Author(s): Srikandarajah N.; Clark S.; Wilby M.; Noble A.; Williamson P.; Marson T.
Source: British Journal of Neurosurgery; 2018; vol. 32 (no. 1); p. 80-81
Publication Date: 2018
Publication Type(s): Conference Abstract
Abstract:Objectives: There is minimal literature directly exploring the outcomes of importance for patients who have had an operation for Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES). We conducted qualitative interviews with CES patients to identify what these were. Design: This is a qualitative study registered on the COMET database (824). Invitations were sent via an ‘opt out’ mechanism. Ethics and REC approved 16/SC/0587. Consented semi-structured interviews were conducted following a topic guide designed a priori. These were audio recorded and transcribed. Subjects: A sampling frame was designed to capture different severities of male and female CES patients for short and long term outcomes. Methods: Qualitative data was thematically analysed using NVivo software to highlight outcomes that were of importance to patients and to identify prominent themes. Results: In total, 24 patient interviews were conducted averaging 45 mins each. In the short-term back/leg pain +/-bladder function is the major concern and long-term it is back pain and mobil-ity issues. Other outcomes have been highlighted e.g. low mood and sexual dysfunction. Major themes have become apparent such as unaware of diagnosis, lack of comprehensive follow up, anxiety about future prognosis and desire to return to work. Conclusions: There is a difference between short and long term outcomes that are of importance to CES patients and there are also important themes, which have previously not been addressed in the literature. This will help inform development of a core outcome set in CES.
Database: EMBASE