Meta approaches in knowledge synthesis in nursing: A bibliometric analysis

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research
• Bibliometrics
• Research Methodology

Background:

• Meta-approaches are increasingly utilized in nursing research to synthesize evidence.
• Understanding bibliometric patterns is crucial for assessing research trends and impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the bibliometric patterns of meta-approaches in nursing research literature.
• To identify trends in the application of various meta-analytic techniques.

Main Methods:

• Bibliometric analysis using descriptive, exploratory, and historical approaches.
• Data sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection.

Main Results:

• 2065 publications were identified, indicating substantial literature production.
• Meta-analysis shows exponential growth, meta-synthesis linear growth, and meta-ethnography stable trends.
• United States, United Kingdom, and China are the most productive countries.
• Key journals include Journal of Advanced Nursing, International Journal of Nursing Studies, and Journal of Clinical Nursing.
• Thirty-four distinct meta-approaches were identified.

Conclusions:

• A positive trend and considerable growth in the use of meta-approaches in nursing research are evident.
• Literature production exhibits regional concentration, with specific countries leading.
• The findings underscore the expanding role of advanced synthesis methods in evidence-based nursing.