Global Research Trends on Digital Applications for Reducing Family Anxiety in Operating Room Waiting Areas: A Bibliometric Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37287/ijghr.v8i5.2514Keywords:
bibliometric analysis, digital health, family anxiety, family-centered perioperative care, operating room waiting area, VOSviewerAbstract
Family members waiting during surgical procedures often experience anxiety due to uncertainty and limited access to information. The rapid development of digital health technologies provides opportunities to support family-centered perioperative care, yet the global research landscape on this topic remains unclear. This study aimed to map global research trends, identify major research themes, and explore research gaps related to digital applications for reducing family anxiety in operating room waiting areas. A bibliometric analysis was conducted using publications retrieved from PubMed, Crossref, and Google Scholar published between January and June 2026. A total of 752 records were identified, comprising PubMed (n = 199 results), Crossref (n = 412 results), and Google Scholar (n = 141results). After duplicate removal and screening according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, 8 publications were included in the final bibliometric analysis. The selected records were analyzed using VOSviewer version 1.6.20 to examine keyword co-occurrence, network visualization, overlay visualization, density visualization, as well as the most productive authors and contributing countries. The analysis identified four major research clusters, including perioperative and operating room management, mental health and family well-being, evidence-based interventions, and perception and qualitative experience. Overlay visualization revealed a shift in research trends from technical operating room management toward mental health and family-centered care. Density visualization showed that studies remain concentrated on perioperative services and patient care, whereas digital applications for family anxiety reduction are still limited. The most productive authors and contributing countries demonstrate strong multidisciplinary and international collaboration, although research specifically focusing on digital interventions for family anxiety remains scarce. Research on digital applications for reducing family anxiety in operating room waiting areas is still emerging. The integration of digital health, family-centered perioperative care, and psychological support represents an important research gap and offers significant opportunities for future innovation. Developing digital applications to provide education, communication, and emotional support for families may contribute to improving perioperative healthcare services.
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