Abstract

The literature review is a central and foundational step in the development of scientific research, particularly in the health sciences, where the complexity of the phenomena studied demands methodological rigor, continuous updating, and critical grounding. This article aims to discuss the importance of the literature review for the consolidation of scientific knowledge, the strengthening of evidence-based practice, and the formulation of public health policies. The analysis is based on a theoretical framework that recognizes the review as an instrument for organizing knowledge, identifying gaps, and guiding methodological decisions. The main types of literature reviews are presented—narrative, integrative, systematic, scoping, rapid, and overview—highlighting their characteristics, objectives, and practical applications. The diversity of these approaches reveals the increasing sophistication of documentary analysis in health research, with each type recommended according to the research question, the volume of available evidence, and operational resources. In particular, systematic reviews and meta-analyses are emphasized as methodological gold standards, widely adopted in the development of guidelines by institutions such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Brazilian National Committee for Health Technology Incorporation (CONITEC), and national and international scientific societies. The literature review is also fundamental to the strengthening of evidence-based practice, as it provides critical and updated syntheses that support clinical decisions, therapeutic guidelines, and health policy implementation. Additionally, it significantly contributes to scientific innovation by avoiding redundant efforts and by directing new investigations based on the synthesis of knowledge gaps identified in the literature. However, conducting literature reviews poses significant challenges. Among the main obstacles are limited access to specialized databases, publication bias, difficulties in evaluating the methodological quality of primary studies, and the need for researchers’ technical training. Poorly conducted reviews can lead to misinterpretations, confirmation bias, and weak conclusions, thereby compromising the scientific validity and practical applicability of the findings. Thus, the importance of adhering to established guidelines, such as PRISMA, the Cochrane Handbook, and the tools developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), is emphasized, as well as the careful use of search strategies and critical appraisal methods. Moreover, the growing incorporation of digital technologies and artificial intelligence tools is highlighted as a way to assist in screening, data extraction, and synthesis, thereby optimizing time and enhancing the accuracy of reviews. In conclusion, when conducted with methodological rigor and analytical clarity, the literature review represents an indispensable scientific practice for the production of reliable knowledge, the improvement of healthcare delivery, and the formulation of informed, ethical, and socially responsible health decisions.

Keywords

• literature review
• health sciences
• evidence-based practice

License

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