Analyzing the Evolution of Medical Ethics Education: A Bibliometric Analysis of the Top 100 Cited Articles.

Abstract

Ethics education plays a pivotal role in healthcare by providing professionals and students with the essential competencies to navigate intricate ethical challenges. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the most-cited articles on ethics education, investigating parameters such as citation count, document types, geographical origin, journal analysis, publication year, author analysis, and keyword usage. The findings reveal a substantial impact characterized by high citation counts and the influence of a prominent publication focusing on the hidden curriculum and structure of medical education. Moreover, the analysis demonstrates a discernible increase in research output since 2000, signaling a growing recognition of the significance of ethics education in the healthcare domain. Notably, specific journals, particularly those dedicated to medical education and ethics, emerge as major contributors in this field, publishing many articles. Renowned authors have made noteworthy contributions, and emerging themes encompass the ethical implications of virtual reality and artificial intelligence in healthcare education. Additionally, undergraduate medical education garners significant attention, emphasizing the importance of establishing ethical values and professionalism early. Overall, this study highlights the imperative of interdisciplinary collaboration and the necessity for effective ethics education programs to equip healthcare professionals with the requisite skills to navigate complex ethical challenges. The findings inform educators, curriculum developers, and policymakers about enhancing ethics education and ensuring the ethical competence of future healthcare practitioners.