Cross-sectional Patient Journey

What is a cross-sectional Patient Journey? 

A cross-sectional patient journey refers to the study or analysis of a patient's healthcare experience at a single point in time. Unlike a longitudinal journey, which tracks changes over a period, a cross-sectional patient journey provides a snapshot of a patient's health status, treatment, and outcomes at a specific moment. 

Why is a cross-sectional patient journey important?

The cross-sectional patient journey is valuable for understanding the patient’s current health state and making real-time treatment decisions. It is especially useful in situations where an immediate response is needed or when assessing a single aspect of care. However, it offers a limited perspective compared to longitudinal studies, as it does not track changes over time.