A narrative literature review (sometimes called a traditional or descriptive literature review) is a qualitative summary of existing research on a topic. It synthesizes what is known, identifies gaps, and often provides theoretical or contextual understanding — without using the highly structured, reproducible methods of systematic or scoping reviews.
Here’s a detailed overview of what it is and how it differs from other review types:
A narrative literature review is a comprehensive, interpretive, and critical summary of the published literature on a particular topic.
It relies on the author’s synthesis and interpretation of the literature, rather than following a pre-defined, protocol-based process.
To summarize the current state of knowledge on a topic.
To identify trends, themes, or controversies in the literature.
To provide background or theoretical context for research projects.
To highlight gaps or areas needing further investigation.
Narrative reviews are especially common in:
Early stages of research (e.g., before designing a new study).
Conceptual or theoretical discussions.
Policy or educational overviews.
While less rigid than systematic methods, a sound narrative review still involves transparent and critical scholarship.
Typical steps include:
Defining the topic or question
Often broad or exploratory rather than narrowly focused (e.g., “What is known about burnout among medical students?”).
Selecting sources
Databases (e.g., PubMed, ERIC, PsycINFO) plus gray literature as appropriate.
Search process may not be exhaustively documented.
Reading and evaluating studies
Focus on identifying major findings, theories, and methodological strengths/weaknesses.
Synthesizing the information
Group literature into themes, trends, and debates.
Discuss relationships, contradictions, and evolution of thought.
Writing the review
Structured around themes or chronology, rather than formal inclusion criteria or appraisal checklists.
| Feature | Narrative Review | Systematic Review |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Summarize and interpret existing knowledge | Answer a specific research question |
| Search Methods | Flexible, not necessarily comprehensive | Comprehensive, predefined, reproducible |
| Selection Criteria | Often implicit | Explicit and documented |
| Quality Appraisal | Optional or informal | Required and standardized |
| Analysis | Qualitative synthesis | Structured synthesis; may include meta-analysis |
| Outcome | Thematic or conceptual understanding | Evidence-based conclusions or recommendations |
Provides a broad overview and context for a topic.
Useful for conceptual development and theory building.
Allows interpretive insight and expert commentary.
Can be completed more quickly than systematic approaches.
Lack of transparency — search and selection may not be reproducible.
Potential bias — author’s perspective may shape interpretation.
Limited rigor — may omit relevant studies unintentionally.
Not suitable for clinical decision-making or evidence grading.
A medical educator writing about approaches to simulation-based learning.
A public health researcher reviewing social determinants of vaccine hesitancy.
An osteopathic scholar exploring integration of osteopathic principles in holistic care.
Green, B. N., Johnson, C. D., & Adams, A. (2006). Writing narrative literature reviews for peer-reviewed journals: secrets of the trade. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 5(3), 101–117.
Cronin, P., Ryan, F., & Coughlan, M. (2008). Undertaking a literature review: A step-by-step approach. British Journal of Nursing, 17(1), 38–43.
Torraco, R. J. (2005). Writing integrative literature reviews: Guidelines and examples. Human Resource Development Review, 4(3), 356–367.
Links about writing narrative reviews:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9380643/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9380636/
https://familymedicine.med.wayne.edu/mph/project/green_2006_narrative_literature_reviews.pdf
https://www3.mdanderson.org/library/education/pdf/writing-an-effective-narrative-review.pdf
Example from NEJM https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMms2402322