Being a brain tumor patient: a descriptive study of patients' experiences

The purpose of this study was to describe the experience of being a patient with a brain tumor in the neurosurgery clinic of a university hospital. Eight brain tumor patients volunteered to participate. The data were collected by interviewing the participants on the day preceding brain surgery and 3-7 days postoperatively. The interviews were analyzed by inductive content analysis. Preoperatively, some patients had a fearless and calm attitude towards their illness, while others were fearful and depressed. Postoperatively, the patients' body images changed, and they were concerned about the future. They perceived their care as matter-of-fact and friendly both before and after the surgery, and they thought their basic needs were met. Some patients would have wanted more psychological support, especially after the surgery, while others found the psychological support adequate. The patients were willing to participate in decision making about their care, and they trusted the professional skill and competence of the nurses. Suggested improvements in care were to minimize the atmosphere of urgency and hurry, appoint a primary nurse for each patient, and give more attention to after-care.