Abstract
METHODS: This study adopted bibliometric approaches and analyzed the nursing theory research literature included in the Web of Science database during the 33 years between 1990 and 2022 using VOSviewer software. The source countries and regions, subject categories and distributions of institutions/units, journals, and highly productive authors of 23,180 nursing theory publications from the past 33 years were analyzed. The top ten funding agencies of nursing theory literature were also analyzed. Cluster and topic evolution analyses were performed on high-frequency keywords in nursing theory literature. RESULTS: Historical trends in nursing theory were explored based on the number of articles published each year. The authoritative academic journals of nursing theory were identified based on the number of articles published, and the leaders of nursing theory and their academic research teams were identified based on the authors and their institutions. Moreover, the research hotspots and development trends in nursing theory were explored based on keyword clustering and topic evolution analysis. Thus, it is helpful to guide nursing practice and effectively solve nursing problems in nursing management. CONCLUSION: Research on nursing theory has been increasingly applied in clinical practice and tested or verified through clinical interventions in treating diseases. Theoretical research is inseparable from the development of nursing education. Moreover, research methods should be specific and diverse. Further improvement of theories depends on patient-centered clinical practice. Therefore, this study plays an important role in the continuous enrichment and development of nursing theory, which is conducive to further promoting the progress of nursing management and nursing discipline.