Patient-journey of fibromyalgia patients: A scoping review

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic disease characterized by widespread pain. Although much is known about this disease, research has focused on diagnosis and treatment, leaving aside factors related to patient's experience and the relationship with healthcare system.

The aim was to analyze the available evidence on the experience of FM patients from the first symptoms to diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.

A scoping review was carried out. Medline and the Cochrane Library were searched for original studies or reviews dealing with FM and focusing on "patient journey". Results were organized using a deductive classification of themes.

Fifty-four articles were included in the qualitative synthesis. Five themes were identified: the patient journey, the challenge for the health systems, a complex doctor-patient relationship, the importance of the diagnosis, and the difficulty of standardizing the treatment.

This scoping review confirms the negative impact of FM on the patient, their social environment, and health systems. It is necessary to minimize the difficulties encountered throughout the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with FM.