[Making a safe transition home after a meningioma resection: The impact of nursing care].

INTRODUCTION

This study originated from patients' demands that they be better informed and that their meningioma diagnosis be considered serious. Meningioma are brain tumours that represent about 30% of all primary brain tumours. In 90% of the cases, they are non-cancerous. The objective was to identify whether educational intervention by nurses would have a positive impact on transition.

METHOD: The study lasted 12 months and included two groups: intervention and control. Intervention involved the verbal and written delivery of answers to frequently asked questions, as well as patient follow-up for six weeks post-surgery. Nurses were available during the preparation for discharge, as well as the follow-up call 48-72 hours later.

RESULTS

Educational nursing care had no demonstrable effect.

DISCUSSION: Differences between the groups might have influenced the effect of educational intervention. Our results suggest certain lines of thought as to the doses of information that should be given based on stages of care and individual particularities.