Follow the suggested steps below for conducting literature review research.

1. Identify the Question (for the PICOT):
   • Formulate a clear and focused research question using the PICOT framework (Patient/Problem, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, Time).
   • Use an AI tool such as ChatGPT to brainstorm, explore optional components, focus a clinical question, and/or get suggestions on specific interventions, comparisons, and outcomes. See:
   • Use CINAHL's PICO search.
2. Search for Articles:
   • Search relevant databases (e.g., MEDLINE, CINAHL, OVID) using keywords and controlled vocabulary related to your PICOT.
   • Use Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to refine your search.
   • Set appropriate and required limits (e.g., peer-reviewed, date).
   • Utilize advanced search features to specify article types or study design for levels of evidence (e.g., randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, case studies).
   • Use an AI tool and key in a prompt to get a list of keywords, phrases, and subjects to search for your PICOT.
3. Critically Analyze and Evaluate the Articles:
   • Evaluate the quality and relevance of each article by examining the article in the context of Evidence-Based Parctice (EBP). Use database advanced search limiters and select the desired publication format or research type.
   • Determine the level of evidence (e.g., randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case studies)
   • Evaluate the article to determine if it supports your PICOT question.
4. Refine the Search Strategy:
   • Based on your results and evaluation, refine your search strategy to address an gaps.
   • Modify your keywords and subjects, apply new filters, and explore additional databases to ensure comprehensive literature search.
   • Consider broadening or narrowing the scope of your search or modifying your PICOT, as needed.
5. Manage References:
   • Keep track of all your sources.
   • Use the opens new windowEBSCO folder or other management software such as opens new windowZotero or opens new windowLean Library Workspace to store and organize your references.
   • Ensure citations and formatting are accurate according to your professor's requirements and the APA 7th style guide.

Selected AI Tools for Nursing Literature Reviews and Synthesis

Elicit opens new windowhttps://elicit.com/

Ideal for:

• Use natural language to ask a research question or enter a topic.
• Perform literature reviews
• Create new columns of selected data to categorize and summarize research articles.
• Generate summaries of selected research articles.
• TIP: Add columns to track variables, compare studies, and customize the organization of results according to your specific research needs.

See: opens new windowElicit Tips and Best Practices

Consensus opens new windowhttps://www.consensus.app/

Ideal for:

• Literature reviews
• Evidence-based answers to research questions
• Quick overviews of complex academic topics
• Identifying high-quality, peer reviewed sources

See: opens new windowHow to Search & Best Practices

• Perplexity AI opens new windowhttps://www.perplexity.ai/, opens new windowhttps://www.perplexity.ai/hub/getting-started

How to Use Perplexity for Research Support:

• Utilize the citation feature to verify responses and sources.
• Search complex or evolving topics and receive a summarized, cited response.
• Explore original sources via embedded citations to verify and deepen your understanding.
• Ask for clarification on academic concepts, background information, or recent developments in a field.
• Use as a complement to traditional research techniques and library databases.

See: opens new windowAI (ChatGPT & Other Generative AI) - Check out the video, Generative AI in a Nutshell [YouTube,17:56 mins.] for an AI overview, and the "AI Tools and Resources" page to view a list of AI tools with descriptions and suggested uses.