Abstract
To explore the focus and trends in real-world studies in Chinese through knowledge mapping method, databases CNKI, VIP, Wanfang and Sinomed were retrieved, with 1 757 relevant articles published before September 30rd, 2020 finally included, whose bibliographical records were imported into NoteExpress to avoid duplication and check relativity. VOSviewer, a bibliometric analysis tool, was used to analyze their development. It was found that real-world studies have mainly taken shape after 2010, in which traditional Chinese medicine research plays an important role. China Journal of Chinese Material Medica was the leading journal with 120 papers, the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences the most contribution institution with 338 papers, and Xie Yanming from the institution the most contribution author with 250 papers. This study helps clinicians and researchers in better understanding the evolution of real-world research over more than two decades in China.