Diagnosis Disclosure Process in Patients With Malignant Brain Tumors

BACKGROUND

The way to disclose a cancer diagnosis has evolved, and psycho-oncology has developed a more prominent place in cancer care. The diagnosis disclosure process was established to improve the overall quality of patient care and the communication about a cancer diagnosis.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the implementation of the disclosure process in a neurosurgical unit.

METHODS

This study was conducted prospectively during a one-year period. All patients were diagnosed with malignant brain tumors and received their diagnosis using the disclosure process. The communication between the provider and the patient during diagnosis disclosure was recorded for analysis, and patients completed a satisfaction survey.

FINDINGS

Ninety-one patients with a brain tumor diagnosis participated in the study. Twenty-six were unable to complete the satisfaction survey because they were either deceased or close to the end of their lives. In total, 65 questionnaires were sent to patients and their families, and 43 responded. Patients were satisfied with the quality of the disclosure process regarding information given, psychological support, and communication with all healthcare providers. This assessment allowed the authors to better characterize the impact of the disclosure process on the overall care of patients and to measure the effect of the components of the disclosure process on patient satisfaction.

[Impact of driving restrictions disclosure on quality of life of patients with a glial tumor: A prospective study]

INTRODUCTION

Disclosure of driving restrictions on patients with glial tumors is a complex and difficult task. The difficulty of such task lies in the moral and ethical conflicts it generates for the patient on one hand and caregivers on the other. These aforementioned conflicts impinge upon the patient's quality of life which is one of the important aspects of neuro-oncologic care.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

In a prospective survey of 31 patients diagnosed with glial tumors, we studied how the patient perceived the disclosure of driving restrictions specifically the amount of retained information, and the level of distress.

RESULTS

It seems that patients fail to assess the juridical implications of driving restrictions. The impact on quality of life as well as psychological and social aspects of these restrictions must not be taken lightly especially in young patients with low-grade glioma who has a long life expectancy.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, we believe that planning a specific psychological and social accompaniment of the patient in relation to driving restrictions is an undeniable necessity.

[The nurse's role in the disclosure of a brain tumor]

The announcement of a brain tumour, in particular glioblastoma, is a psychological shock for the patient and their family. A review has been carried out into this subject by a team of nurses sharing their work time between the neurosurgical department and the disclosure process unit.