Applications, Challenges and Strategies of Patient Journey Maps in Care Transitions: A Scoping Review

AIM: To synthesise the application, construction methods, challenges, and optimisation strategies of Patient Journey Maps (PJMs) in care transitions. DESIGN: A scoping review guided by Arksey and O'Malley's framework and PRISMA-ScR. DATA SOURCES: Nine databases, including PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, etc., searched from January 2015 to March 2025. METHODS: Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracting data from 23 studies across 12 countries, synthesised via descriptive and thematic analyses informed by nursing theories. RESULTS: PJMs targeted elderly, children/adolescents, and special-needs populations across in-hospital referrals, inter-hospital transitions, and community adaptation. PJMs development integrated qualitative (interviews, co-design) and quantitative (process mining, EHR analysis) methods to map stages, touchpoints, and emotional curves. Challenges included collaboration breakdowns (78.3%), information fragmentation (74.0%), and psychosocial barriers (47.8%). Optimization strategies emphasised interdisciplinary collaboration, standardised processes, technology enablement, and patient-centred interventions. CONCLUSION: PJMs enhance care transitions by visualising patient experiences and systemic gaps, improving continuity and safety. Scalability requires addressing technological adaptation, policy alignment and resource equity. Future research should prioritise dynamic, digitally driven PJM tools and cross-regional collaboration for health equity. IMPACT: This review informs clinical practice and policy by bridging theoretical and practical gaps in transitional care via interdisciplinary strategies and technology integration. CONTRIBUTION TO THE FIELD: Advances global nursing practice with patient-centered strategies, promotes health equity through collaboration, and informs policy and digital innovation for dynamic care transitions. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: None. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: Not registered.