Suffering in Primary Malignant Brain Tumor Patients with Neurological Dysfunction

Abstract

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify suffering in primary malignant brain tumor patients with neurological dysfunction, and to consider nursing support for such patients to alleviate their suffering. The subjects comprised 6 patients with a primary malignant brain tumor. Data was collected through semi-structured interview and participant observation, and subjected to qualitative inductive analysis. Five main categories were identified: A) the threat of having malignant brain tumor; B) confrontation with death; C) loss of feelings of self; D) loss of dignity; and E) decline in activities of daily living. These findings suggested the following types of essential suffering: a life crisis caused by the malignant brain tumor (A, B); wounded self-existence (C, D); and a decline in self-reliance (E). Nursing support to alleviate the suffering of patients would thus involve the following: accurate recognition of the suffering of patients with a life crisis caused by a malignant brain tumor, and helping patients accept their own condition; support of patients in making their everyday life as independent as possible using their remaining neurological function; and respect for feelings of self in each patient, and sustaining their sense of self-worth.