Mapping the Uncharted Journey: Constructing a Journey Map for Caregivers of Patients with Intracranial Tumors Based on a Systematic Review of Qualitative Research

Objective This study aims to synthesize qualitative evidence to construct a journey map delineating the experiences and needs of caregivers of patients with intracranial tumors. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted across six electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, EMBASE, Scopus, and PsycINFO) from their inception to December 2025, supplemented by manual searches of reference lists from relevant articles.This review focused on the lived experiences, perceptions, unmet needs, and emotional states of informal caregivers of individuals with intracranial tumors.Two researchers independently screened the literature and assessed the methodological quality of included studies using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool for qualitative research.Data extraction was then performed to collate pertinent information, and thematic analysis was employed to summarize and synthesize the findings from the included studies.This qualitative systematic review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research statement. Results This review included 18 articles and constructed a caregiver journey map encompassing six sequential phases: screening and diagnosis phase, perioperative period, continuing treatment phase, disease progression phase, hospice care phase, and bereavement and reconstruction phase.This journey map systematically delineates the core tasks, emotional experiences, primary pain points, potential opportunity points, and relevant stakeholders for caregivers at each phase. Conclusion The caregiver journey map for patients with intracranial tumors developed in this study innovatively integrates the complex experiences and needs of caregivers across the entire disease trajectory in a visual and phased manner.This map provides a structured toolkit for clinical healthcare professionals, offering an evidence-based foundation for future clinical practices such as phased supportive needs assessment, multidisciplinary collaboration, implementation of precise supportive interventions, and optimization of continuous care services. Furthermore, it establishes an evidence-informed framework for healthcare and education administrators as well as policymakers to optimize resource allocation and design continuous support services.