[Research into communication and health. A Spanish and international perspective through bibliometric analysis].

OBJECTIVES

1. To find the scientific output on communication and health both in Spain and internationally. 2. To compare the two outputs according to the type of articles published and the design of the research.

DESIGN

Descriptive and bibliometric study.

MATERIAL

The data bases MEDLINE (1995-2000) and IME (1990-2000) and the books summarising papers from semFYC Congresses (1995-2000) were used.

MEASUREMENTS

The number of articles on MEDLINE published and indexed with the description <>, plus a series of subject describers that could be included under the heading <>, were counted. On the IME and in the semFYC congress summaries the describers <<communication, clinical interview, doctor-patient relationship, doctor-sick person communication and doctor-patient communication>> were used. The articles indexed on MEDLINE-IME were compared for their classification as original articles, clinical practice guidelines, review, editorial or letter to the editor. Original articles were classified in randomised and non-randomised trials, meta-analysis and observation studies.

MAIN RESULTS

6766 articles were found on MEDLINE, 42 on the IME (0.046% of the total indexed) and 34 summaries from semFYC congresses (1.47% of the total). Among the most commonly studied questions were found patients' information and education, professional stress and psychological interviews; among the least studied were difficult and aggressive patients, negotiation and people accompanying patients. The original articles on MEDLINE and IME were 70% and 37%; and review articles, 11% and 44%. 1.4% of MEDLINE articles were randomised trials; and 0.08%, meta-analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Communication and health research is a young field that still requires descriptive studies. There is little scientific output in this area in Spain, with few original papers and too many reviews.