Evidence-based research on disability studies in China using VOSviewer / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo review the development history of research on people with disabilities, summarize the patterns, characteristics and deficiencies in this discipline, and make suggestions for discipline development in the future. MethodsThe literature about disability from 1986 to 2018 were searched and retrieved on the CNKI. Valid literature were selected based on the title and abstract. Descriptive analyses were used to analyze the development of research on people with disabilities in China. VOSviewer was used to explore the cooperation among researchers and research hotspots in this field. ResultsA total of 2 267 papers were included. Researches on people with disabilities in China started in 1986 and then experienced rapid development driven by survey data, showing obvious stage characteristics. The foundation of academic cooperation networks has been formed initially, showing the comprehensive development of multiple themes. However, in the new stage, the lack of follow-up support for research infrastructure conditions, as well as the slow innovation of research theories and expansion of research contents may become key factors hindering the further development of the discipline. ConclusionThe research foundation should be consolidated in the future, including broadening cooperation and communication channels, strengthening disability statistics, and promoting cross-disciplinary research. Theoretical research should be strengthened by standardizing research methods and finding internalized theoretical innovation points combining the national conditions. Finally, research content should be enriched, especially by closely combining the current changes in the needs of people with disabilities and strengthening the research on disability prevention and control, health promotion, social integration, and social management of the people with disabilities.