Provision of information about malignant spinal cord compression: perceptions of patients and staff

Various guidelines have highlighted the importance of patients being given information on malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC), both when diagnosed with the condition and as a tool to aid early detection.

To determine patient and staff views on the provision of MSCC information to patients with a diagnosis of or considered to be at high risk of developing MSCC.

Patients with MSCC admitted to a large regional cancer centre in Scotland over a 6-month period were interviewed. Staff were also surveyed using similar questions.

Fifty-six patients and fifty staff were recruited. Only 4% of staff reported giving any written information about MSCC to patients with a confirmed diagnosis, although 20% of patients said they received it and 77% wanted it. A total of 54% of staff reported gaving prophylactic information about MSCC to patients, although the majority of the patients (86%) said they would have wanted this information. Patients generally did not access additional information about MSCC and were dependent on the limited amount provided by the health-care team.

Health professionals need to ensure that patients get the information they want, which will allow them to recognize MSCC symptoms early for improved treatment outcomes or to better adapt to a diagnosis.