Improving Information Provision for Neurosurgical Patients: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Patients confronted with the daunting prospect of a potentially life-altering procedure with uncertain outcome demonstrate high levels of anxiety and need for information. Regardless, many patients are left unsatisfied by the amount of information received from physicians. This study sought to examine the information-seeking patterns of patients and suggest ways to optimize the communication of medical information, specifically within the context of neurosurgery. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 31 neurosurgical patients operated on for benign or malignant brain tumors. Interviews were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis in NVivo10. Three major themes relating to information-seeking by neurosurgical patients were identified: 1) almost all patients searched for information on the Internet; 2) in addition to characterizing the tumor as benign or malignant, patients sought additional information such as the location of the tumor in the brain; and 3) patients with malignant tumors were less likely to seek information online and more likely to consider alternative therapies. To improve the provision of information to neurosurgical patients, physicians can 1) offer to review imaging results with patients; 2) promote an environment open to questions; 3) provide information in a forthright manner, avoiding the use of medical jargon; and 4) consider guiding patients to reliable Internet sites and facilitating written records of consultations. There are many ways that physicians can improve the provision of information to patients, including providing written information and physician recommended online resources, and being mindful of patient perceived time constraints and barriers to effective communication.