Systematic review of bipolar disorder in adult
Setting out your Dissertation (systematic review)
The word count suggested for each section is an approximation not an absolute
Before you decide on a question, do a quick literature review to ensure that you have enough articles to critique
ABSTRACT – approx. 250 words. Complete this when you have completed your review.It should include the following subheading: an overview of your topic, what you want to find out (question), the method you used, results of your systematic review (answer to your question) anda conclusion.
INTRODUCTION –approx. 1000 words.
• Give a brief overview of the topic.
• Explain why the topic is important (justification)
• State the aim (1) and the objectives of the project (max 3), e.g. a review of the surrounding literatureon… a systematic review of the primary research; a discussion of the results – linked to nursing)
• The research question- 1 question only with 1 part to it.
o e.g. How does a low carbohydrate diet impact on obesity in teenagers.
LITERATURE REVIEW – approx. 3000 words.
• This is an in depth critique and exploration of the topic and its associated issues. Look at all relevant research around the topic.
• Start with a brief background to the topic question (similar to the overview)
• Include statistics and links to higher policy DH. NICE WHO NMC etc.
• Include subsections, which highlight the key issuesand theoretical issues,surrounding the topic relating to your research question.
• It will include key pieces of research.
• It should ideally relate tonursing practice and impact.
METHODOLOGY – approx. 1000 words.
• Explain what a systematic review is and its purpose.
• Which databases have you used?
• Which search terms have you used? You can put in a table with MEsH headings.
• Detail PICO or PEO
• Explain what type of research you are looking for: such as RCTs, quantitative qualitative, mixed methods and why.
• State your inclusion and exclusion criteria- discuss why chosen – you can put into a table.
• State the number of results you have had and how these have been filtered (using your inclusion/exclusion criteria).
• This must be shown in a PRISMA FLOW DIAGRAM FORMAT.
• Explain how many articles you have filtered down to -usually 6-10, and how many patients total are involved in these studies.
RESULTS – approx. 1500 words
• Explain how/why you will critique each article (CASP etc.)
• Do a table of results to briefly explain each of the 6-10 articles.
o Authors and date /article question/number of patient//method/ results
• Then critique and analyse each of these articles,separately, link to good research practice citation e.g. no.ofparticipants, methodology, report of bias
• Conclude the section with a synopsis of these results as a whole and
• Discuss briefly how they relate to your original questions and literature review.
o Are any particular themes emerging?
o Does this answer my original question?
DISCUSSION – app 500 words
• Summarise what you have found so far.
• Make connections, themes, observations and reflections with the articles and the literature review.
• Consider what elements are missing in the research that you have reviewed so far.
LIMITATIONS of YOUR STUDY– app 300 words
• What would you do differently in you had to carry this research out again and why?
• Consider researcher bias /time/ accessibility of articles etc.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS– app 500 words
• Briefly summarise your project findings relating to your research question
o Do you have an answer- if not why not?
• Highlight your recommendations – for nursing/research/practice etc.
