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A 5-7 page literature review with an included introduction paragraph using the below outline format. Using primary sources only (preferably recent from the last 10 years), the subject is broad so 10 sources isn’t sticlty necessary but more a guideline to ensure there is a comprehensive scope of the existing literature. I will include a copy of what I have for my paper so far, the PICO etc. The below information was provided as an outline for this specific literature review. 
From the literature review you understand how the authors/researchers performed their
methods in order for you to adopt/borrow them for your proposed project. It is essential
your literature review supports your PICO from your introduction. Each section of the final
capstone paper flows together and supports one another. The introduction breaks apart the
pieces of your PICO with a well written problem statement and reason for why the suggested
intervention is superior to current standard of care and the supporting evidence of said
intervention. The theory supports the proposal with a foundational framework.
The literature search was properly conducted to identify appropriate primary sources which will
be reviewed and discussed and synthesized to show the evidence to support the intervention in
the PICO does indeed help to improve/decrease the intended outcome.
The entire quality improvement process uses a QI model, the JHEBP model, following the PET
philosophy.
As you read your selected primary sources (quantitative or qualitative studies), not literature
reviews, systematic reviews or meta-analyses, take note of:
1. Recurring themes throughout the literature. Are there studies that use the same
methodology, use the same tool to measure the outcome?
2. Similarities and differences? Take note of the similarities and differences of the studies
3. How does each author support their position?
4. How is the outcome measured?
5. What are the study conclusions?
6. Note limitations and strengths.
7. Note how the studies’ results varied from each other. 
8. Note: these topics should correspond with your TOE columns.
Write down your key insights and how each source you selected contributes to the existing pool
of knowledge on its subject. Explore how the sources challenge and contradict each other and
where they agree or expand upon each other. 
The following is an outline to follow when it time to draft up the literature review.
Theme #1
jks12_2022
Paragraph 1-2 – discuss the similarities and differences of the studies that share theme
#1, synthesize the information: populations, findings, methods conclusions based on theme.
Paragraph 2-3 authors conclusions- are they the same, different, what are their
concluding thoughts? Is there any conflicting evidence?
Paragraph 4 – Bring in your concluding thoughts, questions, and opinions. What could
make the study better?
Theme #2
Follow the outline as above.
Theme #3
Follow the outline as above.
Limitations and Strengths
Synthesize the limitations and strengths of the studies. A paragraph or two of limitations
and a paragraph or two of strengths.
Gaps in Literature
Identify the gaps in literature. Gaps in literature are areas that are missing. For example,
studies are lacking in understanding how the intervention can be used in the pediatric
population. Or there is a lack of uniform/universal definition of topic of interest. Another
example is there is a lack of screening tool or an identified reliable and valid tool to measure
the outcome.
Conclusion
The final concluding paragraph of the literature review/ capstone paper is the
summation of the entire capstone project- summing up the problem, why the intervention is
superior to current standard of care, the theory and how it offers a framework and a grounding
to the project and the literature review that supports the evidence for the intervention and
intended outcome in the PICO, hopefully the evidence is indeed supportive. It all flows together
like a symphony, each piece connects, they are not separate, each piece is fluid and connects to
one another.
The literature review section is about 5-7 pages. When you submit the final paper with the
added literature review, the final capstone paper will be around 20-25 pages not including title
page and references. References start on separate page.
The paper follows APA format 7 th edition, student paper.