Mapping the Global Knowledge Structure of Electronic Medical Records and Data Security Research: A Hybrid Systematic Literature Review and Bibliometric Analysis
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Abstract
Purpose - This study aims to systematically synthesize the development of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) and Data Security research from 2003 to 2025, explore thematic knowledge structures, and determine future scholarly and practical directions for secure digital healthcare transformation.
Design/methodology/approach - A hybrid Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and bibliometric analysis were employed to examine publication trends, intellectual influence, and emerging research trajectories using the Scopus database. Following PRISMA guidelines, an initial sample of 5,543 studies was screened and refined to 86 eligible Scopus-indexed journal articles. Bibliometric mapping was performed using VOSviewer to analyze citation networks, keyword clustering, and institutional authorship patterns.
Findings - Results indicate a substantial increase in EMR and data security research since 2019, driven by rapid digitalization and heightened cyber-risk awareness. Three dominant knowledge clusters were identified: (1) blockchain-enabled architectures and encryption models, (2) governance, privacy, and interoperability frameworks, and (3) smart healthcare technologies integrating AI, IoT, and mHealth systems. Contributions are globally distributed, with China, the United States, India, and Indonesia emerging as key research hubs. Despite strong progress, challenges remain regarding regulatory harmonization, user trust, and technical resilience against cyberattacks.
Research limitations/implications - The review is limited to Scopus-indexed journal publications written in English, potentially excluding relevant regional literature. Future studies should incorporate additional databases (e.g., Web of Science) and broaden methodological diversity to improve generalizability and representation.
Practical implications - The findings provide evidence-based guidance for policymakers, hospitals, and technology developers in designing secure EMR infrastructures, strengthening interoperability, improving governance maturity, and enhancing clinical workflow efficiency.
Social implications - Strengthening data protection mechanisms in EMR ecosystems contributes to increased public trust, improved patient safety, reduced inequality in health information access, and sustainable digital health transformation.
Originality/value - This study is the first hybrid SLR and bibliometric review mapping the evolution of EMR and Data Security research over 22 years, while explicitly examining technological, policy, and human-centric security challenges. The results offer a strategic roadmap for future research that supports resilient and ethically governed healthcare systems.
Paper type - Systematic Review and Bibliometric Research.
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