Journal Article

Delayed medical care experiences among patients with head and neck cancers: an exploratory study using patient journey mapping

Tan, Qiqing, Xiong, Lan, Cai, Wenwen, Cao, Yueyao, Wu, Qingcai, Song, Yalan

2026

Overview

Background In China, significant delays in accessing medical care for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) are a critical public health concern. Patients often experience a long delay from the onset of symptoms to receiving treatment, which affects prognosis. This study aimed to explore the entire experience of delayed medical treatment for HNC patients through patient journey maps, identify the key obstacles at each stage, and provide a basis for formulating targeted intervention measures. Methods Using a descriptive qualitative approach, this study systematically explored the lived experiences of 14 patients diagnosed with HNC through semi-structured in-depth interviews. Thematic content analysis was conducted to systematically analyze the data and construct a detailed patient journey map, revealing critical barriers to timely care and emotional challenges faced by this population. Results Based on the timeline of diagnosis and treatment, the findings were organized into four overarching themes: assessment delay period, diagnostic delay period, treatment delay period, and cross-cutting drivers across delay stages. A total of 19 sub-themes were identified, structured across five dimensions: behavior, thinking, emotion, pain points, and contact points. Specifically, five sub-themes were related to the assessment delay period, five to the diagnostic delay period, five to the treatment delay period, and four were cross-cutting drivers that influenced multiple stages. Conclusions The healthcare journey for patients with HNC is often complex, characterized by significant delays in seeking medical care. To address these challenges, we recommend three key strategies: promoting grassroots health education, developing digital warning tools, and establishing professional medical platforms. These efforts aim to improve the efficient use of medical resources, provide patients with treatment decision-making support, and deliver social support—ultimately better addressing their health needs.

• Publisher: BioMed Central,BioMed Central Ltd,Springer Nature B.V,BMC
• Subject: Adult / Aged / Analysis / Beliefs, opinions and attitudes / Cancer patients / Care and treatment / China / Collaboration / Data analysis / Data collection / Delayed Diagnosis / Delayed medical care / Development and progression / Diagnosis / Female / Females / Graduate students / Head & neck cancer / Head and neck cancer / Head and Neck Neoplasms - diagnosis / Head and Neck Neoplasms - psychology / Head and Neck Neoplasms - therapy / Health Administration / Health care / Health Informatics / Health Services Accessibility / Hospitals / Humans / Interviews / Interviews as Topic / Male / Medical diagnosis / Medical referrals / Medical research / Medical treatment / Medicine / Medicine & Public Health / Middle Aged / Nursing Research / Oncology / Oral cancer / Patient journey map / Patients / Prognosis / Public Health / Qualitative Research / Radiation therapy / Social aspects / Stakeholders / Time-to-Treatment / Treatment Delay / Tumors