Employing bibliometrics and natural language processing (NLP) to analyse real-world applications of adverse drug reaction

Abstract

Introduction

Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) pose significant health and economic burdens, yet underreporting and inconsistent standards persist. Digital health innovations, particularly mobile and web-based ADR reporting applications, offer potential to enhance pharmacovigilance by improving data accuracy and patient-reported outcomes.

Objectives

The study provides a comprehensive mapping of ADR mobile and web application literature, analysing publication trends, key contributors, and core themes through bibliometric and NLP-based content analysis.

Methods

A systematic two-stage approach was applied to 289 Web of Science articles on ADR reporting applications. Bibliometric analysis explored publication trends, co-authorship networks, and keyword occurrences, while NLP-based topic modelling identified prevalent themes, ensuring thematic coherence and interpretability.

Results

Bibliometric analysis showed a rise in ADR application-related publications, primarily from the United Kingdom, United States of America, and Switzerland. Content analysis identified ten key themes, including pharmacovigilance, chemotherapy adherence, and psychiatry research. A distinct focus on digital tools in ADR reporting and management was evident, with keywords such as “mobile,” “application,” and “patient” becoming increasingly prominent in recent years. Co-authorship and collaboration networks, however, showed limited cross-national research partnerships.

Discussion

The study highlights the transformative role of digital solutions in pharmacovigilance, demonstrating the potential of ADR applications to enhance reporting accuracy and improve patient safety. However, adoption remains early-stage and fragmented by regional affiliations. Future research should focus on patient-centric app development, effectiveness assessment, and fostering global collaboration. Strengthening digital literacy and robust investment in ADR reporting applications is crucial for optimizing their impact in healthcare.