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Patient Journey Mapping Basics - What, Why, & How


A patient surrounded by researchers and healthcare professionals
Understanding the Patient Journey

A patient journey map is a vital tool commercial teams can utilize to develop targeted marketing strategies and outreach programs that improve patient satisfaction and engagement. Patient journey mapping describes the process of mapping out how patients navigate through the healthcare system, from doctors to pharmacists to payers. Understanding every touchpoint helps commercial teams develop targeted marketing and outreach strategies.


Why should your team plot a patient journey map?


Mapping out patient journeys can have significant benefits for your commercial team. By understanding how patients interact with your organization, you can get a better understanding of their needs and use that information to optimize any potential pain points. Doing so can improve engagement and satisfaction, which are both key factors in patient retention. Additionally, analyzing the patient journey can help you identify opportunities for differentiation from competitors by identifying areas where competition may falter and also optimizing the efficiency of your organization. Lastly, mapping out the patient journey can help your organization develop strategies to maximize marketing efforts and outreach by focusing on areas with higher engagement potential. Ultimately, this helps ensure that your team is putting its resources in the right place to get maximum returns.

Plot out stages and touchpoints to build your patient journey map


A researcher surrounded by charts and diagrams on screens.
In the Patient Journey DJ Booth

To competently and comprehensively map out the patient journey, it is essential to begin by identifying each stage of care: initial diagnosis, treatment options, medication adherence, and follow-up care. Subsequently, one can consider every single touchpoint within each stage. These touchpoints may arise from various sources such as physician visits, pharmacist interactions or even support group engagements. Moreover, online resources can also be taken into account when tracking touchpoints. Once compiled, a comprehensive list of touchpoint intersections and gaps can be used to chart the patient's entire journey.



Use the map to improve the journey!


Once you have a patient journey map in hand, your organization can develop targeted campaigns aimed at improving patient engagement and satisfaction. There are many ways that you might go about doing this, but a few common strategies include:

A patient discussing care with a healthcare professional
Siri will see you now (Alexa is on Sabbatical)

  • Developing informational resources that patients can use to learn more about their condition and how to manage it.

  • Offering support groups or other forms of emotional support to help patients cope with the stress of illness.

  • Providing access to online tools that patients can use to track their symptoms or progress over time.



For example, if your map shows that patients frequently disconnect after their initial diagnosis, you could create a campaign intended to keep them informed and engaged in their care. Alternatively, if your research indicates that patients face difficulties with medication adherence, developing resources may help them stay on track.


if your study shows that patients struggle with medication adherence then developing resources could help them stay on track

Don't snooze on this vital tool!


Commercial teams can utilize a patient journey map to develop targeted marketing strategies and outreach programs that improve patient satisfaction and engagement. By identifying key touch points along the way, the commercial team will have a better understanding of the whole process. In so doing, they are able to take appropriate measures with regards to improving upon or creating new products/services, refining their marketing tactics as well as enhancing existing ones. Ultimately, all of these efforts help to create a more meaningful connection with customers/patients alike.


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