Bibliometric Analysis of the Informal Caregiver’s Scientific Production

Abstract

Background: Due to the increase in care needs, especially in the elderly, the concept of caregiver has emerged. This concept has undergone changes over the years due to new approaches and new research in the area. It is in this context that the concept of informal caregiver emerged. (2) Objectives: To analyse the evolution of the caregiver concept. (3) Methods: Bibliometric analysis, data collection (Web of Science Core Collection) and analysis (Excel; CiteSpace; VOSviewer). (4) Results: Obtained 22,326 articles. The concept emerged in 1990, being subjected to changes, mostly using the term “informal caregiver” since 2016, frequently related to the areas of Gerontology and Nursing. The following research boundaries emerged from the analysis: “Alzheimer’s Disease”, “Elderly” and “Institutionalization”. (5) Conclusions: The informal caregiver emerges as a useful care partner, being increasingly studied by the scientific community, particularly in the last 5 years. Registration number from Open Science Framework: osf.io/84e5v.