Telehealth Strategies in Arthritis Chronic Pain Management: Bibliometric Analysis of Two Decades of Research and Innovations

Background: Arthritis, characterized by joint inflammation, pain, and impaired daily activities, has seen a rapid increase globally. Telehealth has emerged as a transformative approach in managing chronic diseases, including arthritis, by overcoming barriers such as geographic limitations and high costs. Objectives: The primary objectives of this study were to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of telehealth in arthritis pain management over the past two decades, examine publication trends, citation patterns, and keyword co-occurrences related to telehealth strategies in arthritis management, identify key research areas, influential works, and emerging themes within the field. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in the Scopus database for articles related to telehealth in arthritis. A systematic screening process, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, was adopted. Bibliometric analysis was used for keyword analysis, citation analysis, and research trends. Results: The bibliometric analysis revealed significant trends in telehealth research for arthritis pain management. A sharp increase in publications was observed from 2020 onwards, coinciding with advancements in digital health technologies and the COVID-19 pandemic. Frequently occurring keywords included "telemedicine," "telehealth," "digital health," "m-health," and "telerehabilitation." The top cited articles primarily explored the efficacy of telerehabilitation in managing postsurgical recovery and chronic knee pain. Emerging themes indicated an increased focus on mobile applications, digital health solutions, and patient-centered care. Conclusion: Telehealth has evolved from a novel concept to a mainstream solution in managing arthritis, driven by technological advancements and the necessity for accessible and cost-effective care.