Knowledge, and attitudes of patient’s primary caregiver towards decompressive hemicraniectomy

Background: Decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) is a surgical procedure in which a substantial piece of the cranium is removed to reduce intracranial pressure. DHC improves mortality. Although the surgical procedure may be lifesaving, many survivors suffer from a severe neurological impairment, which the patients and primary caregivers have to deal with afterward. This study’s purpose is to understand better the primary caregiver’s perception regarding the burden of the outcome of DHC. Methods: This was a descriptive, prospective study that included all primary caregivers of patients who had previously undergone DHC between the years 2019 to 2022 at Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center. A total of 48 primary caregivers were included in the study. Results: Most primary caregivers have adequate knowledge of the pros and cons of the surgery, but few individuals demonstrated insufficient knowledge. Moreover, the primary caregivers also acknowledged the reality of the patient’s surgery, including the demand for the caregiver’s time and other negative effects. Conclusion: There is still a need to comprehensively orient the patient’s primary caregivers on the benefits and risks of DHC to ensure they know what to expect prior to the surgery. Also, fear of the negative outcomes of the surgery, family concerns, and finances were the main hindrances why other primary caregivers may opt out of the surgery.