Application of Nvivo software in qualitative nursing research: a bibliometric analysis

Abstract

Objective To explore the application status of Nvivo software in qualitative nursing research and compare the difference between overseas and domestic publications. Methods Six databases were searched and finally 159 qualitative nursing articles were analyzed, the information such as year, region, institution, literature source, impact factor, fund support, theme, theory attachment, analytical approach, data collection approach, function utility were used to included. From inception to January 31, 2016. Results It was found that up to 21%(21/100)publications were from Australia, and up to 18.64%(11/59)publications were from Shanghai in the past 15 years. Responsible institutions were mainly college and hospital. 54.24% of these domestic papers had no fund support, and 78 % of these overseas papers had no fund support. Themes of overseas papers were more various than those of domestic. The utility of Nvivo software overseas proved to be more systematic and deeper. Conclusions The quantity and quality of relevant publications increase dramatically in China in recent years, nevertheless, wider and deeper usage of Nvivo function should be explored deeply. Qualitative nursing researchers should take advantage of benefits of Nvivo, build a holistic view and generalize its comprehensive application. Key words: Nursing; Qualitative research; Bibliometrics; Nvivo