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Past, present and future, the experience of time during examination for malignant brain tumor: a qualitative observational study

  • Original Article - Tumor - Glioma
  • Published:
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Abstract

Background

Primary malignant brain tumor is a severe disease with a poor prognosis causing reduced life expectancy and possible alteration in the perception of time. The aim of this study was to gain deeper insight into the perception of time from the perspective of patients with brain cancer as they pass through the Danish Integrated Brain Cancer Pathway at a university hospital in Denmark.

Methods

Data were generated by shadowing six patients and relatives during their visit to and hospitalisation in a neurosurgical department.

Results

Through one constructed case, three perspectives of time were identified. The patient’s perception of time during his illness, the healthcare system’s perception of time and, finally, an ethical time perspective. The analysis showed a discrepancy between patients’ and healthcare professionals’ perception of time. Furthermore, the results revealed an ethical time dimension.

Conclusions

The findings contribute to a better understanding of the perception of time among seriously ill patients and may further healthcare professionals’ awareness of how to support patients in achieving a more meaningful use of their remaining lifetime.

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Acknowledgements

Special thanks are due to all the patients, their relatives and to HCPs for their important contribution to this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosurgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Section 7006, entrance 7, ground floor, Inge Lehmanns Vej 6, DK-2100, Copenhagen East, Denmark

    Rikke Guldager, Pernille Vinding Hansen & Morten Ziebell

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  1. Rikke Guldager
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  2. Pernille Vinding Hansen
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  3. Morten Ziebell
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Correspondence to Rikke Guldager.

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Guldager, R., Hansen, P.V. & Ziebell, M. Past, present and future, the experience of time during examination for malignant brain tumor: a qualitative observational study. Acta Neurochir 163, 959–967 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-020-04693-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-020-04693-z

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