Bibliometric Study on Geriatric Emergencies: Intellectual Structure, Prominent Themes, and Future-Directing Topics

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to identify the intellectual structure, prominent themes, and diseases associated with geriatric emergency care. Additionally, it seeks to establish research questions for future studies. Material and Methods: Co-citation and co-occurrence analyses were conducted for bibliometric evaluations. The Web of Science database was utilized. Diseases mentioned in 939 articles were identified through thematic coding analysis of abstracts and titles. Finally, questions for the future agenda were prepared. Bibliometric analyses were carried out using R-based Bibliometrix software. Results: Co-citation analysis revealed two main themes: "Adverse Outcomes in Elderly Post-Emergency Service, Delirium Identification, and Multidisciplinary Interventions" and "Diagnosis and Management of Cognitive Dysfunction in Elderly Emergency Department Patients." Co-occurrence analyses indicate that the literature clusters around key themes such as "risk and prevalence," "management and epidemiology," "physical performance," "elderly care and outcomes," "elderly and community," "survival and prognosis," and "stroke and related diseases." According to the list of diseases, the ten most frequently studied diseases in geriatric emergency articles are, in order, Cancer, Stroke, Dementia, Depression, Delirium, Alzheimer's, Carcinoma, Metabolic Syndrome, Type 2 Diabetes, and Heart Failure. Conclusion: Adopting a comprehensive approach is essential for improving older adults' quality of life and independenceHealthcare providers and decision-makers should take these findings into consideration, as they make significant contributions to the health and independence of the elderly population. Furthermore, questions for future research agendas have been formulated.