Clifford Wendy, Sharpe Heather, Khu Kathleen Joy, Cusimano Michael, Knifed Eva, Bernstein Mark
Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 399 Bathurst Street, 4 West Wing, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada.
J Neurooncol. 2009 May;92(3):387-92. doi: 10.1007/s11060-009-9830-7. Epub 2009 Apr 9.
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.
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.
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.
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.
伽玛刀立体定向放射外科治疗（GKSRS）是一种门诊放射治疗程序，通过单次分割给予高度聚焦的辐射剂量。它用于治疗各种界限清晰的颅内病变，包括脑肿瘤。本研究旨在探讨患者对GKSRS过程及所涉及各个阶段的看法。
采用定性研究方法。对29名参与者进行了三次半结构化、开放式访谈，这些参与者为2007年8月至2008年8月期间接受GKSRS的非卧床成年患者。
数据中出现了七个总体主题：（1）患者对总体治疗体验感到满意；（2）大多数患者对GKSRS有较好的了解；（3）患者教育的质量和数量足够；（4）过程期望基本得到满足；（5）大多数患者将结果置于过程之上；（6）大多数患者对结果有现实的期望；（7）疼痛和焦虑是重要问题。
研究结果对GKSRS过程给予了积极反映，但也发现了一些需要改进的领域，特别是转诊咨询过程和手术疼痛的管理。这些关于患者看法的见解可带来更好的护理服务，并最终改善健康结果。
