Bibliometrics and altmetrics in the context of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine
This educational article explores the utility of bibliometrics and altmetrics in evaluating traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) research. We introduce the concept of bibliometrics and altmetrics, provide an overview of the opportunities and challenges in using these analytica...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Elsevier
2025-09-01
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| Series: | Integrative Medicine Research |
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| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213422025000617 |
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| _version_ | 1849317560788451328 |
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| author | Jeremy Y. Ng Dimity Stephen Jianping Liu Thomas Ostermann Nicola Robinson Holger Cramer |
| author_facet | Jeremy Y. Ng Dimity Stephen Jianping Liu Thomas Ostermann Nicola Robinson Holger Cramer |
| author_sort | Jeremy Y. Ng |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This educational article explores the utility of bibliometrics and altmetrics in evaluating traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) research. We introduce the concept of bibliometrics and altmetrics, provide an overview of the opportunities and challenges in using these analytical techniques, and highlight their future potential in TCIM research. Bibliometrics, based on publication and citation information, offer insights into TCIM research activity, output, scholarly influence, field structure, and collaboration practices. Altmetrics, including social media mentions, downloads, and online bookmarks, can capture the broader societal engagement with TCIM research beyond traditional academic circles. We discuss challenges and opportunities in utilizing these metrics effectively, such as addressing biases, incorporating cultural nuances, and exploring emerging trends. Additionally, we issue a call to action for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to collaborate and leverage bibliometric and altmetric data to advance evidence-based healthcare practices to promote integrative approaches to health and wellness. By embracing a multidimensional approach to research evaluation, stakeholders can harness the potential of bibliometrics and altmetrics to improve TCIM research and healthcare delivery worldwide. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-25c79c69cb3d4ec9a0c184f165cb736e |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2213-4220 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-09-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Integrative Medicine Research |
| spelling | doaj-art-25c79c69cb3d4ec9a0c184f165cb736e2025-08-20T03:51:09ZengElsevierIntegrative Medicine Research2213-42202025-09-0114310118110.1016/j.imr.2025.101181Bibliometrics and altmetrics in the context of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicineJeremy Y. Ng0Dimity Stephen1Jianping Liu2Thomas Ostermann3Nicola Robinson4Holger Cramer5Institute of General Practice and Interprofessional Care, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Robert Bosch Center for Integrative Medicine and Health, Bosch Health Campus, Stuttgart, Germany; School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Corresponding author at: Institute of General Practice and Interprofessional Care, University Hospital Tübingen, Osianderstr. 5 72076 Tübingen, Germany.German Centre for Higher Education Research and Science Studies, Berlin, GermanyCentre for Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Witten/Herdecke University, GermanyCentre for Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Institute of Health and Social Care, London South Bank University, London, United KingdomInstitute of General Practice and Interprofessional Care, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Robert Bosch Center for Integrative Medicine and Health, Bosch Health Campus, Stuttgart, GermanyThis educational article explores the utility of bibliometrics and altmetrics in evaluating traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) research. We introduce the concept of bibliometrics and altmetrics, provide an overview of the opportunities and challenges in using these analytical techniques, and highlight their future potential in TCIM research. Bibliometrics, based on publication and citation information, offer insights into TCIM research activity, output, scholarly influence, field structure, and collaboration practices. Altmetrics, including social media mentions, downloads, and online bookmarks, can capture the broader societal engagement with TCIM research beyond traditional academic circles. We discuss challenges and opportunities in utilizing these metrics effectively, such as addressing biases, incorporating cultural nuances, and exploring emerging trends. Additionally, we issue a call to action for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to collaborate and leverage bibliometric and altmetric data to advance evidence-based healthcare practices to promote integrative approaches to health and wellness. By embracing a multidimensional approach to research evaluation, stakeholders can harness the potential of bibliometrics and altmetrics to improve TCIM research and healthcare delivery worldwide.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213422025000617AltmetricBibliometricsComplementary medicineIntegrative medicineTraditional metrics |
| spellingShingle | Jeremy Y. Ng Dimity Stephen Jianping Liu Thomas Ostermann Nicola Robinson Holger Cramer Bibliometrics and altmetrics in the context of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine Integrative Medicine Research Altmetric Bibliometrics Complementary medicine Integrative medicine Traditional metrics |
| title | Bibliometrics and altmetrics in the context of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine |
| title_full | Bibliometrics and altmetrics in the context of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine |
| title_fullStr | Bibliometrics and altmetrics in the context of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine |
| title_full_unstemmed | Bibliometrics and altmetrics in the context of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine |
| title_short | Bibliometrics and altmetrics in the context of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine |
| title_sort | bibliometrics and altmetrics in the context of traditional complementary and integrative medicine |
| topic | Altmetric Bibliometrics Complementary medicine Integrative medicine Traditional metrics |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213422025000617 |
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