Gamma Knife patients' experience: lessons learned from a qualitative study.
BACKGROUND
Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery (GKSRS) is an outpatient radiation therapy procedure in which a highly focused dose of radiation is delivered in a single fraction. It is used to treat a variety of well-demarcated intracranial lesions, including brain tumors. This study aims to explore patients' perspectives of the GKSRS process and the various stages involved.


METHODS
Qualitative research methodology was used. Three semi-structured, open-ended interviews were conducted with 29 participants, who were ambulatory adult patients who underwent GKSRS between August 2007 and August 2008.


RESULTS
Seven overarching themes emerged from the data: (1) patients were satisfied with the overall treatment experience; (2) the majority of patients had a good knowledge of GKSRS; (3) the quality and amount of patient education were adequate; (4) process expectations were largely met; (5) most patients prioritized outcome over process; (6) most patients had a realistic expectation of outcomes; and (7) pain and anxiety were important issues.


CONCLUSIONS
The study results reflected positively on the GKSRS process, but there were some areas identified that require improvement, specifically the referral-consultation process and the management of procedural pain. These insights on the patients' perspectives can lead to better delivery of care and ultimately, improved health outcomes.
Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 399 Bathurst Street, 4 West Wing, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada.
Wendy
W
Clifford
Heather
H
Sharpe
Kathleen Joy
KJ
Khu
Michael
M
Cusimano
Eva
E
Knifed
Mark
M
Bernstein
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016634:Radiosurgery / Q000009:adverse effects