Global trends in radiography research: A bibliometric study of three key journals

Previous bibliometric studies of radiography journals have been limited in scope, covering selective time periods such as 1997–2011, 2013–2022, or 2004–2011, and analyzing relatively small datasets ranging from 706 to 1,830 articles with a few limitations. The present study examined 3,875 papers published in Radiography, Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, and Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences since their inclusion in the Scopus database.

Quantitative bibliometric indicators, including publication counts, citation performance, and mean citations per article/year, were computed using the Bibliometrix package in R Studio. Co-authorship and institutional collaboration networks were visualized using VOSviewer. Keyword co-occurrence analysis was also conducted to identify dominant research areas and trace their evolution over time.

Findings revealed a substantial rise in research output, increasing from 15 publications in 1995 to 456 in 2024. Citation impact peaked in 2017, with a gradual decline in subsequent years. The most prolific authors included Hogg P., Bolderston A., and Reed W., while the University of Salford, University of Toronto, and University of Sydney emerged as the leading institutions across the three journals. The United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia were dominant contributors, with a notable rise in participation from African and Asian countries. Funding was primarily supported by national health agencies, cancer-focused organizations, and academic institutions.

Keyword analysis revealed nine major thematic clusters, including diagnostic imaging technologies, oncology, clinical practice, education, patient-centered care, and public health. Importantly, eight highly cited papers (≥100 citations) were identified, many of which contributed significantly to the professionalization of radiography, expanded the role of radiographers in diagnostic reporting, and integrated emerging technologies such as AI and digital imaging—marking key milestones in the field’s development.

In summary, this study presents the large-scale, journal-inclusive bibliometric profile of radiography research. It offers new insights into global contributions, and collaboration patterns, thus serving as a valuable foundation for shaping future research strategies.