Raghupathi, W (Raghupathi, W.); Nerur, S (Nerur, S.) Research Themes and Trends in Health Information Systems METHODS OF INFORMATION IN MEDICINE, 47 (5): 435-442 2008

[Eugene Garfield]

E-mail Address: raghupathi at fordham.edu 

Author(s): Raghupathi, W (Raghupathi, W.); Nerur, S (Nerur, S.) 

Title: Research Themes and Trends in Health Information Systems 

Source: METHODS OF INFORMATION IN MEDICINE, 47 (5): 435-442 2008

Language: English 

Document Type: Article 

Author Keywords: Author co-citation analysis (ACA); bibliometrics; field; 
health information system (HIS); sub-field 

Keywords Plus: AUTHOR COCITATION ANALYSIS; MEDICAL INFORMATICS; 
INTELLECTUAL STRUCTURE; SCIENCE; BIOINFORMATICS; DISCIPLINE; CORE; 
JOURNALS; DATABASE; SERIALS 

Abstract: Objectives: The health information systems (HIS) field is 
characterized as being associated with health care and information 
systems. Drawing on several disciplines, a body of knowledge has come 
together that help define the core internal structure of the field. This 
study attempts to identify the emerging sub-fields using the bibliometric 
technique of author-cocitation analysis.
Methods. Co-citation data for members of editorial boards of several 
health information systems journals for the period of 1998-2006 was 
collected and analyzed (N = 166). We performed numerous multivariate 
analyses, including cluster analysis, factor analysis and multidimensional 
scaling to extract the sub-fields.
Results. Our findings indicate the presence of several strong sub-fields, 
including HIS evaluation, communication and e-health, and clinical DSS. In 
addition, we identified other sub-fields that are distinct but still 
emerging, such as adoption, outcome and policy, and use and impact of HIS. 
The study also confirms the existence of several historical sub-fields and 
contrasts technology-oriented sub-fields with management-oriented sub-
fields. Topics on the periphery of HIS provide links to other disciplines 
as well.
Conclusions. The study provides a unique perspective on the field of HIS, 
and the results indicate opportunities for further research that explores 
collaborations and social networks among the sub-fields. 

Addresses: [Raghupathi, W.] Fordham Univ, New York, NY 10023 USA; [Nerur, 
S.] Univ Texas Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019 USA 

Reprint Address: Raghupathi, W, Fordham Univ, 113 W 60th Sreet, New York, 
NY 10023 USA. 

E-mail Address: raghupathi at fordham.edu 

Cited Reference Count: 34 

Times Cited: 0 

Publisher: SCHATTAUER GMBH-VERLAG MEDIZIN NATURWISSENSCHAFTEN 

Publisher Address: HOLDERLINSTRASSE 3, D-70174 STUTTGART, GERMANY 

ISSN: 0026-1270 

DOI: 10.3414/ME0516 

29-char Source Abbrev.: METHODS INFORM MED 

ISO Source Abbrev.: Methods Inf. Med. 

Source Item Page Count: 8 

Subject Category: Computer Science, Information Systems; Health Care 
Sciences & Services; Medical Informatics 

ISI Document Delivery No.: 365ND 

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