Existential support in brain tumour patients and their spouses

Area of Science:

• Oncology Nursing
• Palliative Care
• Existential Psychology

Background:

• Caring for brain tumor patients involves addressing profound existential questions.
• Existential support is crucial for patients and their families navigating life-threatening illnesses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and compare the perspectives of nurses, patients, and next-of-kin regarding existential support for brain tumor patients.
• To understand how existential support is prioritized by healthcare professionals and desired by patients and families.

Main Methods:

• Semi-structured, tape-recorded interviews were conducted with 20 brain tumor patients, 16 family members, and 16 nurses.
• Qualitative data analysis explored themes related to existential issues and support.

Main Results:

• Nurses identified four key areas of existential support: religion, diffuse concepts, conversation, and vital questions, but found practical implementation challenging due to time, knowledge, and fear.
• Patients and families reported satisfaction with medical/physical care but unmet needs for existential support, particularly open communication about their situation.
• Both groups identified staff stress, fear, and lack of skill as barriers to providing adequate existential support. Closeness and presence were highlighted as key to reducing existential isolation.

Conclusions:

• There is a significant gap between the need for existential support among brain tumor patients/families and its provision.
• Addressing nurses' barriers to providing existential support is essential for improving patient and family care.
• Enhancing communication and fostering presence are vital strategies for effective existential support in oncology settings.