Prognostic Awareness and Patient-Physician Communication in Malignant Glioma

Prognostic Awareness and Patient-Physician Communication in Malignant Glioma

The purpose of this study is to learn more about the understanding patients with brain tumors have of their disease and their communication with their physician. Ultimately, we hope to use these findings to improve communication between patients and their doctors.

Inclusion Criteria:

Patient Inclusion Criteria

• Age greater than or equal to 18
• Diagnosis of any WHO grade III or IV glioma
• Admitted to the inpatient Neurology service
• Has had at least one outpatient visit with a neuro-oncologist at MSKCC Fluent in English

Caregiver Inclusion Criteria

• Age greater than or equal to 18
• Identified by the patient as a relative, friend, or partner with whom he or she has a significant relationship and who provides him or her physical or emotional assistance.
• The patient has himself or herself agreed to participate in this study

Exclusion Criteria:

Patient Exclusion Criteria

• A patient will be excluded if the Glasgow Coma Scale is less than 15. The patient must be oriented to self, age, place, and year, and month.
• Aphasia precluding comprehension and verbalization of consent to participate
• Patients who cannot verbally demonstrate their understanding of the risks, benefits, and alternatives to participating in the study. This evaluation will take place for otherwise eligible and willing participants, and it will be performed by the NP or MD clinician who is obtaining informed consent and will be documented in the medical record.

Caregiver Exclusion Criteria

• No eligible caregivers who can complete the brief assessment in person or via telephone will be excluded