Synthesis maps: visual knowledge translation for the CanIMPACT clinical system and patient cancer journeys

Abstract

Salient findings and interpretations from the canimpact clinical cancer research study are visually represented in two synthesis maps for the purpose of communicating an integrated presentation of the study to clinical cancer researchers and policymakers. Synthesis maps integrate evidence and expertise into a visual narrative for knowledge translation and communication. A clinical system synthesis map represents the current Canadian primary care and cancer practice systems, proposed as a visual knowledge translation from the mixed-methods canimpact study to inform Canadian clinical research, policy, and practice discourses. Two synthesis maps, drawn together from multiple canimpact investigations and sources, were required to articulate critical differences between the clinical system and patient perspectives. The synthesis map of Canada-wide clinical cancer systems illustrates the relationships between primary care and the full cancer continuum. A patient-centred map was developed to represent the cancer (and primary care) journeys as experienced by breast and colorectal cancer patients.

Keywords: Clinical system analyses; complexity; patient experiences; visualizations.

FIGURE 1

Cancer care pathways in Canadian health care. Copyright: Strategic Innovation Lab, OCAD University, 2016; used with permission.

FIGURE 2

The patient as person in relationship-centred care. Copyright: Strategic Innovation Lab, OCAD University, 2016; used with permission.