Industry 4.0 Technologies in Maternal Healthcare: A Bibliometric Analysis and Research Agenda

Background: Industry 4.0 technologies have improved operations in healthcare facilities by optimising processes, leading to efficient systems and tools to assist healthcare personnel and patients. Objective: This study investigates the current implementation and impact of Industry 4.0 technologies within maternal healthcare, explicitly focusing on transforming care processes, treatment methods, and automated pregnancy monitoring. Additionally, it conducts a thematic landscape mapping, offering a nuanced understanding of this emerging field. Building on this analysis, a future research agenda is proposed, highlighting critical areas for future investigations.. Methods: A bibliometric analysis of publications retrieved from the Scopus database was conducted to examine how the research into Industry 4.0 technologies in maternal healthcare evolved from 1985 to 2022. A search strategy was used to screen the eligible publications using the abstract and full-text reading. The most productive and influential journals, authors, institutions, country influence in maternal healthcare, current trends, and thematic evolution were computed using Bibliometrix R Package. Results: 1003 unique papers in English were retrieved using the search string, and 136 papers were retained after the inclusion and exclusion criteria were implemented, covering 37 years from 1985 to 2022. The annual growth rate of publications was 9.53 %, with 89 % (121) of the publications observed in 2016-2022. In thematic analysis, four clusters were identified: Artificial neural networks, Data mining, Machine learning and IoT. Artificial intelligence, deep learning, risk prediction, digital health, telemedicine, wearable devices, m-healthcare, and cloud computing remained the dominant research themes in 2016 – 2022. Conclusions: This bibliometric analysis reviews the state of the art in the evolution and structure of Industry 4.0 technologies in maternal healthcare and how they may be used to optimise the operational processes. A conceptual framework with four performance factors, risk prediction, hospital care, health record management and self-care, is suggested for process improvement. Also proposed is a research agenda for governance, adoption and infrastructure, privacy and security.