Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 399 Bathurst Street, 4 West Wing, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada.
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.