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Updated: Dec 6, 2025
A Unified Methodological Framework for Vestibular Schwannoma Research
Published on: June 20, 2017
Patient-reported factors that influence the vestibular schwannoma treatment decision: a qualitative study
O M Neve1, G Soulier2, M Hendriksma2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands. o.m.neve@lumc.nl.
Purpose:
In cases of small- to medium-sized vestibular schwannomas, three management strategies can be opted for: active surveillance, surgery or radiotherapy. In these cases, the patient's preference is pivotal in decision-making. The aim of this study was to identify factors that influence a patient's decision for a particular management strategy.
Methods:
A qualitative inductive thematic analysis was performed based on semi-structured interviews. Eighteen patients with small- to medium-sized vestibular schwannomas were interviewed. All patients were diagnosed or treated at one of the two participating university medical centers in the Netherlands.
Results:
Ten themes were identified that influenced the decision, classified as either medical or patient-related. The medical themes that emerged were: tumor characteristics, the physician's recommendation, treatment outcomes and the perceived center's experience. The patient-related themes were: personal characteristics, anxiety, experiences, cognitions, logistics and trust in the physician.
Conclusion:
Knowledge of the factors that influence decision-making helps physicians to tailor their consultations to arrive at a true shared decision on vestibular schwannoma management.
