Doing a Literature Review in Health and Social Care: A Practical Guide 5e

“If you want to understand, design, or carry out a literature review to improve the quality of care that you or others deliver, then look no further.” 

Dr Ray Samuriwo, Associate Professor in Adult Nursing, University of Bradford, UK

“If I was to endorse only one research book in the future – this one would be it.”

Ruth Trout, Senior Lecturer in Acute Care, Programme and BSc Dissertation Lead, MSc Dissertation Supervisor, Buckinghamshire New University, UK

“This new edition provides the straightforward and accessible manual for successfully understanding and conducting literature reviews that we have come to expect from Aveyard.”

Victoria Sweetmore, University of Derby, UK



This best-selling book, now in its fifth edition, is a step-by-step guide to doing a literature review for students in all areas of health and social care. It is essential reading for all those doing their undergraduate dissertation or any study that involves doing a literature review.

The new edition maintains its signature ‘can do’ approach and provides a practical guide to doing a literature review from start to finish. This book includes:

• A broad and updated range of real life examples of how to overcome challenges in the process

• Tips on how to get your question right

• Updated guidance on following a clear search strategy for relevant literature using the appropriate technology

• Brand new and accessible chapter summaries

• An expanded guide for the application of critical appraisal tools

• An increased emphasis on presenting your findings or using them in practice

• Tips and coverage on how to write up your review

Doing a Literature Review in Health and Social Care is vital reading for anyone new to reviewing and presenting evidence in a review.



Helen Aveyard is a Principal Lecturer at Oxford Brookes University, UK with a background in nursing. Helen is co-author of A Postgraduates Guide to Doing a Literature Review in Health and Social Care, A Beginner’s Guide to Evidence Based Practice and A Beginner’s Guide to Critical Thinking and Writing in Health and Social Care.