Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Nov 5, 2020
Date Accepted: Jan 16, 2021
Virtual and augmented reality applications in medicine: analysis of the scientific literature
ABSTRACT
Background:
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are becoming popular research themes in recent years. However, so far there are no published bibliometric reports that have analyzed the corresponding scientific literature in relation to the application of these technologies in medicine.
Objective:
We used bibliometric approach to identify and analyze the scientific literature on VR and AR research in medicine, revealing the popular research topics, key authors, scientific institutions, countries, and journals. We further aimed to capture and describe the themes and medical conditions most commonly investigated by VR and AR research.
Methods:
The Web of Science electronic database was searched to identify relevant papers on VR research in medicine. Basic publication and citation data were acquired by the Analyze and Create Citation Report functions of the database. Complete bibliographic data were exported to VOSviewer and Bibliometrix, dedicated bibliometric software packages, for further analyses. Visualization maps were generated to illustrate the recurring keywords and words mentioned in the titles, abstracts .
Results:
The analysis was based on data from 8,399 papers. Major research themes were diagnostic and surgical procedures, as well as rehabilitation. Commonly studied medical conditions were pain, stroke, anxiety, depression, fear, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. Overall, contributions to the literature were globally distributed with heaviest contributions from the United States and United Kingdom. Studies from more clinically related research areas such as surgery, psychology, neurosciences, and rehabilitation had higher averaged citations than computer sciences and engineering.
Conclusions:
The conducted bibliometric analysis unequivocally reveals the versatile emerging applications of VR and AR in medicine. With the further maturation of the technology and with improved accessibility, in countries where VR and AR research is strong, we expected it to bring marked impacts in the clinical practice and in the life of patients.
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