Bibliometric Analysis of Research Trends in Clinical Learning Environment for Nursing and Midwifery Education

Introduction: The clinical learning environment is central to nursing and midwifery education, providing critical contexts for student training and professional development. This study fills a gap by offering a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of trends in The clinical learning environment research within nursing and midwifery education. Methods: A descriptive bibliometric study was conducted on June 7, 2024, using the Scopus database to retrieve research articles related to The clinical learning environment from 1957 until June 2024. VOSviewer software was used to analyze scientific collaborations and map co-occurrence networks of key terms. Results: The United States and Australia led in publications and citations. Key journals included Nurse Education Today, Nurse Education in Practice, Journal of Advanced Nursing, and Journal of Clinical Nursing. Prominent authors like Saarikoski M. LevettJones T. and Henderson A. significantly contributed. Co-occurrence analysis highlighted themes such as student experiences, clinical competence, psychological factors, and teaching methodologies. Discussion: This study highlights key trends in The clinical learning environment research and the significant contributions of specific countries, journals, and authors. The collaboration networks provide insights into the interrelated nature of various factors influencing the clinical learning environment. Limitations of the study include the reliance on a single database, which may not capture all relevant articles, particularly those in less prominent journals or non-English languages. Additionally, citation metrics may be influenced by factors such as self-citations or field-specific citation practices. Conclusion: These insights highlight areas for future research, including the role of virtual learning environments and cultural competency in The clinical learning environment. The findings contribute to shaping future research and practice in nursing and midwifery education.