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 referralconsultation 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.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.