Global trends and future directions in online learning for medical students during and after the COVID-19 pandemic: A bibliometric and visualization analysis

This study explores the evolution of online learning research in the context of medical education during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to understand the principal focus areas, and trends that have emerged in this rapidly evolving landscape. A total of 2751 publications related to online learning were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) from 2020 to 2022. Bibliometric analysis and visualization techniques were employed to comprehensively examine the landscape of online learning research. Publications, co-cited references, and keyword co-occurrence were analyzed to identify patterns and trends in research focus and collaboration networks. The significant surge in research output reveals the academic community's response to the pandemic. Various themes have emerged in online learning research, encompassing online teaching, flipped classrooms, mental health, and blended learning. The evolution trajectory of research has traversed 3 stages, reflecting a shift in research focus from immediate pandemic responses to more refined strategies and interdisciplinary perspectives. Keyword co-occurrence analysis was also conducted to show the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the research. The study underscores the global scholarly engagement, collaborative networks, and principal themes that have shaped the field. As medical education adapts to the shifting landscape, the trajectory of online learning research points toward increased learner autonomy, integration of advanced technologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This transformative shift promises to reshape medical education, equipping learners and educators with the tools needed to navigate the dynamic realm of modern healthcare education.