Virtual clinics in obstetrics and gynecology before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic: A global bibliometric analysis

ABSTRACT Background: The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed the rapid adoption of virtual clinics in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN). While earlier work explored feasibility and access, a global quantitative synthesis tracing postpandemic research evolution remains limited. A comprehensive analysis of the global research landscape tracing this evolution is needed to inform future practice and policy. Aims: This study aimed to map and analyze global research trends on virtual clinics in OB/GYN from 2011 to 2024, highlighting patterns of adoption, key thematic shifts, and influential contributions. Materials and Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted on 269 publications retrieved from the Web of Science database. Data on publication trends, citations, co-authorship, and keyword co-occurrence were analyzed using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix. Results: Annual publications grew significantly at 23.77% ( R ² = 0.699, P < 0.001), with a notable surge post-2020. The United States led research output. Thematic analysis revealed a clear evolution: pre-pandemic research focused on feasibility and abortion care (e.g., mifepristone, misoprostol); pandemic-era studies were dominated by terms such as telemedicine, telehealth , and COVID-19 ; and postpandemic research shifted toward outcomes, prenatal care , and patient experience . Specifically, post-2021 studies on patient experience and clinical outcomes increased by approximately 95% and 87%, respectively, compared with the pre-2020 period, indicating a transition toward outcome-driven and patient-centered evaluation. Highly cited foundational works demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of telemedicine abortion and perinatal care adaptations. Conclusion: The pandemic served as an inflection point, transforming virtual clinics from a niche innovation to a mainstream component of OB/GYN care. This bibliometric mapping confirms a global research transition from feasibility to outcomes and sustainability, with growing emphasis on equity, patient experience, and digital integration. Future efforts must focus on equitable implementation and integrating evidence-based telemedicine into resilient healthcare systems.