Medicine Use - MU1: Critical literature review titled Systematic review of behaviour change components used randomized controlled trials of interven

Medicine Use - MU1: Critical literature review titled Systematic review of behaviour change components used randomized controlled trials of interventions to support adherence to anti-epileptic medications.

Project description:

This research aims to identify the most commonly used techniques in interventions which successfully increase adherence to anti-epileptic medications. It will follow standard systematic review methods to synthesise evidence and identify evidence-based ways of supporting adherence to antiepileptic medications. This will include a systematic review of randomized controlled trial of adherence interventions. This involves a systematic search of bibliographic databases, screening of papers against inclusion/exclusion criteria, extraction of data onto structured data extraction form, synthesis of literature into written report, table and figures). The data extraction process will involve using tools from behavioural science to analyse content of interventions and critical review of papers to evaluate strength of evidence for the effectiveness of different interventions.

Preparing the Critical Review Article

The report should be one and a half line spacing, one column, Ariel size 11.

Structure and style:

The sections should be arranged as:

Title page: Project title and full affiliation plus supervisors name

Abstract

Introduction (should include the aim and specific objectives of the review)

Literature search methodology

Review body (discussion is embedded as part of critical evaluation of the findings)

Conclusions and future remarks

Acknowledgements

References

Title page

you are advised to follow the format described and NOT the Journals format.

The title should be:

Short and informative do not include abbreviationsNot exceed 150 characters (including spaces)

Abstract

The abstract should succinctly and clearly summarise the research methodology and findings described in the review, must not exceed 250 words nor contain abbreviations or specialised terms. It should be understandable in itself since it is frequently used as an abstract for bibliographic purposes and must be formatted based on the instructions published by the journal you are required to follow.

Introduction

This should describe the general field and relevant theoretical background of the topic of the review.

Objective

The objective of undertaking review should be stated as part of the introduction, usually at the end. You should be fully aware of the principal objective or objectives of the review topic at the start of the study. Draft and agree this with your supervisor early and revisit to improve it as you learn more about the project.

Literature search methodology

The methods section should be a detailed account of your literature research approach that would permit a reader unaccustomed with the work to be able to repeat your literature search and they get the same articles. You should state the key words combinations used, search engines and years for which search was conducted e.g. articles between 2000 and 2020. Use simple but effective ways to describe methods; eg. Flow charts, schematics, bullet points, and when appropriate a balanced mix of all. This should always be written in the past tense.

Body

The body of the review should describe the literature findings of the topic you are reviewing in words, divided into sections and subsections. Due to the large volume of papers you may find and to keep within the word limit, you need to summarise the data in the form of schemes, figures, tables where appropriate. Primary research articles presented should be critically evaluated. You should discuss the validity of the studies reviewed.

Figures and tables

Figures and tables must all have captions (legends) and are adequately attributed. Figures need to be standalone i.e. the reader should understand the figures without the need to refer back to the main text. Tables should include a title and be comprehensible. You must have some sense of accuracy in presenting numbers that may have been generated by an instrument. Remember to label your y-axis and x-axis and do not forget the units.

References

The final format of the references should follow Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews bibliography format.

Word limits Students should write up to 8,000 words (for critical review articles) excluding figures captions, tables, bibliography and supplementary information.

Penalties Project outside > 10% of the specified word count will be penalised.

References In any piece of research or written work you need to acknowledge or cite your sources. A list of references is used to: give proper credit to other peoples work and ideas; and to avoid plagiarism. The final format of the references should follow Pharmaceutical Research, International Journal of Pharmacy Practice or Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews bibliography format.

Aims To give experience in the application of literature research methods

To provide experience in scientific report/review writing

Learning outcomes The learning outcomes the project will assess are:

Awareness of the primary literature sources in pharmaceutical science and practice

Ability to efficiently search the relevant literatureAbility to design an experiment or field survey for primary research article type projectsAbility to construct, write and proofread a technical report or a critical reviewAbility to draw valid and rigorous conclusions from the research workAbility to lead own project and liaise with team members where the project involves multiple parties.

Marking criteria The School marking criteria for projects can be found in the SchoolsUndergraduate Marking and Assessment PolicySubmission date 18thDecember 2023. Please note that your report must be submitted by this date, before the deadline time of 4pm.