2010, 8(1 Pt 1):102-6 | Marcela Tavares de Souza, Michelly Dias da Silva, Rachel de Carvalho
An integrative review is a methodological approach that synthesizes knowledge and applies the results of significant studies to practice. It is a key tool in evidence-based practice (EBP) in healthcare, especially in nursing, as it combines various research methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of a topic. This review presents the six stages of an integrative review process: preparing the guiding question, searching or sampling the literature, data collection, critical analysis of the studies included, discussion of results, and presentation of the integrative review. The process requires careful planning, including defining the research question, conducting a thorough literature search, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting the findings in a clear and comprehensive manner. The review also highlights the importance of ensuring methodological rigor to minimize bias and errors. The study used bibliographic search and the authors' experience to identify relevant articles. The results showed that there is a limited number of published scientific articles on integrative review, which is a methodology derived from EBP. The review emphasizes the need for a systematic and rigorous approach in conducting integrative reviews to ensure the validity and reliability of the findings. The study concludes that integrative review is a unique tool in healthcare for synthesizing available research and guiding practice based on scientific knowledge. It is essential to consider the various aspects of the process, including data collection, analysis, and discussion, to ensure the quality and relevance of the findings.An integrative review is a methodological approach that synthesizes knowledge and applies the results of significant studies to practice. It is a key tool in evidence-based practice (EBP) in healthcare, especially in nursing, as it combines various research methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of a topic. This review presents the six stages of an integrative review process: preparing the guiding question, searching or sampling the literature, data collection, critical analysis of the studies included, discussion of results, and presentation of the integrative review. The process requires careful planning, including defining the research question, conducting a thorough literature search, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting the findings in a clear and comprehensive manner. The review also highlights the importance of ensuring methodological rigor to minimize bias and errors. The study used bibliographic search and the authors' experience to identify relevant articles. The results showed that there is a limited number of published scientific articles on integrative review, which is a methodology derived from EBP. The review emphasizes the need for a systematic and rigorous approach in conducting integrative reviews to ensure the validity and reliability of the findings. The study concludes that integrative review is a unique tool in healthcare for synthesizing available research and guiding practice based on scientific knowledge. It is essential to consider the various aspects of the process, including data collection, analysis, and discussion, to ensure the quality and relevance of the findings.