Patient Journey Mapping in Mental Disorders: A Scoping Review

Patient journey mapping is a visualisation tool increasingly adopted in healthcare to optimise care processes. This scoping review mapped international evidence on its application to mental disorders. Following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines, this review searched seven databases from inception to 1 December 2025. Two reviewers independently screened records, assessed full texts and extracted data, with disagreements resolved through discussion or consultation with a third reviewer. Thematic synthesis was conducted collectively by the research team. Ten studies were included. Most included studies used qualitative or mixed-methods designs, drawing on interviews, focus groups, diaries, record reviews and questionnaires. Visualisation formats included journey maps, workflow maps and recovery pyramids. Common stages from symptom recognition to recovery emerged across studies, with four touchpoint categories and four pain point dimensions identified. Patient journey mapping demonstrates significant potential for connecting clinical practice, service management, policy and technology in mental health. However, the evidence base remains nascent, characterised by heterogeneous methods and a concentration of studies in high-income countries. Future research should prioritise methodological standardisation, expanded population coverage and integration with digital technologies to advance patient-centred care.