Improving information provision for neurosurgical patients: a qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Medical Communication
• Patient Information Seeking Behavior

Background:

• Patients undergoing neurosurgery experience significant anxiety due to uncertain outcomes.
• Many patients report dissatisfaction with the information provided by physicians.
• Effective communication is crucial for managing patient anxiety and expectations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the information-seeking patterns of neurosurgical patients.
• To identify strategies for optimizing medical information delivery in neurosurgery.
• To enhance patient understanding and reduce anxiety related to neurosurgical procedures.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with 31 neurosurgical patients.
• Thematic analysis of transcribed interviews using NVivo10 software.
• Focus on patients treated for brain tumors (benign or malignant).

Main Results:

• Nearly all patients utilized the internet for information gathering.
• Patients sought details beyond tumor type, including tumor location.
• Malignant tumor patients showed less online searching and more interest in alternative therapies.
• Physicians can improve communication by reviewing imaging, fostering open dialogue, avoiding jargon, and guiding patients to reliable online resources.

Conclusions:

• Physicians can enhance patient information provision through written materials and curated online resources.
• Addressing patient-perceived time constraints and communication barriers is essential.
• Improved communication strategies can lead to better patient outcomes and satisfaction in neurosurgery.