Development of Sustainable Integrative Healthcare Services

Abstract

Objectives: The objectives of the current study are to (1) outline the evolution and progress of SIHS research, (2) sketch out the main issues and themes related to SIHS publications, and (3) propose a research agenda.

Methods: The current research employed a comprehensive bibliometric overview. Annual scientific outputs, most prolific researchers, countries and institutions, and most referenced publications were used as evaluative measurements (the level of analysis). Regarding the relational approach, some indicators were used to outline and map the knowledge structures of SIHS. These include citations and co-citations analysis, co-word analysis, co-occurrence, and co-authorship.

Results: The results of the evaluative technique revealed that the number of publications in the selected journals has increased significantly over time. Various well-known institutions and countries made significant contributions to the publications of SIHS.

Conclusions and Innovation: The findings of this study produce crucial theoretical and practical contributions to the healthcare context. The results present a broader understanding of the evolution of SIHS research. This study also provides solid insights associated with the major themes of SIHS research and a research agenda for concerned bodies concerning SIHS development.

Note:

Funding Information: This study received financing from national funding through the FCT – the Foundation for Science and Technology under the auspices of project UID/GES/04630/2020.

Declaration of Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Keywords: Healthcare, sustainable integrative healthcare services, bibliometric overview, research agenda