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Comparing Bibliometric Analysis Using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science Databases
Published on: October 24, 2019
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Which medical subspecialties use qualitative research? A bibliometric analysis
Matthew Gittus1, Anthea Sutton2, Lukasz Lagojda3
1The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, England, UK mjgittus1@sheffield.ac.uk.
BMJ Open
|January 12, 2026
Summary
Qualitative research in medical subspecialties is increasing but remains under-represented. While reporting standards are generally met, researchers need to improve transparency by detailing positionality and reflexivity.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Healthcare Studies
- Clinical Practice
Background:
- Qualitative research explores complex healthcare experiences and contexts.
- It complements quantitative methods by providing in-depth insights.
- Understanding its use in medical subspecialties is crucial for comprehensive research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the volume and trends of qualitative research in hospital-based medical subspecialties from 2000-2024.
- To assess the adherence to reporting standards in this research.
- To identify variations in qualitative research adoption across different subspecialties.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal bibliometric review was conducted.
- Searched Ovid Medline, Embase, and Emcare databases for qualitative studies (2000-2024).
- Analyzed publication volume, trends, and adherence to reporting standards in 12 medical subspecialties.
Main Results:
- Over 715,000 qualitative studies were published, representing 1.36% of all research.
- Neurology and oncology led in absolute numbers; infectious diseases had the highest proportion.
- Annual proportion of qualitative research increased from 0.64% to 1.95%, but subspecialty positions remained stable.
- Reporting standards adherence was good, though positionality and reflexivity were under-reported.
Conclusions:
- Qualitative research is growing in medical subspecialties but is still under-represented.
- Significant variation exists in its adoption across different subspecialties.
- Enhanced reporting of positionality and reflexivity is necessary to improve research transparency and rigor.
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