Systematic reviews of nursing research.

As a result of the rapid advances in technology and the large volume of literature, healthcare decisions have become more complex. In response to this, increasing emphasis has been placed on basing these decisions on the best available research evidence. Systematic reviews are now accepted as the most reliable way by which this large volume of research evidence can be managed. These reviews follow the same principles expected of any research endeavour. This includes documentation of methods prior to commencement, comprehensive search to identify all studies on the topic, and the use of rigorous methods for the appraisal, collection and synthesis of data. On completion of the review, the methods used are reported to allow its validity to be evaluated by end users of the evidence. Copyright 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.