Application of patient journey mapping in patients with breast cancer: a scoping review.

objectivesThis scoping review synthesises the application of patient journey mapping (PJM) in breast cancer care to provide insights for enhancing patient-centred services and improving the quality of life for patients with breast cancer.

designScoping review. DATA SOURCES: Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang and SinoMed were systematically searched for relevant studies published between 1 May 2005 and 1 May 2024. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Studies involving adults (≥18 years) with breast cancer that examined patient journeys were eligible, regardless of whether a formal PJM approach was used. All study designs in healthcare or community settings were considered. Exclusions included studies on other cancers, duplicates, inaccessible full texts, non-English/Chinese publications and non-original articles. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data, with a third resolving discrepancies. Information on study characteristics, methods and PJM applications was narratively synthesised and tabulated.

resultsA total of 20 studies published from 2011 to 2024 were included. Four primary approaches to PJM in breast cancer care were identified, with cancer care stage mapping being the most prevalent. PJM illustrated patients' trajectories, experiences and emotions, revealed critical interaction points such as diagnosis, decision-making and follow-up, and highlighted delays, coordination gaps and opportunities for service improvement. Most studies incorporated four core elements-patients, touchpoints, timelines and experiences-and emphasised patient perspectives across the care continuum, despite methodological heterogeneity.

conclusionsThis review shows that PJM has been applied to illustrate longitudinal healthcare experiences, identifies key touchpoints and supports the design and improvement of breast cancer care services. Most studies underscored patient perspectives and emotional needs, but current PJM applications remain fragmented, hospital-focused and weakly integrated across care settings and families. Future research should refine methodologies and apply digital technologies to develop personalised, dynamic maps that may enhance patient-centred care.