Using journey maps to understand patient-reported outcome measures in the cancer journey

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study is to demonstrate the use of patient-reported outcome measure-based journey maps in facilitating clinicians’ ability to communicate with patients about their well-being at each phase of their cancer journey. Methods: Individual semi-structured online and phone interviews were conducted with older adults in British Columbia, Canada. Participants (n = 6) were asked to describe their cancer experiences associated with their well-being score using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System revised questionnaire throughout their cancer journey (i.e., pre-diagnosis, diagnosis, treatment, to post-treatment). Results: Six older adults who received cancer treatment were interviewed. Six journey maps were developed with evidence of fluctuation in participants’ level of well-being through their cancer journeys. Conclusion: Journey maps can facilitate patient-clinician communication for tailoring interventions and draw clinicians’ attention to additional prompts to better understand patients’ well-being throughout the cancer journey.

Keywords

• patient-reported outcome measures
• journey maps
• radiation therapy
• cancer care
• older adults