Table 1 Stages of integrative review proposed by Cooper (1998)

Formulate the research problem

Clear identification of the problem the review is addressing and its purpose

Collect data

Define inclusion criteria and search the appropriate data bases in order to collect the literature which responds to the research problem

Evaluate data

Determine if the collected literature meets the predefine inclusion criteria, and select the final literature sample

Analyze and interpret data

Examine and interpret the literature sample in such a way that it will respond to the research problem

Evaluate the state of knowledge of the phenomenon and present future directions for research

Determine all the knowledge developed around the research problem and identify what can be further explored