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DOI: 10.3414/ME0516
Research Themes and Trends in Health Information Systems
Publikationsverlauf
Received:
21. November 2007
accepted:
29. Februar 2008
Publikationsdatum:
20. Januar 2018 (online)
![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/10.1055-s-00035037/200805/lookinside/thumbnails/10-3414-me0516-1.jpg)
Summary
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 managementoriented 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.
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