An Analysis of The Landscape of Research in the Field of Nursing Education

Abstract

This study provides valuable insights into current and future research in nursing education. Using the Scopus database, it analyzed 20,724 research documents published in English between 2016 and 2023. A bibliometric and thematic network analysis was conducted using Excel, VOSViewer, and SciMAT. The study examined research production, time trends, geographical distribution, impact, and collaboration while also analyzing thematic density, centrality, and evolution using strategic diagrams, evolution maps, and stability maps. Findings indicate that the United States leads nursing education research, with Western epistemologies shaping the knowledge structure. Cultural affinities significantly influence international collaboration. Notably, thematic consistency persisted between pre-pandemic (2016-2019) and pandemic (2020-2023) periods, with a surge in simulation-focused studies indicating shifting research priorities. This study contributes to the academic discourse by guiding future nursing education research and policymaking. The findings suggest the need for a balanced approach that integrates global trends with localized priorities to align with the Philippine Research Agenda.