5.2.6.2 Assessment of quality: Narrative evidence

Narrative refers to first-hand accounts (or, in some cases, third person accounts by legitimate stakeholders or advocates) of experience, perspective or views of patients, health professionals or other stakeholders. Thus, the validity of the evidence retrieved in this context relates to the authenticity of the source of the data, the relationship of the account to a particular/specific context, the adequate representation of those involved in the event and the degree of narrativity embodied in the narrative.  When critically appraising evidence from narrative it is important to be able to distinguish between narrative and story. Criteria to assess these elements are incorporated into the Textual Evidence module of SUMARI and consist of a series of questions to be addressed for each type of evidence retrieved.