Mapping Research Trends on the Implications of Telemedicine for Healthcare Professionals: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The digital transformation in healthcare is reshaping care delivery by enhancing patient care and flexibility. However, it also poses potential challenges to healthcare professionals' wellbeing and work practices. To date, research on the implications of telemedicine for healthcare professionals remains limited and inconclusive. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of this research field using a quantitative, bibliometric approach. Methods: Articles were systematically selected from Web of Science and Scopus databases, focusing on empirical, peer-reviewed articles written in English, involving healthcare professionals and focusing on telemedicine. Results: The dataset consists of 160 papers. The analysis reveals a significant increase in publications starting from 2012, with a notable surge in 2020, reflecting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The University of New Mexico and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, both in the United States, were identified as the institutions with the highest number of published articles. Most studies were published in clinical-focused journals (e.g., Journal of Medical Internet Research and BMC Health Services Research), emphasizing the field's dominant orientation. The intellectual structure reveals that wellbeing, work practices, and communications between patients and professionals are central themes. Conclusions: This bibliometric analysis provides scholars with a clearer understanding of the intellectual structure of research on the implications of telemedicine for healthcare professionals, addressing key gaps left by previous reviews. While telemedicine offers numerous advantages, such as enhanced access to care and greater flexibility, it also raises challenges related to healthcare professionals' wellbeing, work practices, and communication with patients. Both contextual factors (e.g., digital skills training) and individual characteristics (e.g., attitudes toward telemedicine) play a significant role in shaping healthcare professionals' experiences with telemedicine. By identifying influential contributors and thematic patterns, this study offers a foundation for future research and informs the development of targeted interventions to sustain healthcare professionals in digitally mediated care environments.