The Literature Review Report Assessment

Research Question: What is the effectiveness of smoking cessation programmes among expectant mothers and new fathers and its impact on children’s future health?

Introduction

Aim: To explore the effectiveness of the smoking cessation programmes, available in the United Kingdom for expectant mothers and new fathers.

Objective:

(1) To conduct secondary research into the effectiveness of smoking cessation programmes among expectant mothers and new fathers in the United Kingdom.

(2) To investigate the impact through a literature review of the effectiveness of smoking cessation programmes among expectant mothers and new fathers in the United Kingdom.

Background to the study

Identify and define key terms of the research question (Using sources from the mandatory list)

Literature Search Strategy: (Where the sources were found, the inclusion and exclusion criteria, how many and what type of sources were found)

Presentation of Data and A Critique of the Findings

• Identify the aim/purpose of the research. What was it investigating?
• The main findings of the research
• The methods used to collect data (quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, surveys, interviews, etc.)
• Who was involved in the research? Who was the main sample group? How were the research participants recruited?
• Conclusions drawn from the research
• How does this research relate to the research question’s aim and objectives of the literature review?

A Critique of the Findings

• Research Methodology of each source, identifying the strengths and limitations of the data sources
• Was there researcher bias? If so, what was this? How was any harm from such minimised?
• Was the sample group representative of the wider population and led to findings that are fair and balanced?
• Was this research method used appropriate to the sample group, and the research topic?
• Were the findings and conclusions drawn valid and reliable?
• Was the research done ethically? Was the research impact fully considered?

Discussion:

• Synthesis of main findings and discuss how they respond to the research question, identifying any gaps
• What did you learn?
• What were the main themes that emerged?

Conclusion

Summarising the findings

Recommendations

Based on the conclusions of the research improvement for future research and practice, Should be justified, specific, measurable, realistic and targeted

Summary of Assessment Requirements

This assessment requires the student to conduct a structured literature-based investigation into the research question:

What is the effectiveness of smoking cessation programmes among expectant mothers and new fathers and its impact on children’s future health?

The assessment focuses on secondary research and demands a critical literature review. The key requirements include:

1. Introduction

• Present the aim and objectives of the research.

• Clarify the scope smoking cessation programmes in the UK and their impact on parental and child health.

2. Background to the Study

• Define key terms from the research question using mandatory sources.

• Explain why the study is important in public health and maternal/child well-being.

3. Literature Search Strategy

• Identify databases used (e.g., PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, NICE).

• Present inclusion and exclusion criteria.

• Describe keywords, filters, timeframes, and types of studies included.

• Briefly list how many sources were found and chosen.

4. Presentation of Data & Critique of Findings

For each selected research source:

• Identify study aim and purpose.

• Outline methods (qualitative/quantitative/mixed).

• Identify participants, recruitment strategies, and population group.

• Present the main findings and conclusions.

• Connect findings back to the research aim and objectives.

• Critically evaluate the methodology and identify:

  • Strengths and limitations

  • Researcher bias

  • Ethical considerations

  • Validity and reliability

  • Representativeness of the sample group

5. Discussion

• Synthesize themes emerging from all sources.

• Identify gaps in evidence.

• Discuss how findings respond to the research question.

• Highlight what the student learned about the topic and research process.

6. Conclusion

• Summarise overall findings and answer the research question.

7. Recommendations

• Provide SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time-bound) recommendations for:

  • Improving cessation programmes

  • Strengthening future research

  • Enhancing maternal and paternal support services

How the Academic Mentor Guided the Student

The Academic Mentor provided structured guidance to help the student interpret the assessment properly and develop a strong, academically sound literature review.

Step 1: Understanding the Research Question and Aim

The mentor first helped the student break down the research question into key components:

• Who? Expectant mothers and new fathers

• What? Smoking cessation programmes in the UK

• Outcome? Effectiveness & impact on children’s future health

The mentor explained how to frame the aim and objectives so they directly correspond with the question and guide the rest of the review.

Step 2: Developing the Introduction

The mentor instructed the student to:

• Introduce the importance of smoking cessation during pregnancy and early parenthood.

• Highlight risks of prenatal and postnatal smoking exposure on child health.

• Clearly state the aim and two research objectives provided.

This ensured clarity and academic direction.

Step 3: Writing the Background to the Study

The mentor guided the student to:

• Identify mandatory sources required for defining key concepts such as:

  • Smoking cessation

  • Prenatal health

  • Second-hand smoke

  • Behavioural interventions

• Explain why these concepts matter within the context of UK public health.

This section set a strong foundation for the literature review.

Step 4: Conducting and Describing the Literature Search Strategy

To meet assessment standards, the mentor taught the student to:

• Use academic databases (PubMed, NICE, BMJ, CINAHL).

• Develop a list of keywords such as:
  “smoking cessation,” “pregnancy,” “expectant mothers,” “new fathers,”
  “child health outcomes,” “UK cessation programmes.”

• Apply inclusion criteria (UK-based, peer-reviewed, recent 10 years, participant focus).

• Apply exclusion criteria (non-English, pre-2013 publications, studies unrelated to parents).

• Document the number and types of sources found.

This step ensured transparency and replicability of the research process.

Step 5: Presenting Data and Critiquing Each Research Study

The mentor guided the student on how to format each article review:

1. Purpose of the study

2. Research design used

3. Data collection methods

4. Sample population and recruitment

5. Key findings

6. Connection to the research question

7. Critical appraisal of:

   • Methodological strengths

   • Limitations

   • Potential bias

   • Ethical considerations

   • Validity of conclusions

   • Applicability to wider population

The mentor emphasised using critical frameworks such as CASP or PRISMA to strengthen evaluation.

Step 6: Writing the Discussion

The mentor taught the student how to synthesise—rather than simply describe—findings:

• Identify common patterns, such as:

  • Higher cessation success with combined counselling + pharmacotherapy

  • Increased quit rates among fathers when partner-based interventions were used

  • Improved birth outcomes with early intervention

• Identify gaps, e.g.:

  • Lack of long-term follow-up data

  • Limited studies on fathers

  • Low representation of diverse socioeconomic groups

• Explain how findings collectively answer the research question.

This helped the student move beyond summary and demonstrate analytical thinking.

Step 7: Developing the Conclusion

The mentor guided the student to:

• Summarise evidence clearly

• State whether smoking cessation programmes are effective

• Highlight the positive impact on children’s future health

The conclusion was aligned directly with the introduction and objectives.

Step 8: Creating SMART Recommendations

The mentor instructed the student to ensure recommendations were:

• Specific (e.g., increase father-focused cessation counselling).

• Measurable (track cessation rates for 12 months).

• Achievable (available resources considered).

• Realistic (fit within UK public health structure).

• Time-bound (implemented within 1–3 years).

Examples included:

• Integrating digital cessation tools in antenatal clinics.

• Improving awareness programmes targeting both parents.

• Conducting larger, diverse sample studies in the UK.

Final Outcome of the Student’s Work

Under the mentor’s step-by-step guidance, the student successfully produced a structured, coherent, and academically rigorous literature review that:

• Answered the research question

• Demonstrated critical understanding of smoking cessation programmes

• Evaluated real evidence from credible UK sources

• Showed the impact on maternal, paternal, and child health

• Identified limitations and gaps in current research

Learning Objectives Achieved

Through this guided approach, the student achieved key learning outcomes:

1. Ability to conduct structured secondary research

2. Understanding of literature search and selection methodology

3. Competence in critically appraising research studies

4. Ability to synthesise evidence into meaningful themes

5. Awareness of ethical and methodological considerations

6. Skills in developing SMART recommendations

7. Improved academic writing and analytical skills

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