The patient journey in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases: a systematic review.
Published in EULAR Rheumatol Open, 2025
To provide a comprehensive understanding of the patient journey experienced by individuals with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). We systematically searched 3 medical databases to identify studies that reported patient experiences, challenges and barriers from the perspectives of both the patient and healthcare provider. Inclusion criteria included peer-reviewed original research articles based on qualitative or mixed methods. The quality of the evidence was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist. Studies were analysed to identify touchpoints (contact of a patient with a healthcare organisation), delays throughout the patient journey, and barriers or challenges. The search identified 1470 records, resulting in the inclusion of 36 studies. According to the JBI checklist, 27 studies were of high or medium-high quality. Eight touchpoints were identified and characterised: (1) awareness, (2) help-seeking, (3) first encounter, (4) clinical suspicion in primary care, (5) diagnostic tests in primary care, (6) management (outside of rheumatology), (7) rheumatology referral and (8) management in rheumatology. Conflicting areas highlight the need for enhanced education for healthcare providers, better coordination of care and a more patient-centred approach to management. The review helped us describe a general patient journey for people with RMDs. Identifying and addressing the conflicting points in the patient journey is essential for improving care and outcomes for individuals with RMDs.
Recommended citation: Otón T, Villalobos-Quesada M, Loza E, Knevel R, Carmona L. (2025) “The patient journey in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases: a systematic review.” EULAR Rheumatol Open. doi: 10.1016/j.ero.2025.06.010.
Recommended citation: Otón T, Villalobos-Quesada M, Loza E, Knevel R, Carmona L. (2025) "The patient journey in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases: a systematic review." EULAR Rheumatol Open. doi: 10.1016/j.ero.2025.06.010.
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