Bereavement outcomes of carers of patients with high grade glioma: Experiences of support before and after the death

Carers of people with High Grade Glioma (HGG) completed a survey assessing their anxiety, depression, and grief in addition to open-ended questions exploring their experiences of support pre- and post-death (N = 25). One-third reported borderline or clinical levels of anxiety, depression, and grief related distress. Given the poor prognosis and rapid deterioration of patients with HGG, the findings highlight the importance of sensitive communication about prognosis early in the disease trajectory, information tailored to disease stage, the initiation of a referral to psychological support services, and timely discussions about the preferred place of care and death.

Automated summary

A survey of 25 caregivers of people with High Grade Glioma (HGG) revealed that one-third of them reported moderate to severe levels of anxiety, depression, and grief. The study emphasizes the importance of early and sensitive communication about prognosis, tailored information based on the disease stage, referral to psychological support services, and timely discussions about the preferred place of care and death for HGG patients.