Mapping the Heart Failure Patient Journey to Enhance Navigational Health Literacy: A Qualitative Study in Slovenia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55707/jhs.v12i2.189Keywords:
journey map, heart failure, continuity of care, stakeholders’ involvement, integrated care modeAbstract
Heart failure is an escalating challenge that requires coordinated care and patient engagement, yet is often impeded by fragmented communication, inconsistent guidelines, and limited support services. The study mapped the care journey of heart failure patients in Slovenia and, through co-creation with diverse stakeholders, developed an integrated care model. A qualitative study was conducted using: (1) a review of official governmental and healthcare websites; (2) in-depth interviews with service users and professionals; (3) interviews with specialized heart failure teams; (4) the patient journey model design; and (5) validation of the proposed pathway. Data was analysed using the reflexive thematic analysis. The participants emphasized the need for standardized pathways, national guidelines, and systematic monitoring. The key priorities included interdisciplinary collaboration, equitable access to rehabilitation, involvement of patient associations, ProBNP testing in primary care, and preventive empowerment programs supporting early diagnosis and self-efficacy. The co-created, stakeholder-validated care pathway can enhance coordination, transparency, and patient-centredness, while reducing informational gaps and strengthening navigational health literacy and patient empowerment.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Andreja Ljubič, Tamara Štemberger Kolnik, Andreja Hrovat Bukovšek
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