The assessment and management of bipolar disorder in adults

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.