Building upon the work of Broome (1993), Whittemore & Knafl (2005) define an integrative review as: " . . . a specific review method that summarizes past empirical or theoretical literature to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a particular phenomenon or healthcare problem (p. 546).
Integrative reviews are a common review type found in nursing, however a variety of other health sciences fields also utilize the integrative review methodology to synthesize literature. Conducting an integrative review is appropriate if you have a broad purpose statement/review question, and your aim is to comprehensively search the literature and review heterogenous research studies of varying types.
Objectives
Key Features
Also see differences between integrative reviews and systematic reviews.
A seminal and classic article on integrative review methodology, and essential reading for anyone conducting an integrative review, is:
Whittemore, R., & Knafl, K. (2005). The integrative review: Updated methodology. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 52(5), 546–553. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2005.03621.x [click to read full-text]
The stages of an integrative review as outlined by Whittemore & Knafl (2005) are:
For updated guidance on conducting an integrative review, see:
Oermann, M. H., & Knafl, K. A. (2021). Strategies for completing a successful integrative review. Nurse Author & Editor (Wiley-Blackwell), 31(3/4), 65–68. https://doi.org/10.1111/nae2.30 [click to read full-text]
The following book [available in E-Book or Print formats from the University Libraries] also provides thorough guidance on how to conduct an integrative review:
A Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting an Integrative Review
by
What are the key differences between an integrative review and a systematic review?
| Integrative Review | Systematic Review | |
| Review protocol | No | Yes |
| Review question | Broad purpose statement/review question(s) | Single, focused clinical question often using the PICO format |
| Timeline (estimated) | 6-12 months | 12-24 months or more |
| Comprehensive, systematic, reproducible literature search strategies | Yes | Yes |
| Flow diagram of search process | Yes (PRISMA flow diagram is recommended) | Yes (PRISMA flow diagram is the standard) |
| Inclusion and exclusion criteria | Yes | Yes |
| Sampling |
Heterogenous: Diverse array of research including experimental and non-experimental; quantitative and qualitative; empirical and theoretical literature |
Homogenous: 1) Systematic review with meta-analysis: experimental, quantitative literature (i.e. randomized controlled trials only) or 2) Systematic review with meta-synthesis: non-experimental, qualitative research literature |
| Critical appraisal | Yes | Yes |
| Data extraction | Yes | Yes |
| Data analysis/synthesis |
Yes: Narrative/thematic/descriptive/qualitative synthesis |
Yes: 1) Systematic review with meta-analysis: quantitative synthesis using statistical techniques or 2) Systematic review with meta-synthesis: qualitative synthesis |
Toronto, C. E. (2020). Overview of the integrative review. In C. E Toronto & R. Remington (Eds.), A step-by-step guide to conducting an integrative review (p. 3). Springer.
The following articles are selected exemplary examples of integrative reviews. Prior to conducting your own integrative review, it will help to examine previously published examples from the literature.
How can University of Toledo librarians help with your integrative review?
Note: Our services are only available to current UToledo faculty, resident physicians, fellows, students, and staff members. If you are affiliated with another institution, please contact your library to see what services are available for your review.