Bibliometric and science mapping analysis of occupational therapy research in Greece (1977–2025)

Abstract

Occupational therapy research in Greece has developed gradually, yet its scientific output, impact, collaboration patterns, and thematic orientation have not previously been examined systematically. This study aimed to provide the first comprehensive bibliometric analysis and science mapping of occupational therapy research produced by academic staff affiliated with Greek higher education institutions. A bibliometric and science-mapping analysis was conducted, with the identification and selection of publications reported in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 framework. PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched for peer-reviewed publications produced between 1977 and 2025 by academic staff affiliated with the three Greek university departments offering undergraduate occupational therapy programmes. Study selection was managed through Covidence, while publication trends, journal rankings, citation performance, keyword co-occurrence, thematic clusters, and co-authorship networks were examined. VOSviewer was used for science mapping and network visualization. Of the 429 records identified, 55 peer-reviewed articles met the eligibility criteria. Research output remained limited until 2021 but increased considerably thereafter, rising from five publications in 2022 to sixteen in 2025. Nearly half of the articles were published in non-indexed journals, while relatively few appeared in Q1 and Q2 journals. Citation impact was concentrated in a limited number of highly cited publications. Keyword analysis revealed nine thematic clusters covering cognitive functioning, mental health, neurodevelopment, rehabilitation, ageing, and emerging technologies. Co-authorship mapping indicated a centralized and fragmented collaboration structure. This study establishes the first bibliometric baseline for occupational therapy research associated with Greek higher education institutions. By identifying patterns of productivity, visibility, thematic development, and scientific collaboration, the findings provide evidence that may support institutional research planning, stronger interinstitutional collaboration, advanced research training, and the strategic development of occupational therapy research in Greece.