THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTERDISCIPLINARY ASSESSMENT CLINIC TO ADDRESS THE HEALTH RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE (HRQOL) ISSUES OF PATIENTS WITH A MENINGIOMA

摘要

AIMSEvidence demonstrating the impact a meningioma brain tumour may have on the HRQOL of a patient undergoing neurosurgery has supported the development of an interdisciplinary assessment clinic and highlighted their therapeutic and supportive care needs. Meningiomas are often benign, yet they can have a complex presentation. NICE (2006) recommend that supportive care should be available for all brain tumour patients, however this can be limited for patients with a meningioma, as surgery is deemed to be curative and support has focussed on patients with malignant tumours. Self-reported HRQOL outcomes are now recognised as providing further understanding of the effects of the condition and treatments. The interdisciplinary clinic provides comprehensive Neuropsychology and Allied Health Professional assessment before and after surgery. The clinic, alongside addressing their needs, provides understanding of the physical and psychosocial effects of the tumour, to support rationalised clinical decision-making for proceeding with surgery.