Navigating cancer: Insights from patient journey mapping

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Public Health
• Qualitative Research Methods

Background:

• Breast and cervical cancer are significant public health issues in South Africa.
• Patient experiences are often overlooked in cancer care literature.
• Patient journey mapping can center patient perspectives to improve healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To map the journeys of breast and cervical cancer patients across the entire care continuum.
• To identify areas where healthcare services and systems fall short for cancer patients.
• To gather patient insights for redesigning a more responsive health system.

Main Methods:

• Utilized patient journey mapping through six focus group discussions.
• Involved patients with breast and cervical cancer who had completed treatment.
• Employed a three-step process: individual maps, narrative sharing, and collective map development.

Main Results:

• 31 participants (23 breast, 7 cervical cancer) shared their experiences.
• Findings revealed themes of (de)personalized care, self-advocacy, and intersecting vulnerabilities.
• Patient narratives illuminated how social identities impact cancer care journeys.

Conclusions:

• Centering patient voices through journey mapping identified service and system deficiencies.
• The study provides guidance for developing a more patient-responsive healthcare system.
• Patient journey mapping is a valuable tool for understanding and improving cancer care delivery.