Abstract: Objective: To map the dietary management journey of hemodialysis patients, and to dynamically identify their multidimensional needs and experiences, in order to provide a reference for improvement of the whole process of dietary management. Methods: A descriptive study was used and 14 hemodialysis patients from the Blood Purification Center of a tertiary grade A hospital in Leshan were interviewed by the semi-structured questions from March to May 2024. The traditional content analysis method was used to integrate the data. A patient journey map was developed. Results: Across the three phases of hemodialysis- preparation, transition, and maintenance, the dietary management journey of patients was reflected through four dimensions (tasks, emotions, challenges, and needs) revealing 28 themes including symptom management, information barriers, emotional conflicts, shared decision-making, social adaptation, and continuous care, etc. Conclusion: The dietary management journey of hemodialysis patients is complex and dynamic, and it is recommended to develop dialysis dietary support tools based on patients' dietary preferences, cooperating with multi-stakeholders. It is expected to meet the changes in dietary management needs in different dialysis periods, and promote their social reintegration.

Key words: patient journey map; hemodialysis; dietary management; demand; experience