Humanistic Care Needs of Elderly Chronic Disease Inpatients from the Perspective of Patient Journey Mapping: A Qualitative Study.

PURPOSE: Based on patient journey maps, this study identified the behavioral challenges and needs for compassionate care among older inpatients with chronic diseases at different stages of diagnosis and treatment, and explored the pain points and preferences in their care experiences, thereby providing targeted insights to optimize compassionate care practices, enhance continuity of care, and improve patients' quality of life. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This descriptive qualitative study was conducted from January to April 2026 at a tertiary Grade A hospital in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 14 elderly inpatients with chronic diseases (ages 60-98; who had multiple comorbidities, primarily hypertension, coronary heart disease, and diabetes; most lived with their spouses). Semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted. Content analysis was used to systematically analyze the interview data. Using a patient journey map as a framework, themes were categorized along a horizontal timeline (four stages: admission, inspection, treatment, and discharge) and a vertical axis of tasks (three dimensions: behavioral challenges, emotional experiences, and humanistic care needs), and a visual journey map was constructed. RESULTS: A total of 35 themes were identified, distributed across four stages and three dimensions. At the behavioral level, these included a high treatment burden during the admission stage; low psychological capital and excessive coping during the diagnostic stage; dependence on nursing care and avoidance of information during the treatment stage; and decreased adherence to self-management and reduced social participation during the discharge stage; The emotional dimension encompassed feelings of depression and helplessness, feelings of guilt toward family members, anxiety and worry, and a sense of being respected; the needs dimension involved a safe and supportive environment, age-appropriate information support, psychological buffering, personalized listening, visual medication guidance, and ongoing feedback channels. Ultimately, this resulted in the creation of a humanistic care journey map for elderly inpatients with chronic diseases. CONCLUSION: Elderly hospitalized patients with chronic illnesses exhibit distinct humanistic care needs at different stages throughout their hospitalization. The patient journey map developed in this preliminary study helps nurses identify key nursing priorities and provide targeted support tailored to each stage. In particular, the phased approach to information delivery may better prepare healthcare providers while strengthening connections with family members and community resources, facilitating a smoother transition for patients from hospital to home life. Before implementing this pathway routinely, further prospective feasibility assessments are needed.