Scientometric analysis of research productivity in clinical pharmacy and practice: a 12-year review at a Middle Eastern university

Abstract

Background: Assessing faculty research productivity through scientometric analysis is crucial for academic institutions to promote and enhance research activities. Scientometric analysis guides institutional goals, identifies gaps and faculty contributions, and influences career development in academia. With advancements in the clinical pharmacy and practice field and Qatar's evolving research infrastructure, this study aimed to evaluate the research productivity and quality indicators of a clinical pharmacy and practice department at Qatar University through scientometric analysis. Methods: Research articles published between 2012 and 2024 were retrieved using Web of Science (WoS) via InCites, Scopus via SciVal, and Google Scholar. Metrics analysed included total publications, journal impact factor, Q ranking, subject area coverage, and collaborations. Results: Thirty-one faculty members produced 1,266 articles indexed in WoS, 1,270 in Scopus, and 1,737 in Google Scholar. The average annual publication rate was 5 articles per faculty member, resulting to an average of 41 publications per faculty member over their tenure. Active publication years accounted for 85% of faculty tenures. Furthermore, research output and productivity increased steadily, with the highest publication output observed between 2021 and 2023. Most publications appeared in journals with Q1 or Q2 rankings, with the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy being the most frequently targeted outlets. Publications covered diverse topics and subject areas, including pharmacy practice, health education, patient and medication safety, and chronic disease management. Database comparisons revealed differences in retrieval rates, journal impact indicators, and Q-rankings, with Google Scholar having the highest retrieval rate. Conclusion: This scientometric analysis highlights the research contributions and growth trajectory of clinical pharmacy and practice faculty, emphasising quality and opportunities for future advancements. The findings provide a benchmark for regional and global trends in clinical pharmacy research and offer actionable insights for researchers, academic institutions, and policymakers.