A synthesis of what the studies reveal about the current state of knowledge on the question that you developed

The literature review is a critical piece in the research process because it helps a researcher determine what is currently known about a topic and identify gaps or further questions. Conducting a thorough literature review can be a time-consuming process, but the effort helps establish the foundation for everything that will follow. For this part of your Course Project, you will conduct a brief literature review to find information on the question you developed in Week 2. This will provide you with experience in searching databases and identifying applicable resources.

Write a 4-page literature review that includes the following:

A synthesis of what the studies reveal about the current state of knowledge on the question that you developed
Point out inconsistencies and contradictions in the literature and offer possible explanations for inconsistencies.
Preliminary conclusions on whether the evidence provides strong support for a change in practice or whether further research is needed to adequately address your inquiry
Your literature review summary table with all references formatted in correct APA style
Note: Certain aspects of conducting a standard review of literature have not yet been covered in this course. Therefore, while you are invited to critically examine any aspect of the studies (e.g., a study’s design, appropriateness of the theoretic framework, data sampling methods), your conclusion should be considered preliminary. Bear in mind that five studies are typically not enough to reflect the full range of knowledge on a particular question and you are not expected to be familiar enough with research methodology to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of all aspects of the studies.

MODEL ANSWER

Literature review refers to the collection and evaluation of previous research information to a particular issue aimed at creating a new perception or dimension to the new project research being undertaken. Jesson et al. (2012) stated that literature review is a compilation of secondary analyses of clear knowledge where theoretical ideas of explicit and implied knowledge are evaluated to give a new approach to a certain concept. In this study, a systematic review would be adopted. A systematic review involves a systematic, clear method of collecting, synthesizing and evaluation of study findings related to a particular problem. Krastins (2012) noted that Sepsis was one of the main causes of mortality and morbidity in the world, especially in pediatric patients and adults. This formed the basis for numerous studies being undertaken in relation to Sepsis infection. The studies have shown the significance of early diagnosis and treatment of Sepsis in improving the patient outcome. Such studies have focused on the impact of using electronic tools and registered nurses initiated protocol in reducing diagnosis time. Krastins (2012) noted that adopting sepsis screening tools and RN initiated protocols (bundles) at the earliest contact point of the patient and the nurses had a direct relationship with the higher rate of sepsis recognition, this lead to early administration of fluid resuscitation and antibiotics for patients suffering from sepsis. In most of the research, it has been identified that patient use of sepsis protocols initiated by nurses within the first hour of diagnosis always have better outcomes and have a lower number of complications in comparison with a patient suffering from sepsis on whom protocol- based care service is not offered. Sweet et al. (2012) concluded that recognition of sepsis in early stages and accurate results on SIRS reduces the number of deaths and rates of complication. Registered nurses play a critical role in the initiation and provision of care to a patient suffering from sepsis. For this reason, (Tromp et al., 2010) highlighted the need for having triage nurses accessing the screening tools in their department. Krastins (2012) also highlighted the importance of training and educating nurses on how to use screening tools and value of establishing protocols for initiating timely recognition of and proper treatment of sepsis. He joined other scholars in noting that such efforts would significantly reduce the rate of mortality rate. Mattison et al. (2016) performed a retrospective assessment at a clinic in England after implementing RN protocol in the management of a patient with post- chemotherapy. They noted that 96.4 percent of patient with suspected sepsis signs and symptoms were administered with antibiotics within one hour of presentation. In addition, 48.1% of the group who were administered with antibiotics had received the antibiotics within fifteen (15) minutes of arrival. They, therefore, concluded a positive relationship between applications of RN protocols and reduced diagnosis time. They also concluded….