What is the purpose of a narrative review?

The purpose of a narrative review is primarily to gather information from various sources and present a summary of the existing literature on a specific topic. Unlike systematic reviews, which follow a structured methodology to systematically identify, assess, and synthesize research studies, narrative reviews take a more descriptive and subjective approach. They draw on a broad range of studies and expert opinions to give an overview of a particular area of research.

In a narrative review, the author often synthesizes different viewpoints and findings to provide context, identify gaps in the literature, or highlight trends. This makes narrative reviews particularly useful for framing research questions and establishing a foundation of knowledge in a field, being less rigid regarding methodology. By compiling and discussing diverse sources, a narrative review contributes to the understanding of complex issues by presenting a holistic view rather than an exhaustive, critical evaluation of all available studies.