Abstract: Objective: To identify the multidimensional needs related to exercise rehabilitation management in lung cancer patients undergoing Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) using a journey mapping approach, and to provide insights for meeting their exercise needs and improving adherence. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study design was employed to enroll seventeen lung cancer patients who had VATS utilizing purposive sampling. They then received semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using content analysis, and eventually a patient journey map of exercise rehabilitation management was developed. Results: According to the rehabilitation timeline, a total of 32 themes were identified which could be classified into three dimensions: tasks, emotions, and pain points. Among them, 18 themes were related to the perioperative phase, and 14 themes were associated with the hospital-to-home transition phase. The findings systematically depicted the overall journey of exercise rehabilitation management experienced by those patients. Conclusion: The management of exercise rehabilitation for lung cancer patients undergoing VATS is complex and variable. As a result, it is recommended to strengthen continuous health education during the whole perioperative period, implement staged and targeted exercise interventions, and pay attention to patients' psychological well-being and family support to enhance their exercise adherence and rehabilitation outcomes.

Key words: patient journey mapping; lung cancer; surgery; exercise rehabilitation; qualitative research