The meaning of acceptance for people with multiple sclerosis

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Patient experiences of awake craniotomy: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

Awake craniotomy with language mapping enables maximum resection of tumours in eloquent areas while preserving function. This study aims to understand the lived experiences of those undergoing an awake craniotomy. Six participants who underwent awake craniotomy were interviewed, and the data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Themes were identified as ‘Unspeakable Fear’, ‘Dissociation’ and ‘Control and Responsibility’. Participants discussed how surgery was a threat to the sense of self. Dissociation during surgery operated as a protective mechanism, while the surgical team all had roles in maintaining this bubble of dissociation, such as being a support to the patient’s emotional needs

Health-related quality of life and psychological functioning in patients with primary malignant brain tumors: a systematic review of clinical, demographic and mental health factors

Background The impact of primary malignant brain tumors on patient quality of life and psychological functioning is poorly understood, limiting the development of an evidence base for supportive interventions. We conducted a thorough systematic review and quality appraisal of the relevant literature to identify correlates of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and psychological functioning (depression, anxiety and distress) in adults with primary malignant brain tumors. Method Twenty-three articles met predefined inclusion criteria from a pool of peer-reviewed literature published between January 1984 and July 2015 (N = 2407). Methodological quality of included studies was assessed using an adapted version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results The overall methodological quality of the literature was moderate. Factors relating consistently with HRQoL and/or psychological functioning were cognitive impairment, corticosteroid use, current or previous mental health difficulties, fatigue, functional impairment, performance status and motor impairment. Conclusions Practitioners should remain alert to the presence of these factors as they may indicate patients at greater risk of poor HRQoL and psychological functioning. Attention should be directed towards improving patients' psychological functioning and maximizing functional independence to promote HRQoL. We outline several areas of future research with emphasis on improved methodological rigor