Human–Computer Interaction in Healthcare: A Bibliometric Analysis with CiteSpace

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Studies on the application and exploration of human–computer interaction (HCI) technologies within the healthcare sector have rapidly expanded, showcasing the immense potential of HCI to enhance medical services, elevate patient experiences, and advance health management. Despite this proliferating interest, there is a notable shortage of comprehensive bibliometric analyses dedicated to the application of HCI in healthcare, which limits a thorough comprehension of the growth trends and future trajectories in this area. Methods: To bridge this gap, we employed bibliometric methods using the CiteSpace tool to systematically review and analyze the current state and trends of HCI research in healthcare. A meticulous topic search of Web of Science yielded 3598 papers published between 2004 and 2023. Results: Through literature analysis, the most productive researchers, institutes, and countries/territories and the collaboration networks among authors and countries within the field were analyzed. Additionally, by conducting a co-citation analysis, journals and literature with high citation rates and influence within the academic community in this field were revealed. Through a cluster analysis based on literature co-citations and keyword burst analyses, we further explored the main research themes and hot topics within the fields of healthcare and HCI. Conclusions: In summary, through a comprehensive and systematic bibliometric analysis, this study provides a solid knowledge foundation for HCI in the healthcare research community, thereby fostering the development of innovative research and the optimization of practical applications in the field.