Evidence synthesis
Narrative review
A review that summarises literature without fully systematic search and selection methods.
What it means
Definition
Narrative review. Narrative reviews can be useful for explanation and context, but they are more vulnerable to selective emphasis than systematic reviews. They should not be treated as definitive proof of effect.
What it can tell you
It can help clarify what sort of evidence or claim is being discussed.
What it cannot tell you
It cannot, by itself, prove that the headline is accurate or clinically important.
Headline trap
Why this matters in headlines
A media article may overstate a narrative review as if it were a new clinical trial.