This article aims to help students develop the skills of searching, analysing and critiquing the literature so that they can make sense of the vast amount of written material they will have to read, both while they are studying and throughout their careers

For any student, the skill of reviewing the literature is central to success on his or her course of study. For nursing and midwifery students, the ability to critically review the literature is essential for developing and maintaining a high standard of evidence-based patient care (Abbott 1993, DoH 1993, UKCC 1992).