What is a Narrative Literature Review?

A narrative literature review provides a comprehensive overview of the literature on a specific topic. They are descriptive and often used to summarize, interpret, and critically evaluate the current state of knowledge in a particular field.

Narrative literature reviews play a crucial role in the research process. They allow researchers to describe what is known on a particular topic through an examination and critique of the existing literature. Unlike other reviews, narrative reviews offer flexibility and depth. A narrative literature review, also known as a traditional literature review, is a comprehensive and critical assessment of the literature on a particular topic. It is often used to summarize and synthesize existing research, identify gaps, and provide context for new research. Unlike other reviews adhering to strict methodologies to answer specific research questions, narrative reviews embrace a broader scope, allowing for a more interpretive and holistic analysis.

The flexibility of narrative literature reviews is particularly advantageous for exploring complex or under-researched areas, integrating diverse perspectives, and identifying research gaps that may not be apparent through more rigid review types. It enables researchers to draw nuanced conclusions and generate new insights. A narrative systematic review focuses on providing a detailed, qualitative synthesis of research findings on a specific topic. It begins with a clearly defined research question and employs a structured and thorough search strategy to identify all relevant studies. The review follows explicit criteria for including and excluding studies which leads to a comprehensive and methodical approach.

When to conduct a narrative review?

Narrative reviews are used for exploring emerging areas of research or generating new ways of thinking about well-established topics. Narrative reviews can highlight new interpretations and identify gaps that may not be apparent in other review methods. They are usually used across various research contexts. For example, in healthcare, researchers might conduct a narrative literature review to complement a systematic review. It can offer a comprehensive background on a topic that may involve a detailed discussion of studies not included in the systematic review due to specific inclusion criteria.

These reviews contribute to scholarly knowledge by addressing broad themes and identifying gaps that narrower, more systematic approaches might miss. By summarizing and critiquing the literature, narrative reviews provide a contextual foundation that can inform and guide more systematic research efforts. This approach ensures that subsequent studies are well-grounded in the current understanding of the topic.