From Errors to Excellence: Mapping a Decade of Patient Safety Research through Bibliometric Analysis (2015-2024)

Abstract

Introduction: Patient safety has become a central concern in global healthcare, driven by the persistent occurrence of medical errors and adverse events. Over the past decade, research in this field has expanded
significantly across disciplines, aiming to improve clinical protocols, safety culture, and health system performance. Bibliometric analysis offers a robust method for quantitatively mapping the evolution, trends,
and collaborative networks in patient safety research, providing critical insights for policy, practice, and future scholarship.
Methods: This bibliometric study analysed 8433 documents published between 2015 and 2024, retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science.
The final dataset was analysed using Biblioshiny (R Studio), VOSviewer, and CiteSpace to conduct performance analysis, science mapping, and trend identification. Key metrics included annual growth rate, citation
analysis, authorship patterns, journal productivity, and keyword co occurrence networks. Bradford’s and Lotka’s Laws were applied to assess source and author productivity.
Results and Discussion: The annual growth rate of publications was 2.23%, indicating sustained interest in patient safety. “The Journal of Patient Safety” was the most prolific source, while “BMJ Quality &
Safety” led in citation impact. The most influential author was LEE S, with an h-index of 17 and 919 citations. Although the United States accounted for 27.7% of publications, countries like the Netherlands and the United Kingdom demonstrated higher citation efficiency and international collaboration. Keyword analysis revealed five major thematic clusters: clinical outcomes, human factors, education and tools, system performance, and demographic context. Emerging topics such as burnout, safety culture, and healthcare costs indicate evolving
research priorities post-COVID-19.
Conclusion: This study offers a decade-long panoramic view of global patient safety research, highlighting a maturing field characterized by thematic diversity, evolving priorities, and the need for stronger
international collaboration.
Keywords: Patient Safety, Bibliometric Analysis, Safety Culture,Quality Improvement, Research Trends

How to cite this article:
Sharun N V, Rohini T, Yelisetty R J. From Errors to Excellence: Mapping a Decade of Patient Safety Research through Bibliometric Analysis(2015-2024). Chettinad Health City Med J. 2026;15(2):32-42.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.2026013