Acknowledge limitations, identify shortcomings in your approach demonstrating awareness of the methodological processes and identifying how you might improve the approach taken if the work was to be repeated.

Results (1000) Identify emerging themes from the results of each study.

Remember to Summarise and synthesise:
➢ Give an overview of the main points of each source and combine them into a coherent whole – think ‘themes’ (you could use a table here to help you if you wish).

• Analyse and interpret:
➢ Don’t just paraphrase the authors – add your own interpretations where possible, discussing the significance of the findings in relation to the literature as a whole.

• Critically evaluate:
➢ Mention the strengths and weaknesses of your sources.

• Write in well-structured paragraphs:
➢ Use transitions and topic sentences to draw connections,
comparisons and contrasts.

The results should then inform your discussion
The ‘Discussion’ (approx. 1800 words)
• Your review aims to inform practice so this section should be the
‘so what?’.
• Address the issues identified in the Introduction and literature
review/background.
• You must pull the whole review together in this section and NOT
simply re-state what you have said previously. Relate back to
what was known at the outset and what you know now.
• Explain unexpected findings and results that do not support the
commonly held beliefs.
• Use ‘narrative synthesis’.
• Don’t go off topic – answer your research question!

The ‘Conclusion’ (approx. 300 words)
• The summing up of your review.
• Needs to be succinct and not include any new information!
• Should provide a summary of the key points.

The ‘Recommendations’ (approx. 300
words)
• Are there any clear recommendations for practice?
• Is there any need for further research, and what type e.g. RCTs?
• Acknowledge limitations, identify shortcomings in your approach
demonstrating awareness of the methodological processes and
identifying how you might improve the approach taken if the work was to be repeated.