Abstract

In this fifth article in the research and diabetes nursing series, the use of literature reviews (for finding evidence), case studies and audits are outlined. Given the wealth of material published on diabetes, locating appropriate evidence to inform practice can in itself be a challenge. The results of systematic literature reviews are considered to deliver the most robust form of evidence to inform practice. In contrast, case studies are often criticised as offering a weaker research design and audit is not considered as research, but does provide evidence about the standard of a particular service. All of these activities are important elements that can contribute to the overall research engagement of diabetes nurses and the drive towards evidence-based diabetes practice.