ALTRALANG Journal
Volume 7, Numéro 2, Pages 283-301
2025-12-10

A Systematic Review Of Needs Analysis Research In English For Medical Purposes (2010-2024)



Authors : Mohamed Amine Messahel . ايدري نادية .

Abstract

The current study systematically reviews English for Medical Purposes (EMP) needs analysis research findings and methodologies. It addresses the absence of a consolidated synthesis specific to the field, offering integrated insights for researchers, English teachers, and medical practitioners. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist, seventeen academic databases, e.g., Scopus, PubMed, JSTOR, ScienceDirect, and three academic search engines, mainly Publish or Perish, Semantic Scholar, and Connected Papers, were systematically searched using pre-defined key terms, i.e., English for Specific Purposes, needs analysis, English for Medical Purposes. The initial search yielded 2241 studies that were further screened based on rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria, focusing on publication language, peer-review process, publication date (2010 and 2024), and study scope, among other criteria. A total of ten studies (n=10) were included in the final data set and further evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Results revealed that all ten studies emphasized the critical importance of the core language skills for medical communication, with seven studies emphasizing the significance of medical terminology. Additionally, seven studies noted a widespread dissatisfaction with outdated course materials and significant gaps in the alignment of the content and the needs of medical professionals. Methodologically, nine studies used a mixed-methods approach, with seven studies relying on triangulation and pilot tests to ensure reliability and validity. Based on the results, this synthesis advocates an evidence-based approach to English for Medical Purposes education, grounded in empirical research to better support researchers, ESP teachers and medical practitioners alike. Still, further research with broader inclusion and exclusion criteria and extended time frames is recommended to improve generalisability.

Keywords

English for Medical Purposes ; English for Specific Purposes (ESP) ; evidence-based approach ; needs analysis ; systematic review

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