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.