Mapping patient pathways for NCDs from a policy perspective: a novel multinational initiative

Abstract Background Chronic diseases like CVD and DM pose global health challenges. Understanding patient pathways is vital for effective disease management and reducing morbidity and mortality. However, until now, comprehensive multinational mapping of patient pathways from a policy or regulatory perspective in the context of chronic disease has not been undertaken. Previous investigations into patient pathways mainly focused on the perspective of individual patients, assembling trajectories of those patients, but did not delve into how these pathways were designed. Methods Patient pathways for CVD and DM will be mapped across 11 countries: Belgium, Finland, France, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, and Spain. Using a survey tool, detailed descriptions and diagrams of healthcare pathways will be collected, stratified by Kaiser Permanente health pyramid strata. Stakeholder interviews on policy and practice level will refine mappings and identify gaps in the policies. Results Preliminary findings reveal diverse healthcare trajectories and identified multiple gaps in disease management across countries. For many countries, a complete well-developed patient pathway was not found; instead, the pathways were rather fragmented and lacking for some strata of the health pyramid. These insights underscore the need for tailored interventions and enhanced care coordination to optimize continuity of care and patient outcomes. Conclusions Comprehensive patient pathway mapping offers a strategic framework to address gaps in chronic disease management. Our study emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts in developing context-specific interventions and strengthening healthcare systems to improve public health outcomes. Key messages • Comprehensive patient pathway mapping reveals numerous gaps in global chronic disease management, prompting the need for enhanced strategies. • Collaborative efforts are key to addressing gaps in chronic disease care.