Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da USP (Apr 2014)

Integrative Review: Concepts And Methods Used In Nursing

  • Cassia Baldini Soares,
  • Luiza Akiko Komura Hoga,
  • Marina Peduzzi,
  • Carine Sangaleti,
  • Tatiana Yonekura,
  • Deborah Rachel Audebert Delage Silva

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0080-6234201400002000020
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 48, no. 2
pp. 335 – 345

Abstract

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Integrative review (IR) has an international reputation in nursing research and evidence-based practice. This IR aimed at identifying and analyzing the concepts and methods recommended to undertaking IR in nursing. Nine information resources,including electronic databases and grey literature were searched. Seventeen studies were included. The results indicate that: primary studies were mostly from USA; it is possible to have several research questions or hypotheses and include primary studies in the review from different theoretical and methodological approaches; it is a type of review that can go beyond the analysis and synthesis of findings from primary studies allowing exploiting other research dimensions, and that presents potentialities for the development of new theories and new problems for research. Conclusion: IR is understood as a very complex type of review and it is expected to be developed using standardized and systematic methods to ensure the required rigor of scientific research and therefore the legitimacy of the established evidence.

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