CSDH lived experiences
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding lived experiences of chronic subdural haematoma management and identifying unmet needs
IRAS ID
306002
Contact name
Ellie Edlmann
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospital Plymouth NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Chronic subdural haematomas (CSDH) is an increasingly common condition managed by neurosurgeons which primarily affects older people. It is a collection of blood on the surface of the brain which can be related to head trauma and falls. Patients present with confusion, unsteadiness, weakness and/or headaches, and are diagnosed with a CT head and referral to neurosurgeons. The majority of patients require an operation and are transferred to a specialist neurosurgical unit, which can be in a different hospital. The urgency of surgery varies, with some patients needing emergency surgery immediately, whilst others need to wait several days before being ready for surgery, particularly if they are on blood thinners. In some cases surgery can be avoided altogether and the patient observed in their local hospital or at home. Many patients have a range of other health conditions which can increase the risk of surgery, and over 50% have at least 1 complication during recovery therefore optimum preparation and discussions around treatment are crucial. As the patient management pathway is varied, many non-specialist referring doctors can be uncertain about how urgently patients need treating and what advice to give them. This has the potential to lead to poor communication with patients, inappropriate expectation setting and a lack of co-ordinated care.
There is currently no national pathway to guide management of CSDH but integrated care pathways exist for many similar conditions and can improve patient care and outcomes. This study is the first stage in developing a care pathway, through understanding the experience of patients, their carers and healthcare professionals involved in CSDH management and the challenges they face. This will be done through a series of patient interviews and interviews or focus groups with relevant healthcare professionals.REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
22/WA/0139
Date of REC Opinion
20 May 2022
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion