Global bibliometric analysis of cost effectiveness analysis in healthcare research from 2013 to 2023

Cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) has become a crucial technique in appraising the efficiency of healthcare interventions and resource allocation decisions. Cost-effectiveness analysis is now widely used to evaluate whether the effect of a healthcare intervention justifies additional expenditure.

We used PubMed database with search descriptors: “Cost effectiveness” [Title / Abstract] OR “Cost effectiveness analysis” [Title / Abstract] AND “Healthcare” [Title / Abstract]. The common bibliometric indicators were applied.

We retrieved a total of 7,561 articles within 2013 and 2023. The growth pattern showed a progressive pattern. Articles with 5 authors signature had the highest number in publication. The most productive authors in cost effectiveness research in healthcare were Liew Danny and Ademi Zanfina. The most utilized journals for the publications were BMJ Open, PLoS One and Journal of Medical Economics. The most productive institutions were resident in United Kingdom with the University of York and University of Oxford at the helm.

Scientific output in Cost effectiveness in healthcare research showed consistent progress. This study provides a reference for health policy makers, funders, policy decision makers, academics, and hospital economics researchers.