Knowledge synthesis research: a bibliometric analysis

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this article is to describe the volume and attributes of original research available in PubMed on emerging knowledge synthesis methods (excluding traditional systematic reviews) published by researchers.

Study design and setting: Bibliometric analysis.

Results: Six-hundred eight studies related to the topic of knowledge synthesis methods were analyzed. Although there has been a steady increase in publications on knowledge synthesis methods since 2003, studies are dispersed among a large number of journals. Similarly, a large number of authors are publishing on these methods but in limited numbers for any individual. Relevant Medical Subject Headings that were applied most often to these studies included qualitative research, research design, meta-analysis as topic, and review literature as topic.

Conclusion: There is no prevailing journal or author that is a leader in reporting on knowledge synthesis methods. Relevant Medical Subject Headings were either not applied to most records or not available for the synthesis method being examined. This may lend itself to inconsistencies and variations in methods making it challenging for researchers and research users to locate and appraise these articles.

Keywords: Bibliometrics; Medical subject headings; Review literature as topic.