Dignity therapy for patients with brain tumours: qualitative reports from patients, caregivers and practitioners.

Background: Most individuals with brain tumours experience distress or cognitive impairment during the illness trajectory, potentially causing decreased quality of life, strain on interpersonal relationships and altered sense of self or of the world. Symptoms of brain tumour and treatment can cause increased reliance on others and decreased in sense of dignity. Dignity is an important consideration when caring for patients, as it can influence decisions at end-of-life.

Hospitalizations in elderly glioblastoma patients.

Background: Elderly glioblastoma (GB) patients are at risk of hospitalizations due to the morbidity of the disease and possible treatment toxicity.

Methods: In this observational cohort study, 255 newly diagnosed GB patients age 65 years and older were included. Survival, emergency room visits and admissions to an acute care hospital were determined.

Evaluation of an educational program for the caregivers of persons diagnosed with a malignant glioma.

Background: Caring for a loved one with a malignant glioma can be a formidable responsibility. The guarded prognosis, side effects of treatments, and changes in brain function, personality and behaviour pose unique challenges in care provision by family members. It is rare that institutions provide educational programs for caregivers.