UNDERSTANDING THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS FOR NEUROSURGICAL INTERVENTIONS: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS

Background: High-risk operations that have a major effect on patients' quality of life are frequently a part of neurosurgical interventions. Given the intricacy of these choices, it is essential to comprehend the viewpoints of patients, families, and healthcare professionals, especially when it comes to shared decision-making (SDM). Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate, through a qualitative method, how neurosurgical care decisions are made, with an emphasis on the emotional, cultural, and cognitive aspects that affect treatment decisions. Methods: 110 participants, including patients, family members, and medical professionals, participated in a qualitative study at a tertiary care neurosurgery center. Key themes impacting decision-making were identified using thematic content analysis of in-depth, semi-structured interviews.Results: Although 56.7% of patients favored SDM, power was frequently transferred to surgeons or families due to cultural dominance, emotional suffering, and a lack of medical understanding. Effective SDM was hampered by patient impairment, time constraints, and a lack of teaching resources, according to healthcare providers. Conclusion: Making decisions on neurosurgery is a complicated process that is influenced by economic, cultural, emotional, and medical aspects. Patient care and family involvement can be improved by using shared decision-making (SDM) in a more methodical and compassionate way. To improve collaborative decision-making, future initiatives should concentrate on educating healthcare professionals and putting decision-support systems into place.