Research-Oriented Hospitals in China: A Bibliometric and Visualization Analysis Based CiteSpace

Research-oriented hospitals represent the primary direction for the future development of large-scale, high-level hospitals in China. Research-oriented hospitals, increasingly highlighted in domestic policies, lacks a comprehensive analysis of existing research outcomes. Bibliometric evaluates scientific research endeavors and trends in disciplines by statistically analyzing literature data. Citespace is a widely used bibliometric software that helps researchers visualize research hotspots and trends in a specific field by measuring and modeling literature data from that area. This study employs CiteSpace software to conduct a bibliometric analysis and visualization analysis of the literature in the field of research-oriented hospitals, spanning publications from 2003 to 2023 and sourced from databases including the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and Weipu (VIP). Findings indicate rapid publication growth from 2010 to 2016, followed by fluctuations characterized by alternating declines and increases. In terms of the distribution of authors and institutions, the study observes a relatively modest level of collaboration among highly productive researchers and research institutions, suggesting room for enhanced interdisciplinary and institutional partnerships. Moreover, research hotspots in the field of research-oriented hospitals can be categorized into hospital development strategy, hospital management, and technological innovation. Considering the limitations of current research and the evolution of social needs, this study suggests that future research should focus more on clarifying the essence of research-oriented hospitals, developing targeted development strategies, and addressing the numerous obstacles faced during the hospital innovation process. In conclusion, this bibliometric analysis provides a snapshot of the current research status and trend. The insights gained from this research not only aim to inform future studies but also to inspire relevant stakeholders such as policy makers, hospital managers, and scholars to strengthen practical actions, enhance the construction and operation of research-oriented hospitals, thereby improving healthcare outcomes for populations.