Global Trends, Collaboration Patterns, and Thematic Evolution of Telemedicine Research: A Bibliometric Analysis
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to systematically examine the global scientific landscape of telemedicine research by evaluating publication trends, influential journals and authors, international collaboration networks, and thematic developments over time. Methods: In this bibliometric study, 14,590 peer-reviewed articles indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection between 2015 and 2025 were analyzed. Data processing and quantitative analyses were performed using the bibliometrix R package, while network visualizations were generated using VOSviewer. Annual scientific output and core journals were identified using Bradford’s Law. Author productivity and citation impact, country-level collaboration networks, keyword co-occurrence patterns, thematic mapping, and sensitivity analyses comparing the pre-pandemic and post-pandemic periods were also evaluated. Results: Scientific production in the field of telemedicine increased markedly after 2020 and remained at a high level through 2025. Approximately one-third of all publications were concentrated in eight core journals, led by Telemedicine and e-Health and Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare. The United States was the leading contributor in terms of both research productivity and international collaboration, followed by Australia, England, Canada, and China. Keyword co-occurrence analysis identified major thematic clusters related to mental health, primary healthcare, chronic disease management, public health equity, and artificial intelligence. Thematic mapping positioned mobile health (m-health) as a motor theme, whereas COVID-19-related research was identified as a basic theme. Mental health occupied an intermediate position between motor and basic themes, while artificial intelligence and e-health were located within emerging or evolving thematic domains. Conclusion: Telemedicine research has evolved rapidly toward patient-centered and technologically enhanced healthcare models. These findings provide a comprehensive overview of the intellectual structure of the field and identify emerging priorities for future telemedicine research.