title: Visualization maps for the evolution of research hotspots in the field of regional health information networks.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to reveal research hotspots in the field of regional health information networks (RHINs) and use visualization techniques to explore their evolution over time and differences between countries.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a literature review for a 50-year period and compared the prevalence of certain index terms during the periods 1963-1993 and 1994-2014 and in six countries. We applied keyword frequency analysis, keyword co-occurrence analysis, multidimensional scaling analysis, and network visualization technology.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The total number of keywords was found to increase with time. From 1994 to 2014, the research priorities shifted from hospital planning to community health planning. The number of keywords reflecting information-based research increased. The density of the knowledge network increased significantly, and partial keywords condensed into knowledge groups. All six countries focus on keywords including Information Systems; Telemedicine; Information Service; Medical Records Systems, Computerized; Internet; etc.; however, the level of development and some research priorities are different.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  RHIN research has generally increased in popularity over the past 50 years. The research hotspots are evolving and are at different levels of development in different countries. Knowledge network mapping and perceptual maps provide useful information for scholars, managers, and policy-makers.
authors.affiliation: a School of Public Health , Shanxi Medical University , Taiyuan , China.
authors.forename: Yanjun
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: a School of Public Health , Shanxi Medical University , Taiyuan , China.
authors.forename: Jianzhong
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zheng
authors.affiliation: a School of Public Health , Shanxi Medical University , Taiyuan , China.
authors.forename: Ailian
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: a School of Public Health , Shanxi Medical University , Taiyuan , China.
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.affiliation: b Department of Health Education , Shanxi Health Education Center , Taiyuan , China.
authors.forename: Haiyuan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Dong
mesh_terms: D015706:Bibliometrics; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006285:Health Planning / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006292:Health Priorities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007256:Information Systems / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D020407:Internet; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized; D017216:Telemedicine
keywords: Bibliometrics; e-health; knowledge network; multidimensional scaling analysis; regional health information networks