Related Experiment Video For brain cancer pathway
Updated: Jun 11, 2026
A Pipeline for 3D Multimodality Image Integration and Computer-assisted Planning in Epilepsy Surgery
Published on: May 20, 2016
A fast transition: A case study of patients' experiences during the diagnostic and surgical treatment phase of an
Tina Wang Vedelø1,2, Jens Christian H Sørensen2,3, Elisabeth O C Hall1,4
1Department of Public Health, Nursing, Health Faculty, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
Background:
Patients receiving a brain cancer diagnosis may face cognitive decline and a poor prognosis. In addition, they suffer from a high symptom burden in a complex cancer pathway. The aim of this study was to investigate the early hospital experiences of brain tumour patients during the diagnostic and surgical treatment phase.
Methods:
A descriptive longitudinal single-case study design was used, and data were analysed via systematic text condensation.
Results:
The patients' experiences of being diagnosed with and treated for brain cancer were interpreted in terms of the central theme: a fast transition into an unknown journey. This theme consisted of the following subthemes: emotionally overwhelmed, putting life on hold and an unfamiliar dependency.
Conclusions:
Patients diagnosed with brain cancer struggle with overwhelming emotions due to this sudden life-threatening diagnosis, their fear of brain surgery and their progressing dependence. Patients did not voice their feelings, fears or needs, so these may easily be overlooked and unmet. A proactive and continuous care approach throughout the diagnostic phase is needed to support these patients.
