Bibliographic Analysis of Forensic Nursing Research and Its Implications for Clinical Forensic Nursing Practice in China

Aims To analyze the state of forensic nursing in China and to provide guidance for advancing clinical forensic nursing practice. Methods Research literature on forensic nursing was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases. Bibliometric methods were used to analyze and synthesize the literature. Results The analysis was based on a total of 1,071 international publications (from WOSCC) and 8 key Chinese publications (from CNKI). The international forensic nursing literature reflected a mature field with current hotspots centering on sexual assault, trauma-informed care, and emergency nursing. In contrast, the Chinese literature was limited in volume and focused primarily on theoretical content. Conclusion A developmental gap exists between the global and Chinese research landscapes in forensic nursing. Establishing forensic nursing education and programs, professional workforce, and practice standards aligning with international trends would support the systematic advancement of forensic nursing in China.