1
What is a narrative review?
A narrative review summarises and synthesises published literature on a topic. You select and interpret papers using your judgement to build a coherent argument. It is written like an academic essay, grounded in evidence.
Best for early year studentsYear 1 and 2 students without clinical access can complete and publish a narrative review entirely independently.
Is it less valuable than a systematic review?⌄
Not necessarily. Narrative reviews serve a different purpose. They explore broad topics and provide accessible overviews. Many high-impact journals publish narrative reviews regularly.
Do I need a supervisor?⌄
Not strictly. Many students complete them independently. Having a co-author adds credibility but is not required to start.
2
Step by step guide
1
Choose a focused topic
Avoid topics that are too broad. A specific clinical question gives your review focus and makes it more publishable.
2
Search the literature
Search PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane. Document your search terms. Aim for at least 30 to 50 relevant papers.
3
Organise papers by theme
Use Zotero or Mendeley (free) to manage references. Group papers into themes that become your sections.
4
Write section by section
Use PEEL structure for each paragraph: Point, Evidence, Explain, Link. Synthesise papers, never just describe them.
5
Write introduction and conclusion
Introduction: background, gap, aim. Conclusion: summary, limitations, implications.
6
Select a journal and submit
Look for journals accepting narrative reviews in your specialty. Check word limits and formatting carefully.
🎬
Video walkthrough coming soon
A complete video guide for visual and auditory learners.
Coming soon3
Checklist
Click each item to mark complete.
Topic specific enough to cover properly
Search strategy documented
At least 30 papers identified and read
Papers organised by theme not date
Each paragraph uses PEEL structure
Evidence synthesised not just described
Clear aim statement in introduction
Limitations section included
References formatted consistently
Target journal identified
Test your understanding
5 questions on the key concepts.
1. What is the main difference between narrative and systematic reviews?
2. Which year can begin a narrative review?
3. What does PEEL stand for?
4. What is the minimum papers to aim for?
5. What is wrong with describing papers one by one?