title: Quality of life in patients with malignant spinal cord compression: a review of evidence-based literature.
abstract: Malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC) is a devastating complication of metastatic cancer. The majority of existing studies focus on treatment guidelines for MSCC, with little emphasis on the impact that MSCC has on quality of life (QoL) for this patient group. This literature review aims to critically appraise available literature focusing on QoL for patients with MSCC. Relevant literature was identified from key electronic databases. A dearth of credible studies representative of the patient population with MSCC was found. Thematic analysis was used as a guide to identify key themes that impact on QoL. Interestingly, patients with MSCC generally report good QoL and low levels of distress in over 50% of cases. However, a significant percentage of patients are distressed. The review concludes that increased awareness and further research into the impact of MSCC is required.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Nurse Specialist Palliative Care, Southampton General Hospital, UK.
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Harris
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D013120:Spinal Cord Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology
keywords: Emotional; Outcome measure; Psychological; Quality of life; Specialist palliative care; Spinal cord compression