“Literature review of research into Downs syndrome screening. BSc (Hons) Midwifery, Research Methods, Kingston University London. Level of Assessment 5”

Introduction

The research process is a systematic investigation that uses disciplined methods to answer questions or solve problems, increasing the sum of knowledge (Polit & Beck, 2010: Mander, 2003 p64). Midwives perceptions of their role as facilitators of informed choice in antenatal screening highlights two key issues in midwifery practice, informed choice and antenatal screening (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), 2003).This critique is based on a modified version of Holland and Rees(2010) framework for critiquing qualitative research articles, and gives an analytical view of the literature review, methodology, the sample, data collection and analysis, ethical considerations and implications for future practice.

A literature review is important as it seeks to summarise the information that is already available on a subject, identify gaps in th…(short extract)