[Medical education as a research field in Norway – a bibliometric study]

Medical education is a growing international field of research. However, no overview exists of Norwegian researchers' contribution to the field. This study aimed to identify and describe medical education research originating from Norwegian research institutions.

We performed targeted searches in Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest Education and Cristin, and identified published research within the field from Norwegian institutions. Using bibliometric analyses, we mapped patterns in research output over time, research communities that have published their work, and which publication channels were used. We also categorized the research articles according to methodology, empirical origin, educational level and topic.

We found 423 published research articles linked to Norwegian research institutions and an increase in the number of publications in the last decade. The studies were published in 141 different scientific journals. Of these, the Journal of the Norwegian Medical Association had 94 articles (22 %). A total of 122 (29 %) articles were published in key medical education journals. Altogether 249 (59 %) of the studies were quantitative and 262 (62 %) were based on empirical data from Norway. A little more than half, 237 (56 %), focused on undergraduate medical education. Researchers affiliated to the University of Oslo were involved in 173 (43 %) articles. The most frequently researched topics were curricula, teaching and learning technology, retention and career choices.

Research activity within the field of medical education is increasing in Norway, but few Norwegian researchers publish in the specialised medical education journals.