LITERATURE MATRIX ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
OVERVIEW
Identify an evidenced based practice project that you would be interested in implementing to
make a practice change. * The first step in undertaking a project includes a review of the current
research/evidence related to it. For this assignment, you will locate 10-15 scholarly, peer
reviewed research articles published within the last 5 years addressing your chosen
initiative/project. Chosen articles should involve some type of research. Examples of the type of
research preferred include single studies (can be descriptive research), meta-analysis, or
systematic reviews. Avoid opinion pieces or expert reviews. The type of research available on a
topic will vary but for an EBP project, there should be enough research evidence available to
implement a practice change. If there is little research evidence on the topic, you’ll need to
choose another topic more amendable to an EBP project.
Utilize the JFL or other academic libraries available to you to obtain high level research
evidence. You will review/analyze each article and place the information in the Literature Matrix
form. A literature matrix is a good way to organize your research on a topic. Use the form as
written as you will see it again as part of your DNP scholarly project.
*DNP students need to select research articles dealing with a clinical/patient outcome focused
topic as the scholarly project must be an EBP project within the clinical practice realm.
INSTRUCTIONS
• Fill out all sections of the Literature Matrix Template. Include a title page but an
abstract is NOT necessary. Do not cut and paste information from the articles, paraphrase
and summarize information.
• Please use SINGLE spacing throughout for readability and ease of using the table to review
literature. Make sure the table is in landscape orientation. Use a 12 point, times roman
font in the table, left justified.
• Use APA format except single space the citation so it will fit in the table easily. If you
use other resources in providing rationale for analysis (such as whether you would use it
for a practice change), cite the source in the table and add a reference page with the full
reference(s). Please submit just one file.
• There are short examples provided in the table for type of information required but
further requirements and instructions are outlined below:
1. Article title, author, etc.
Provide full citation, single spacing to save space. Use current APA format.
2. Study purpose
Clearly state the purpose of the study.
3. Sample characteristics
Describe all important characteristics of the sample, outlining inclusion/exclusion
criteria if appropriate. Be sure to include if there is a control group.
4. Methods
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Describe the methods used in the study. This includes things like: if there was an
intervention, if there was a control group, if the research involved analyzing
literature, if surveys were utilized, if qualitative methods were used, etc. This will
help you determine the type of research and subsequently identify the correct level of
evidence. Most studies will be in the following categories: systematic review, meta-
analysis, descriptive research, quasi-experimental, randomized control
trial/experimental, qualitative research (not the same as descriptive), or mixed
methods. It is important to carefully read the research to determine the category.
Sometimes the title will tell you the type of research as well. For example, the title
may say the research is an integrative review.
5. Study Results
Summarize the most important, overall results. What is the bottom line? It’s
important to understand study results if you are applying the research in practice. If
applicable, include the level of significance.
6. Level of Evidence
Identify the level of evidence according to Melnyk’s classification. If you’ve
correctly identified the type of study, it should be easy to correctly identify the level.
Include not only the level in this section, but clearly name the type of study. Keep in
mind that for systematic and integrative reviews, the level will depend on the type of
research reviewed.
7. Study Limitations
List the study limitations, taking into account the type of study.
8. Would you use this for a practice change? (yes or no). Provide Rationale.
Clearly indicate if you would use this evidence for a practice change and provide
rationale.