Constructing a disease management journey map from the acute decompensated heart failure journey perspective: a descriptive qualitative study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify patients' multidimensional needs at different phases of heart failure (HF) management from the acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) journey perspective, providing a basis for developing full-cycle and timely disease management strategies. METHOD: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted at a cardiovascular specialist hospital in mainland China from January to March 2025. Purposive sampling was used to select participants. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore their disease management needs during the journey. Inductive content analysis was employed to analyze the interview texts and create the disease management journey map. RESULTS: 18 eligible ADHF patients participated. A journey map framework was constructed based on a literature review, with its horizontal axis divided into the ADHF phase, the vulnerable phase, and the CHF phase. Through interview content analysis, 23 subcategories were extracted, which were categorized into needs, pain points, and emotions. Additionally, relevant personnel and their participation time domains were identified, thus forming the HF disease management journey map. CONCLUSIONS: Medical staff should comprehensively assess patients' needs at different phases, identify intervention targets, and gradually establish a full-cycle and timely intervention protocol to optimize patients' experience and quality of life.