Global Evolution of Renal Dialysis Nursing Research: A
CiteSpace
‐Driven Bibliometric Analysis of Knowledge Structures (1965–2025)
Qin Xiao, Wenjing Chang, Jing Yao, Na Zhao, Jing He ABSTRACT
Background
Renal dialysis nursing is critical for improving survival and quality of life in patients with end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD). This study systematically analyzed global research trends and frontiers in renal dialysis nursing from 1965 to 2025 using bibliometric methods.
Methods
A total of 608 peer‐reviewed articles published between 1965 and 2025 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. CiteSpace software was employed for co‐occurrence analysis, keyword clustering, and burst detection based on data from 2002 to 2025 to ensure analytical robustness. Temporal trends were divided into three phases (1988–2002, 2003–2012, and 2013–2025), and core themes were identified through keyword co‐occurrence networks.
Discussion
Results revealed sustained growth in publications after 2003, peaking at 53 articles in 2015 and remaining at a high level through 2025. Core themes included social support systems, home dialysis, nurse‐led case management, and nutritional risk assessment. Emerging frontiers focused on conservative management optimization, patient burden, and young adult care. The study highlights global shifts toward personalized, telemedicine‐enabled care models and emphasizes the need for China to strengthen social support frameworks and remote care technologies.