Healthcare researchers often turn to literature reviews to gather and interpret existing evidence on various topics. Depending on your project’s objectives and limitations, various reviews may be best suited. Whether it’s a narrative review that tells a story, a systematic review that examines every study thoroughly, or a rapid review that delivers swift insights, choosing the appropriate review type can significantly influence your project’s success!
Literature Reviews
In healthcare, literature reviews act like a guiding compass; they assist researchers, clinicians, and policymakers in finding their way in a sea of studies. Rather than getting overwhelmed by hundreds of papers, a well-crafted review brings together what we already know, shines a light on gaps in the evidence, and points out where we should venture next1.
To help make healthcare decisions that are truly grounded in the best available evidence, it’s essential to follow a clear and systematic approach. This helps reduce errors and biases, and fosters trust in the process. While the term “systematic” has sometimes led people to believe that only systematic reviews hold validity, it’s good to remember that various other types of literature reviews also apply rigorous methods to gather and synthesize all relevant evidence2. I’ve noticed that some studies strive to fit into the systematic review mold when, in fact, another type of review might serve their purpose much better.
In their research, Sutton et al. recognized 48 distinct types of literature reviews relevant to healthcare1. Instead of covering all 48 types, others have already done an excellent job of that, I will concentrate on five of the most frequently utilized: narrative reviews, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, scoping reviews, and rapid reviews. Moreover, I will direct you to valuable resources to help you determine the most suitable review type for your requirements.
Choosing the Right Literature Review
First, why does it matter what type of review you choose?
Think of it this way: If you want to map the entire forest, you wouldn’t just take a quick stroll down one trail. And if you need an urgent weather report, you won’t wait for a full documentary.
Choosing the right kind of review helps you:
- Answer the right questions
- Avoid wasted time and effort
- Deliver credible, useful results
Things to Consider When Choosing a Review Type
- Your research question: Is it broad and exploratory, or narrow and specific? Most reviews are best suited for particular topics. Consider a scoping review for broad or exploratory questions.
- Time considerations: Do you require immediate results, or can you dedicate months to a comprehensive review? Conducting a literature review can span several months. Although rapid reviews may seem like alluring shortcuts, the diminished rigor often leads to outcomes with restricted value and influence.
- Resources and team capacity: Are you able to connect with librarians, statisticians, or review software? You must have at least 3 team members on board for most reviews. Remember, narrative reviews are the only type of review suitable for just 1 or 2 authors.
Quick Comparison: Types of Literature Reviews at a Glance
| Review Type | Purpose | Methods | Timeframe2 | Advantages | Limitations |
| Narrative Review | Tell the story of what’s known on a topic | Flexible search, expert synthesis, no strict protocol | 1-6 months | Broad, interpretive overview; good for early-stage topics | Risk of bias; not reproducible or comprehensive |
| Systematic Review | Answer a precise, focused question | Comprehensive, reproducible, follows a detailed protocol | 12-24 months | Highly reliable; minimizes bias | Time- and labor-intensive; narrow focus |
| Meta-Analysis | Pool results across studies for a precise answer | Statistical combination of systematic review data | 12-24 months | Increased statistical power; clear, quantitative conclusions | Needs similar studies; risk of misleading results if poorly done |
| Scoping Review | Map the research landscape on a broad or emerging topic | Broad search, often without formal quality appraisal | 2-6 months | Identifies gaps and research trends; good for new or complex areas | No assessment of study quality; results are descriptive only |
| Rapid Review | Deliver quick evidence summaries for fast decisions | Streamlined version of systematic review | Weeks to a few months | Faster results; still methodologically structured | Higher risk of missing studies; results are less robust |
Explore All Types of Literature Reviews
Evidence synthesis is a developing field. If none of the literature reviews explored here seem like a good fit for your project, you might consider one of the other 48 types identified by Sutton et al.
- Meeting the Review Family: Exploring Review Types and Associated Information Retrieval Requirements: The article categorizes 48 health-related review types into seven families, providing concise definitions and outlining essential information retrieval requirements
- EVIDENT Guidance for Reviewing the Evidence: A Compendium of Methodological Literature and Websites: This free e-book provides a comprehensive guide to selecting the most appropriate review methodology based on the research question, available evidence, intended use, and resource constraints.
Handy Tools to Guide Your Review Choice
Exploring the many literature review methods can feel daunting, especially when starting with evidence synthesis. Luckily, these two easy-to-use online tools are here to help!
- Right Review is an open-access decision support tool that poses a few simple questions, such as whether your focus is quantitative or qualitative, and then recommends the most suitable review type from among 41 options.
- Cornell’s Review Methodology Decision Tree is a clear flowchart of yes/no questions that helps you match your research question and resources to the right review format.
Together, these resources make it easier to zero in on the best approach for your healthcare research project.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the appropriate type of literature review in healthcare isn’t merely a methodological decision; it’s a strategic action! This choice influences the transparency, reliability, and significance of your results. Whether you are venturing into new domains or seeking specific answers, choosing the right review can significantly enhance the visibility of your research. Decide thoughtfully, and allow your evidence to create a powerful impact.
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References
1. Sutton A, Clowes M, Preston L, Booth A. Meeting the review family: exploring review types and associated information retrieval requirements. Health Inf Libr J. 2019 Sep 1;36(3):202–22.
2. Booth A. EVIDENT Guidance for Reviewing the Evidence: a compendium of methodological literature and websites. 2016.
