Australian contribution to global otolaryngology research: 2008-2018.

BACKGROUND

Obtaining research funding in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (ORL-HNS) can be challenging. In this paper, an analysis of research output in ORL-HNS in Australia and worldwide between 2008 and 2018 was conducted and then adjusted for the number of specialist surgeons in each country.

METHODS

Scopus by Elsevier was used to measure research output of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) surgeons in Australia between 2008 and 2018. Each individual's career and 10-year h-index was identified and then repeated with self-citations excluded. Total and 10-year citations were also recorded. The top 15 countries in terms of research output in ORL-HNS were also ranked based on the number of ENT articles published in the 10-year period, and then adjusted by the number of actively practicing ENT surgeons per country.

RESULTS

Between 2008 and 2018, Australia published 1510 articles out of a total global output of 48 613 papers in ORL-HNS with the top 10 authors having an h-index placing them within the world's top 100. Whilst the USA made the greatest total contribution with 12 912 publications, when adjusted for the number of specialist ORL-HNS clinicians in each country, Australia, Canada and India in order topped the rankings.

CONCLUSION

Australia has established itself as a research leader in the global field of ORL-HNS, publishing more articles per surgeon than any other country between 2008 and 2018. The Australian ORL-HNS Academic Surgeons also rank highly on an individual basis when compared to global peers.