Writing a review of the literature: a practical guide

Producing a detailed review of the literature on a given topic often poses difficulties for the prospective writer. The sources of evidence are often easily collected but it is possible to quickly be overwhelmed by the sheer number of pieces, as they silently over run the kitchen table. By developing a methodical approach to the documentation and evaluation of the sources, and the implementation of a thematical approach to their review, it is possible to commence the review from the very first article or source collected.