An integrative review was conducted
which enabled the inclusion of a diverse range of study designs
The review process involved a search of the current literature
evaluation and categorisation of the data
and analysis of the groups
A scoping search was conducted in the Medline Database to determine MESH terms appropriate to the research question
A search was conducted of the Cochrane
Medline, EMBASE and CINAHL databases in March 2014 using search terms including
thoracic injuries”, “rib fractures”, “mortality”, “pneumonia
outcome assessment” and “length of stay”
includes a full list of search terms and the databases searched
The initial search was performed without language restrictions or limitations to research design
The initial search was limited to studies of humans, adults and from 1990 onwards