  This paper presents TimelinePTC, a web-based tool developed to improve the
collection and analysis of Pathways to Care (PTC) data in first episode
psychosis (FEP) research. Accurately measuring the duration of untreated
psychosis (DUP) is essential for effective FEP treatment, requiring detailed
understanding of the patient's journey to care. However, traditional PTC data
collection methods, mainly manual and paper-based, are time-consuming and often
fail to capture the full complexity of care pathways.
  TimelinePTC addresses these limitations by providing a digital platform for
collaborative, real-time data entry and visualization, thereby enhancing data
accuracy and collection efficiency. Initially created for the Specialized
Treatment Early in Psychosis (STEP) program in New Haven, Connecticut, its
design allows for straightforward adaptation to other healthcare contexts,
facilitated by its open-source codebase.
  The tool significantly simplifies the data collection process, making it more
efficient and user-friendly. It automates the conversion of collected data into
a format ready for analysis, reducing manual transcription errors and saving
time. By enabling more detailed and consistent data collection, TimelinePTC has
the potential to improve healthcare access research, supporting the development
of targeted interventions to reduce DUP and improve patient outcomes.
