Patients' experiences and care needs during the diagnostic phase of an integrated brain cancer pathway: A case study

Aims and objectives: To identify and describe patients' experiences and care needs throughout the diagnostic phase of an integrated brain cancer pathway.

Background: A malignant brain tumour is a devastating diagnosis, which may cause psychical symptoms and cognitive deficits. Studies have shown that the shock of the diagnosis, combined with the multiple symptoms, affects patients' ability to understand information and express needs of care and support. Unmet needs have been reported within this group of patients; however, the experiences and care needs of patients going through the diagnostic phase of a standardised integrated brain cancer pathway have not previously been explored.

Design: A case study design was used to provide detailed information of the complex needs of patients being diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour.

Methods: Research interviews and direct participant observation of four patients during hospital admission, brain surgery and discharge were conducted in a Danish university hospital. Systematic text condensation was used to analyse the data material.

Results: Four major themes were identified: information needs, balancing hope and reality while trying to perceive the unknown reality of brain cancer, not knowing what to expect and participants' perceptions of the relationship with the healthcare providers. The analysis revealed that participants were in risk of having unmet information needs and that contextual factors seemed to cause fragmented care that led to feelings of uncertainty and loss of control.

Conclusions: Brain tumour patients have complex care needs and experience a particular state of vulnerability during the diagnostic phase. Through personal relationships based on trust with skilled healthcare providers, participants experienced an existential recognition and alleviation of emotional distress.

Relevance to clinical practice: Patients receiving a brain tumour diagnosis experience unmet care needs in several areas during their hospital stay. There is a need for interventions from healthcare providers.