The Doctor-Patient relationship: A bibliometric analysis

Abstract

Objective Doctor-patient communication is an essential clinical practice necessary to improve overall patient experience and their adherence to treatment. This form of communication involves first, listening without interruptions and then, conveying information in a clear and concise manner. Methods A bibliometric analysis was conducted on publications extracted from the Web of Science database related to doctor-patient communication from 2012 to 2022 using the VOSviewer 1.6.15 software to visualize trends. Results 20,376 articles were from 2012 to 2022 met the inclusion criteria of being recognized by the search phrase “physician-patient communication.” Throughout the defined time period, USA, Canada, and Germany consistently took the top three positions in terms of publishing the most articles regarding the topic. Additionally, the Patient Education and Counseling Journal was the journal with the most publications regarding the topic. Innovation A bibliometric analysis is a relatively novel way to frame research in a given area. It allows researchers to analyze trends in publication, and capture data from multiple disciplines. Conclusion The number of articles published annually regarding doctor-patient communication has constantly been increasing from 2012-2022, demonstrating its importance as a crucial component of effective health care.