CONCEPT ANALYSIS IN NURSING RESEARCH: MAPPING INTELLECTUAL STRUCTURE AND THEMATIC EVOLUTION THROUGH BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS

Abstract

Concept analysis is widely applied in nursing and health sciences to clarify complex and abstract phenomena, yet its intellectual foundations, thematic development, and publication patterns remain insufficiently mapped. This study examines the growth, intellectual structure, and evolving research themes of concept analysis literature in nursing and health sciences using bibliometric and scientometric techniques. Publications indexed in Scopus were retrieved through a structured keyword strategy, and descriptive analyses were conducted to identify publication trends, leading journals, authors, institutions, and contributing countries. Citation, co-citation, and co-word analyses were performed using VOSviewer to uncover the intellectual networks and thematic evolution of the field. The findings indicate a steady and accelerating growth of concept analysis research, particularly in recent years. Co-citation networks reveal that the field is grounded in a small group of highly influential theoretical and methodological works forming its intellectual core. Thematic and keyword analyses demonstrate a shift from early theory-driven studies toward applied research focusing on nursing practice, education, patient care, and quality of life. This evolution reflects the growing maturity and practical orientation of concept analysis scholarship, offering insights to researchers, educators, and librarians in supporting knowledge development and research planning