Bibliometric analysis of e-health research trends in southeast asia

Abstract

This study investigates the scope, evolution, and key trends of eHealth research in Southeast Asia, addressing questions about its growth, geographical spread, influential contributors, intellectual framework, and emerging topics. Amid the rapid expansion of digital health innovations, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, Southeast Asian nations have increasingly adopted eHealth technologies to address healthcare challenges. This research, the first comprehensive bibliometric review of eHealth in the region, analyzes 1405 Scopus-indexed documents from 1976 to 2021 to map the knowledge base. Using descriptive, citation, co-citation, and keyword co-occurrence analyses, the study reveals a significant surge in eHealth literature since 2018, driven by advancements in digital infrastructure and the pandemic’s impact. Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand emerge as leading research hubs, reflecting their advanced digital economies. The intellectual structure of the field is categorized into four key areas: hospital information systems, user acceptance of technology, healthcare and disease management technologies, and mobile health (mHealth). Recent research trends highlight mobile applications, social networks, and chronic disease management, spurred by the COVID-19 crisis. The study emphasizes the need for sustainable eHealth strategies, addressing technology adoption, data security, and ethical concerns. By providing a detailed overview of influential authors, documents, and topical trends, this review serves as a critical resource for scholars and guides future research in Southeast Asia’s evolving eHealth landscape, underscoring the importance of holistic and ethically sound digital health systems.