Mapping the landscape of eHealth services for parents and complex infant post-NICU discharge: A bibliometric analysis

Background The transition from neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to home is a vulnerable period for preterm or medically complex infants and their families. eHealth interventions, including telemedicine, audiovisual follow-up, and app-based tools, have emerged as strategies to support this process and improve continuity of care. Aim To map the evolution of research in the landscape of eHealth solutions after NICU discharge, highlighting influential publications, trends, contributors, networks, themes, and research gaps. Methods A bibliometric analysis of studies from six databases was conducted using Scopus, SciVal, and VOSviewer to explore publication trends, collaborations, journal impact, and keyword clusters. Results Of 4465 screened records, 30 (2004–2025) met inclusion criteria. Publications peaked between 2020 and 2023, mainly from the United States, Denmark, and Sweden, with Aarhus University as a leading institution. Three clusters emerged: neonatal management, transitional care, and family support. Interventions enhanced parental competence and satisfaction but research was fragmented. Conclusions eHealth for NICU-to-home transition is expanding but focuses on short-term outcomes. Future studies should include multi-centre trials, long-term impacts, and equitable access through multidisciplinary collaboration.