Basic Care in Intensive Care Units: A Bibliometric Analysis

A

BSTRACT

Basic nursing care is fundamental to patient safety and recovery in intensive care units (ICUs), yet it has traditionally been overshadowed by technology-driven critical care interventions. A bibliometric analysis can clarify global research trends, collaboration patterns, and thematic evolution in this essential area of ICU nursing practice. This bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the global research landscape on basic nursing care in ICUs, identifying trends, collaborations, and thematic developments over time. A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Scopus database as the primary data source. The search was performed in October 2025, and relevant publications were retrieved using a structured query combining the concepts “basic nursing care” and “intensive/critical care.” Data were exported in BibTeX format and analyzed using the bibliometrix R-package (version 4.2.1) and Biblioshiny for performance analysis, trend evaluation, and visualization. Inclusion criteria were English-language, peer-reviewed articles published between 1974 and 2025, focusing on basic nursing care in ICUs. The analysis identified 88 documents published across 65 sources, authored by 359 researchers with an annual growth rate of 4.81%. The average document age (7.99 years) and 13.26 citations per article indicate sustained relevance. Collaborative activity was evident, with an average of 4.31 co-authors per paper and 9.09% international collaboration. The most productive journals included Intensive and Critical Care Nursing and Nursing in Critical Care , while Radboud University Medical Center and Central South University were the leading institutions. The United States and China emerged as the most active countries in this field. Thematic analysis revealed major research clusters focused on pressure injury prevention, oral care, hygiene, and patient safety. Strengthening international cooperation and promoting evidence-based interventions remain essential steps toward optimizing the quality of basic care and improving patient recovery in ICUs.