JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Journey maps are visualization tools that can facilitate the diagrammatical representation of stakeholder groups by interest or function for comparative visual analysis. Therefore, journey maps can illustrate intersections and relationships between organizations and consumers using products or services. We propose that some synergies may exist between journey maps and the concept of a Learning Health System (LHS). The overarching goal of a LHS is to utilize healthcare data to inform clinical practice and improve service delivery processes and patient outcomes.

Objective:

To assess the literature and establish the relationship between journey map techniques and LHSs. Specifically, in this study, we explored the current state of the literature to answer the following research questions:1) Is there a relationship between journey mapping techniques and an LHS in the literature? 2) Is there a way to integrate the data from journey mapping activities into an LHS? 3) How can the data gleaned from journey map activities be used to inform an LHS?

Methods:

A scoping review was conducted by querying the following six databases: CINAHL, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, MEDLINE/PubMed, PsycInfo, Academic Search Complete. Two researchers applied the inclusion criteria and assessed all articles by title and abstract in the first screen, using Covidence®. Differences of opinion were resolved through discussion and consensus. Following this, a full-text review of included articles was done, with relevant data extracted, tabulated, and assessed thematically.

Results:

The initial search yielded 594 studies. Of those, 169 duplicates were removed. Following this, 425 articles were assessed during the first screening phase, and 346 were excluded as they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Next, 79 articles were read in full, and 73 were excluded, resulting in a final sample of six articles that satisfied the inclusion criteria. The article sample can be subsumed into two overarching themes: 1) the need for evolved service delivery models in healthcare and 2) the potential value of using patient journey data in an LHS.

Conclusions:

This scoping review demonstrated the gap in knowledge regarding integrating the data from journey mapping activities into an LHS. Our findings highlighted the importance of utilizing the data from patient experiences to enrich an LHS and provide holistic care. To satisfy this gap, the authors intend to continue this investigation to establish the relationship between journey mapping and the concept of LHSs. This scoping review will serve as phase one of an investigative series. Phase two will entail the creation of a holistic framework to guide and streamline data integration from journey mapping activities into an LHS. Lastly, phase three will provide a proof of concept to demonstrate how patient journey mapping activities could be integrated into an LHS. Clinical Trial: N/A