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https://doi.org/10.20471/acc.2026.65.03.12

Bridging Integrative and Conventional Medicine: Global Research Patterns and Collaboration Networks From a Bibliometric Perspective

Maja Crnov ; Faculty of Health Studies, University of Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Vladimir Ruf ; Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina *
Azra Tojaga ; Faculty of Health Studies, University of Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Ivan Beljan ; Faculty of Health Studies, University of Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Josip Šimić ; Faculty of Health Studies, University of Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

* Dopisni autor.

Sažetak

Integrative medicine, defined as an evidence-based synthesis of conventional
and complementary approaches, is a growing research domain. This study presents
a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of literature at the intersection of integrative
and conventional medicine, mapping global trends, thematic clusters,
key contributors, and collaboration patterns from 1951 to 2024.
Data were retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science using a multi-term
search strategy. After deduplication and applying the PRISMA 2020 guidelines,
5290 original articles and reviews were analyzed using VOSviewer, Bibliometrix,
and Excel.
Scientific output grew exponentially, particularly after 2010, reaching 524
publications in 2024. The United States dominated the research output (38%),
followed by China, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany. A keyword
co-occurrence analysis revealed five thematic clusters: mind-body interventions,
medical systems, evidence-based assessment, integrative oncology, and education
and practice development. The most productive author was Eran Ben-Arye
(Technion), and the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine was
the most prolific journal. International collaboration remained limited, with single-
country publications predominating.
To our knowledge, this was the first bibliometric study to simultaneously utilize
both databases with full deduplication across the entire 1951–2024 period,
revealing rapid growth, geographic concentration, and opportunities for broader
international collaboration in the domain of integrative medicine.

Ključne riječi

Integrative medicine; Complementary and alternative medicine; Conventional medicine; Bibliometric analysis; Research trends

Hrčak ID:

351393

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/351393

Datum izdavanja:

28.9.2026.

Podaci na drugim jezicima: hrvatski

Posjeta: 0 *