Global research trends and knowledge structure of meta-analyses on pediatric pain: A bibliometric analysis
Journal of Pediatric Nursing, cilt.90, ss.510-523, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Derleme
- Cilt numarası: 90
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.pedn.2026.07.003
- Dergi Adı: Journal of Pediatric Nursing
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.510-523
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Bibliometric analysis, Evidence-based practice, Meta-analysis, Pain management, Pediatric nursing, Pediatric pain
- Akdeniz Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background Pediatric pain is a common and complex clinical concern affecting children and adolescents, with important implications for recovery, psychological well-being, and healthcare experiences. Although systematic reviews and meta-analyses on pediatric pain have increased in recent years, the overall development and knowledge structure of this evidence-synthesis-literature remain unclear. Purpose This study aimed to examine global research trends, collaboration patterns, and the thematic structure of meta-analyses on pediatric pain using bibliometric methods. Methods A bibliometric analysis was conducted using publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection. Meta-analyses on pediatric pain published between 1995 and 2026 were identified using predefined search strategies. Publication trends, core journals, author productivity, international collaboration networks, and keyword structures were analyzed using the Bibliometrix package in R and the Biblioshiny interface. Results A total of 1720 publications from 666 sources were included. Scientific production increased markedly after 2010, indicating growing emphasis on evidence synthesis in pediatric pain research. Publications were concentrated in a limited number of core journals, and authorship patterns reflected extensive international collaboration. Thematic analyses revealed a shift from intervention efficacy toward patient-centered outcomes, quality of life, and non-pharmacological approaches. Conclusion Meta-analyses on pediatric pain have expanded rapidly and reflect an increasingly interdisciplinary, globally collaborative, and patient-centered research landscape. Implications for practice Understanding the development of pediatric pain evidence synthesis may support pediatric nurses in strengthening evidence-informed pain assessment and management practices. The increasing emphasis on patient-centered outcomes highlights the importance of integrating functional, psychosocial, and quality-of-life considerations into routine pediatric pain care.