Methodology:
* Search Strategy: Briefly describe your databases (e.g., PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science), keywords, inclusion/exclusion criteria, and the time frame of your search. For example: "A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus databases was conducted using keywords [list key terms] from [start date] to [end date]. Studies were included if [criteria]." Avoid excessive detail; focus on the most important choices that affected your results.
* Selection Process: Briefly explain how you screened and selected studies (e.g., title/abstract screening, full-text review). Mention any tools used to assess study quality (e.g., risk of bias assessment). For example: "Titles and abstracts were screened independently by two reviewers. Full-text articles meeting inclusion criteria were assessed for quality using the [tool name] tool."
* Data Extraction: Summarize how you extracted data from the selected studies (e.g., characteristics of participants, interventions, outcomes). For example: "Data on [variables] were extracted using a standardized data extraction form."
* Synthesis Approach: Briefly describe how you synthesized the findings (e.g., narrative synthesis, meta-analysis). For example: "A narrative synthesis approach was used to integrate the findings across studies."
Results:
* Number of Studies: State the number of studies initially identified, screened, and included in the final review. For example: "The initial search yielded [number] studies, [number] were screened, and [number] were included in the final review."
* Key Findings: Summarize the main findings, highlighting key themes, trends, or patterns across the studies. Focus on the most significant results related to your research question. Avoid listing individual studies unless they represent a particularly strong or influential finding. For example: "The review revealed consistent evidence supporting [finding 1] and mixed evidence regarding [finding 2]."
* Gaps in the Literature: Mention any significant gaps or limitations in the existing research that emerged from your review. This adds value to your work by highlighting areas for future research. For example: "A significant gap in the literature was the lack of studies investigating [topic]."
Example combining methodology and results:
"This literature review systematically searched PubMed and Scopus for studies published between 2010 and 2023 on the effectiveness of [intervention]. After screening titles and abstracts, 35 full-text articles were assessed for quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool; 18 met inclusion criteria. Data on participant demographics, intervention details, and outcomes were extracted and analyzed using a narrative synthesis approach. The review revealed strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of [intervention] in [population] for [outcome]. However, there was a lack of research exploring [specific aspect], highlighting a significant gap for future investigation."
Remember to tailor the level of detail to the specific context and word limit of your overview. The goal is to provide a clear and concise summary of your methods and the most important findings.