Existential support in brain tumour patients and their spouses

Caring for patients with brain tumours raises existential questions. The aims of this study were to describe the opinions of nurses, patients and next-of-kin on existential support and how this is prioritised.

a total of 20 brain tumour patients, 16 family members and 16 nurses underwent explorative, tape-recorded, semi-structured interviews about existential issues.

the nurses' opinions about the importance and prioritisation of existential support could be divided into four main groups: 1) religion, 2) "a diffuse picture", 3) conversation, and 4) questions of vital importance. They generally had a favourable attitude towards existential issues but thought those issues were difficult to deal with in practice due to lack of time, lack of knowledge and fear. Without exception, patients and family members were satisfied with the medical and physical treatment, but not with the existential support. They had, to a great extent, wished for existential support, and especially for the opportunity of talking about the existential threat that had arisen. Obstacles to this were thought to be due to the staff being under much stress, being afraid and unskilled. The importance of closeness and presence, which decreased existential isolation, was emphasised.