Study on the journey map of young and middle-aged patients with oral cancer

doi:10.19438/j.cjoms.2026.03.012

Abstract

Abstract: PURPOSE: To construct a journey map of young and middle-aged patients with oral cancer, comprehensively identifying their health management tasks, pain points, and opportunities throughout the cancer journey, thereby providing a reference for optimizing their holistic care. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative research method was employed. From November 2024 to March 2025, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 young and middle-aged oral cancer patients. Content analysis was used to analyze the data and develop a patient journey map. RESULTS: According to the timeline of diagnosis and treatment, the health management experiences of young and middle-aged adult patients with oral cancer were subdivided and summarized into 42 themes from four dimensions: tasks, emotions, pain points, and opportunities. A patient journey map was constructed accordingly. CONCLUSIONS: Young and middle-aged oral cancer patients face multifaceted challenges during diagnosis and treatment. Future efforts should leverage the journey map to optimize clinical workflows, enhance the quality of rehabilitation guidance, and strengthen information communication and sharing to meet patients' decision-making needs. These measures can improve the holistic care experience, quality of life, and rehabilitation outcomes for this population.

Key words: Young adults, Oral cancer, Journey maps, Quality of life

CLC Number:

R739.8

Zhao Xiaomei, Hou Lili, Hu Longwei, Shen Chaoqun, Zhang Ailin, Hao Guihua. Study on the journey map of young and middle-aged patients with oral cancer[J]. China Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 2026, 24(3): 280-287.

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