Bibliometric analysis of global research trends on the involvement of lead users in the co-creation process in healthcare

The rising demand for quality products that conform to user specifications has stimulated research on the involvement of lead users in the co-creation process. However, the involvement of lead users in the co-creation process in healthcare has received limited attention compared to other sectors. This bibliometric study aimed to explore extant research on lead users in the co-creation process in the healthcare context. We utilize thematic maps, thematic evolution, author affiliation, most relevant sources, word frequency, country publication outputs, trend topics, affiliated countries, and co-occurrence of author keywords. Using results from three databases, namely PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, we analyzed 79 papers published between 2012 -2022. Results have shown that in the past decade, researchers have focused on mobile applications, chronic diseases, home service care and patient satisfaction as themes in healthcare. Over the years, Authors with affiliations from North America and Europe have dominated, with over 90% of the articles from the two continents. In addition, most affiliated institutions are equally from these two continents. Therefore, several themes have been identified. These themes have been grouped into basic, motor, niche and emerging themes. Furthermore, we conducted thematic evolution, which shows the merging themes in the research area. In conclusion, recent progress in the involvement of lead users in the co-creation process in healthcare includes the following (but is not limited to) i) involvement of lead users in the co-creation process, ii) development of user-centered products, iii) increase in the telemedicine products iv) identification and development of products for vulnerable groups.