title: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the patient experience of awake craniotomy: brain tumour diagnosis to discharge.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Previous research exploring the patient experience of awake craniotomy (AC) has yielded contrasting accounts. The current study aimed to explore the lived experience of having undergone an AC in the United Kingdom.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a qualitative, semi-structured interview study. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).
  
  
  METHODS
  Seven participants (three males, four females) who had undergone an AC in the United Kingdom took part in the study. Ages ranged between 26 and 41 years old at the time of interview. Time since AC ranged from 5 months to 4 years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants appeared to be satisfied with, and tolerant of, the AC experience. Three superordinate themes: use of self-preservation strategies prior to and during AC, a bizarre yet pleasant operation experience, and the need for more concrete information prior to surgery were identified. These themes appeared to be embedded in a core theme: relationship with the neurosurgeon.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The relationship with the neurosurgeon appears crucial to the patient experience of AC. This knowledge underscores the need for effective doctor-patient communication skills which could lead to improved delivery of care and more positive outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Work, Health and Organisations, University of Nottingham, UK. Kimberleyfletcher2401@googlemail.com
authors.forename: Kimberley J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Fletcher
authors.forename: Roshan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: das Nair
authors.forename: Jamie A B
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Macniven
authors.forename: Surajit
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Basu
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Byrne
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001364:Awareness; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D003399:Craniotomy / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012649:Self Concept; D014851:Wakefulness