AUTHOR=Boegli Judith , Gross Karin , Beynon Fenella , Bohle Leah F. 
  
TITLE=Process mapping in clinical healthcare settings in low-income and lower-middle-income countries: a scoping review
  
JOURNAL=Public Health Reviews
  
VOLUME=Volume 47 - 2026
  
YEAR=2026
  
URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/public-health-reviews/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609105
  
DOI=10.3389/phrs.2026.1609105
  
ISSN=2107-6952
  
ABSTRACT=ObjectivesTo examine the use of process mapping (PM) in clinical healthcare settings in low- and lower-middle-income countries (LLMICs).MethodsA scoping review was conducted. Full-text empirical studies published from 2014 to 2024 were identified from MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases.ResultsTwenty-six articles were included. Deductive and inductive content analysis was performed. Applications have included process- and quality-improvement initiatives (n = 12), health system process analysis and assessment (n = 7), health systems tools design, implementation and evaluation (n = 4), and costing (n = 3). Observations, workshops and interviews were applied, with 65% using a single method (n = 17). PM was predominantly researcher-led (n = 17), with local healthcare workers participating in the majority of studies (n = 21); none involved patients. Gaps in reporting and documentation of PM activities were identified (n = 16).ConclusionPM demonstrated significant potential as a versatile and adaptable method for improving clinical processes. Future PM studies should adhere to reporting guidelines, promote locally led PM activities and incorporate diverse perspectives, particularly those of patients.