Health professionals' perspectives on information delivery for patients newly diagnosed with brain tumours

Introduction Although recent studies have identified high levels of unmet informational needs among patients with brain tumours[1], it is unclear how health professionals perceive that these needs can be met. Methods To better understand information provision in the neuro-oncology setting, a structured group concept mapping technique combining qualitative and quantitative data collection methods is being used. This involves individual and group activities in six phases to explore staff perceptions of the provision of information between patients, carers and health professionals. Participants are health care professionals involved with persons diagnosed with a brain tumour. Results Individual and group brainstorming activities have generated a list of existing and potential elements of care proposed to assist patients newly diagnosed with a brain tumour. Participants have provided information via web-based activities with which to interpret the perceived relationships of these elements to each other, and the perceived importance and feasibility of each element. These relationships and ratings have been analysed using similarity matrices, multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis, resulting in two- and three-dimensional maps, which will be presented. Discussion This research will identify the relationships between information delivery and other supportive care services, perceived barriers to and gaps in information services, and priorities for improving information delivery from health professionals' point of view. The analysis of these results will allow identification of pathways to improve brain tumour care and guide the development of intervention programs for patients with brain tumours.