Journey Mapping in Applied Public Health and Social Sciences (J-MAPHS) Research: A Methodological Framework for Ensuring Best Practices in Journey Mapping

Journey mapping, a participatory arts-based research method, is used to explore experiences, connections and influences by creating graphical depictions that include both time and emotional response dimensions. In health and social sciences research, use of journey mapping can be valuable for participants, researchers, health and social care professionals, and the public. It has been used to explore patient journeys through healthcare systems and student journeys through education. While several researchers have shared their journey mapping instructions, scholars have identified a lack of standardized guidelines and methods for journey mapping in health and social sciences research and reporting. In this article, we introduce a new methodological framework, Journey M apping in A pplied P ublic H ealth & S ocial S ciences ( J-MAPHS) , a tool for advancing pathways of meaning in health and social sciences research. The J-MAPHS methodological framework is informed by four principles: co-design, the Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR): Patient Engagement Framework, the Youth Engagement Research Framework, and the Trauma-Informed Socially Just Research Framework. Drawing on development, implementation, and observation of the J-MAPHS methodological framework in six studies within the IN•GAUGE research program, we provide a structured guideline and examples of how this methodological framework can be used with various populations, allowing for generation of unique, meaningful participant journey maps, completing participant stories. Going forward, future evaluation of the J-MAPHS methodological framework will include gathering feedback on usability in three proposed studies with different populations, for clarity, and relevance and determining the efficacy of the instructions and framework in various contexts.