Changes Experienced in Quality of Life for Skull Base Surgical Patients: A Qualitative Case Study.

ABSTRACT: Objective Skull base tumors are associated with quality of life (QOL) changes. A qualitative case-study approach may help better understand patients' experiences. Methods A total of 34 skull base surgery patients were selected into focus groups using a criterion-based maximum variation sampling strategy from a sampling frame of 138 patients. Eight groups were organized based on a factorial design of surgical approach (endoscopic/pen) and tumor location (anterior/central). Data were analyzed using a conceptual framework. Qualitative analysis was performed on focus group transcripts to identify major themes and determine if surgical approach or tumor location had differential effects on QOL. Concepts were quantitatively tallied from written workbooks. Results The 34 part

SUBMITTER: de Almeida JR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5566088 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature