Research on medical errors exhibits diverse associations with global indicators of science, development, and health across geographic regions: A scientometrics study
Mauro Ali Revolledo Caicedo, Andrés Fernando Montoya Obando, David A. Hernández-Páez, Ornella Fiorillo-Moreno, Johana Galván-Barrios, Patricia Delgado, Iván David Lozada-Martínez
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Medical errors are a major public health concern, contributing to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs worldwide. Understanding the global research landscape on medical errors and its association with key health and development indicators can provide insights into gaps and opportunities for improving patient safety. METHODS: A scientometrics analysis was conducted using data from Scopus, PubMed, and other bibliographic databases. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating bibliometric indicators with global health and research metrics. Regression models and meta-analyses were applied to evaluate associations between research productivity and health indicators across 6 World Health Organization regions. RESULTS: A total of 2639 articles on medical errors were analyzed. The Americas produced the highest volume of research (48.01% of publications) with the highest citation impact (mean 46.5 citations per article). In contrast, Africa had the lowest research output (0.87%). Significant associations were observed between medical error research productivity and health indicators, including reductions in adolescent mortality (Coef. = -3676.56, P < .001) in the Western Pacific and under-5 mortality (Coef. = -0.18, P < .001) in the Americas. Each region showed a distinct pattern of associations with the global indicators. Research funding and health expenditure were positively associated with publication output and citation impact. CONCLUSION: Medical error research exhibits regional disparities and significant associations with global health indicators. Investment in medical errors research is associated with improved health outcomes in some regions, underscoring the need for equitable resource allocation and enhanced international collaboration to address gaps in patient safety research.