Artificial intelligence and big data from digital health applications: publication trends and analysis

Abstract

PurposeThe integration of big data with artificial intelligence in the field of digital health has brought a new dimension to healthcare service delivery. AI technologies that provide value by using big data obtained in the provision of health services are being added to each passing day. There are also some problems related to the use of AI technologies in health service delivery. In this respect, it is aimed to understand the use of digital health, AI and big data technologies in healthcare services and to analyze the developments and trends in the sector.Design/methodology/approachIn this research, 191 studies published between 2016 and 2023 on digital health, AI and its sub-branches and big data were analyzed using VOSviewer and Rstudio Bibliometrix programs for bibliometric analysis. We summarized the type, year, countries, journals and categories of publications; matched the most cited publications and authors; explored scientific collaborative relationships between authors and determined the evolution of research over the years through keyword analysis and factor analysis of publications. The content of the publications is briefly summarized.FindingsThe data obtained showed that significant progress has been made in studies on the use of AI technologies and big data in the field of health, but research in the field is still ongoing and has not yet reached saturation.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the bibliometric analysis study conducted has comprehensively covered the literature, a single database has been utilized and limited to some keywords in order to reach the most appropriate publications on the subject.Practical implicationsThe analysis has addressed important issues regarding the use of developing digital technologies in health services and is thought to form a basis for future researchers.Originality/valueIn today’s world, where significant developments are taking place in the field of health, it is necessary to closely follow the development of digital technologies in the health sector and analyze the current situation in order to guide both stakeholders and those who will work in this field.