ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Various guidelines have highlighted the importance of patients being given information on malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC), both when diagnosed with the condition and as a tool to aid early detection. AIM: To determine patient and staff views on the provision of MSCC information to patients with a diagnosis of or considered to be at high risk of developing MSCC. METHODS: Patients with MSCC admitted to a large regional cancer centre in Scotland over a 6-month period were interviewed. Staff were also surveyed using similar questions. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients and fifty staff were recruited. Only 4% of staff reported giving any written information about MSCC to patients with a confirmed diagnosis, although 20% of patients said they received it and 77% wanted it. A total of 54% of staff reported gaving prophylactic information about MSCC to patients, although the majority of the patients (86%) said they would have wanted this information. Patients generally did not access additional information about MSCC and were dependent on the limited amount provided by the health-care team. CONCLUSION: Health professionals need to ensure that patients get the information they want, which will allow them to recognize MSCC symptoms early for improved treatment outcomes or to better adapt to a diagnosis.
