Hoops and Hurdles
Literature Searching
A starting point for most research is a comprehensive literature search. This will set the scene and inform all parties as to the current state of play in the subject area.
You need to know what research has already been carried out in the area and what gaps there are in the knowledge base.
A good literature search will enable you to refine your research question from one that may be rather vague to one with defined components.
For example, you need to think about the population under consideration, the intervention being evaluated, and the most suitable outcome measures. The literature review should cover all these aspects.
How to find what you really want
Because of advances in technology, searching for relevant papers can be a bit of an art in itself. But this also means that there are an increasing number of specialists who are able to help; most libraries will have someone able to train in the use of the commonly used search engines.
Starting points for a do-it-yourself searcher would be
- the RDSU help sheet on literature searching, found at: http://www.bath.ac.uk/med-sci/rdsu/hints_search.htm
- the National electronic Library for Health, found at: http://www.nelh.nhs.uk/
- South West information for clinical effectiveness, found at: http://www.swice.nhs.uk/
Local resources
In the Bath area, you can get help from David Rumsey (01225 824228), Beryl Young (01225 824898) and Sue Wray at the Postgraduate Medical Centre Library, Royal United Hospital, Bath.
In Swindon, contact John Sheehan (01793 604592), Patricia McLean (01793 604593) and Ann Vellender (01793 604593) at the Postgraduate Medical Library, Great Western Hospital, Swindon.
Next page: The research protocol
Study guide collated by: Sandra Hollinghurst, Vicky Wood (Bath RDSU) and Michael Harris 
Last updated: 01 October 2006