Mapping four decades of interprofessional collaboration in health sciences: A bibliometric analysis (1984-2025)

Abstract

Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) has become a critical component of healthcare delivery, requiring structured teamwork and cross-disciplinary coordination. This study aimed to systematically map the scientific landscape of IPC by identifying major trends, conceptual structures, and thematic evolutions in the literature published between 1984 and 2025. A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science Core Collection database. A total of 6.694 records were extracted and analysed using the Biblioshiny interface (RStudio) and VOSviewer software. The PRISMA protocol was followed by the inclusion criteria. Key performance indicators (citations, authorship, source journals), co-word analysis, conceptual structure mapping, thematic mapping, and trend topics were also examined. The findings revealed a sharp increase in IPC publications after 2015, with the USA, Canada, and the UK leading in productivity. The most cited authors include Reeves, Zwarenstein, and Goldman. The core themes included interprofessional education, teamwork, patient safety, and communication. Conceptual structure analysis identified five clusters, ranging from clinical practice to theoretical frameworks. Thematic evolution and trend analysis showed a shift from foundational discussions to practice-based and crisis-response themes, especially post-COVID-19. This study provides a comprehensive map of IPC research in health sciences. The findings highlight the growing academic interest, structural complexity, and emerging trends in this field. Beyond contributing to the scientific understanding of IPC, the findings offer practical implications for improving team-based care services, shaping competency-based education curricula, and developing evidence-based health policies. This knowledge base can form a strategic foundation for advancing interprofessional collaboration in clinical practice, academic education, and institutional decision-making processes.