Patient information after ruptured intracranial aneurysm

Abstract

Aim. This paper reports an investigation into the effects of increased information for patients treated for intracranial aneurysm rupture. Background. Intracranial aneurysm rupture is a grave condition that requires immediate care. It can be treated in two different ways, by surgery or by endovascular procedure. Intracranial aneurysm rupture can mean great changes in life, both for the patient and their spouse or relatives. Methods. An intervention study was conducted using a quasi-experimental design. Participants were recruited consecutively over a period of 12 months and consisted of 62 patients treated for intracranial aneurysm rupture at a Swedish neurosurgical clinic. They were divided into two groups: an intervention group, who received written and oral information, and a comparison group, who received only oral information. Instruments. Self-report questionnaires were sent to patients’ homes 1–3 months after the aneurysm rupture. The questionnaires consisted of one study-specific instrument with questions about understanding of the information given and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, which measures worry or anxiety. Findings. The intervention group considered that the information that they received was somewhat easier to understand and that it corresponded more closely to their needs, compared with the comparison group. The majority of patients in both groups expressed a need for more and improved information. Levels of anxiety were high for the majority of patients, but no significant difference was evident between groups. Furthermore, the results showed that the majority of patients were given information without their spouse or relatives being present. Conclusion. Increased information seems to be needed for these patients. There is a need to continue the work to improve information-giving to them and their relatives.