Patient Journey Maps Associated to Shared Decision Making

Background: Despite the benefits, the practical implementation of shared decision-making (SDM) is challenged by the lack of decision aids for patients.
Objective: This rapid review analyses how patient journey maps (PJMs) have highlighted the need for shared healthcare decisions between patients and professionals.
Methods: The extension of the PRISMA methodology for scoping reviews was used as a guideline. The MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, Embase, Emcare and Nursing Database digital databases were queried using a reduced selection of search expressions. Resulting articles from peer-reviewed journals since 2015 were analysed.
Results: 11 articles provide directions regarding the enhanced support of SDM throughout the patient journey. The utilisation of basic patient journey modelling along care trajectories has facilitated patient engagement with professionals, thereby enabling the disclosure of their needs and experiences. A generic model could be abstracted from each condition-specific PJMs, highlighting when decisions may impact patient experience.
Conclusions: The development of a digital visual representation of a generic patient journey, from the onset of symptoms to the management of the condition, has the potential to serve as a valuable communication tool, assisting patients and healthcare professionals in better preparing, focusing and documenting SDM conversations.