators and keywords can help effectively search multiple databases until key authors and references are identified.

1. LITERATURE REVIEWS
PRESENTED BY:
Clara Fowler, Manager of Research
Services & Assessment

2. Literature reviews are a summary and critical evaluation
of particular topic within a specific discipline.
They are often connected with a case report or case
series.
They can point out where literature is lacking or
further research is needed.
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3. Literature reviews are part of an ongoing scholarly
conversation. No one piece of scholarly work usually
represents the only perspective.
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4. Developing a literature reviews comes with the
responsibility to seek out accurate and reliable
information.
It is important to assess the information you find and
understand its context.
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5. A well-research literature review aims to:
• relevant sources that are highly-cited in the literature
• relevant sources from other disciplines
• authors that are experts in the field
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6. Databases to start your search:
• UpToDate
• PubMed
• Scopus
• TRIP (Turning Research Into Practice)
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7. Use the PICO format for clinical
questions
In patients with Dry Eye Disease, does
the new drug Xiidra improve quality of
life over OTC eye drops?
Patient/Population: Dry Eye Disease
Intervention: Xiidra
Comparison: OTC eye drops
Outcome: Quality of life
PICO QUESTIONS

8. Search strategies
1. Keyword searching
2. Subject heading searching
3. (MeSH, EMTREE, CINAHL Headings)
4. Reference lists
5. Cited references
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9. Search strategies: Keywords
• Create a list of commonly used terms to
describe each of your concepts
• As you find relevant articles, see if there
are keywords to add to the search
• Combine synonyms using OR
• Combine different concepts using AND
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10. Constructing a Search
keywords & subject headings
Drug names:
Brand: Xiidra
Scientific: Lifitegrast
Experimental: SAR 1118
Class: lymphocyte function-associated
antigen 1 (LFA-1) antagonist
Condition names:
Dry Eye Disease
Dry Eye Syndromes (MeSH)
Comparison names:
Nonprescription drugs (MeSH), Over the
counter, OTC, non-prescription
Lubricant Eye Drops (MeSH), artificial tear
drops, artificial tears, lubricating eye-drops
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11. Boolean Operators:
Combining terms using AND and OR
(Xiidra OR Lifitegrast OR
SAR 1118) AND (dry eye
syndrome OR dry eye
disease)
Xiidra OR
Lifitegrast OR
SAR 1118
dry eye
syndrome OR
dry eye
disease
AND = different concepts
OR = synonyms for same concept

12. Organizing results
• Staying organized is key for a successful search
• Keep like items together
• Organize your search by concept or search technique
• Use a citation management system from the beginning (the Library
teaches classes in EndNote)
• Save or document your search strategies
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13. Finishing a search
You are finished when you’ve:
• Searched multiple databases
• Identified the key authors/researchers
• Looked at the reference lists for on-target articles and found nothing new
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14. QUESTIONS?
Call: 713-792-2282
Text: 281-369-4872
Twitter: @MDAndersonLib
Visit: Pickens Floor 21
Email: rml-help@mdanderson.org
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