Skull Base Surgery: A Patient-Centred Perspective on Care and Recovery
Joanne Hiatt, Teresa Brown, Ryan Sommerville, Richard Gan, Abigail Walker, Clare Burns, Laura Moroney, Brett Hughes, Judy BauerAbstract
This study explores the experiences of patients who have undergone skull base surgery, with a focus on the roles of dietitians and speech pathologists in managing eating and swallowing difficulties. It aims to identify gaps in support and communication during perioperative and postsurgical care to inform more patient-centered, multidisciplinary service delivery.
A qualitative design using semistructured interviews was employed. Eighteen adults who underwent skull base surgery between January 2018 and July 2024 at a tertiary hospital in Brisbane, Australia were recruited via convenience sampling. Interviews were conducted by a dietitian not involved in participants' care and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. The study followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist for qualitative research.
Participants ranged in age from 33 to 80 years, with most diagnosed with malignant tumors and having received adjuvant therapy. Six key themes emerged: (1) nutrition is not a priority; (2) limited awareness of allied health roles; (3) feeling disconnected after discharge; (4) valuing support during radiation; (5) complexity of informed consent; and (6) social withdrawal.
Findings highlight the need for a holistic, patient-centered approach to skull base surgery care. Nutrition and allied health support were often overlooked due to limited awareness and communication. Enhancing preoperative education, integrating allied health professionals across the care continuum, and addressing psychosocial challenges are essential to improving recovery and quality of life.