A bibliometric methodology to unveil territorial inequities in the scientific wealth to combat COVID-19

Abstract

In this paper we develop a methodology to assess the scientific wealth of territories at field level. Our methodology uses a bibliometric approach based on the observation of academic research performance and overall scientific production in each territory. We apply it to assess disparities in the Italian territories in the medical specialties at the front line of the COVID-19 emergency. Italy has been the first among western countries to be severely affected by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study reveals remarkable inequities across territories, with scientific weaknesses concentrated in the south. Policies for rebalancing the north–south divide should also consider, in addition to tangible assets, the gap in production and availability of quality medical knowledge.

COVID-19 Publications in Family Medicine Journals in 2020: A PubMed-Based Bibliometric Analysis

“…By May 2021, the number of COVID-19-related publications available on PubMed exceeded 130,000 [10,11]. Owing to this large number of studies, various bibliometric analyses have emerged, including studies from different time periods [12,13], different regions [14], or the most-cited articles and journals [15]. However, although family physicians are on the front line, a bibliometric analysis of COVID-19 conducted from a family medicine perspective is rare.…”