Psychological and Functional Impact of a Small Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm Diagnosis: A Mixed‐Methods Evaluation of the Patient Journey

Abstract

Background Following a diagnosis of a small unruptured intracranial aneurysm (sUIA), patients often experience psychological ailments which may be attributable to the neurovascular consultation, referral pathway, or long‐term imaging surveillance. Here, we aim to characterize the early sUIA patient journey and evaluate their psychosocial status. Methods A mixed‐methods analysis of sUIA patients attending a large tertiary neurosciences center was performed. For patients presenting to the neurovascular service in 2020, this included: (i) a thematic analysis of patient perspectives extracted from semistructured telephone interviews, (ii) a quantitative assessment of psychological status using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and (iii) an evaluation of functional independence using a customized activity of daily living questionnaire. The relationship between service or clinical factors, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale subscale scores was statistically tested. Results The sUIA patient cohort (n=105) had a mean age of 56.8 years (SD=15.8, female=69). Thematic analysis of interview responses (n=33) identified 5 recurrent themes underpinning the sUIA patient experience: referral, diagnosis and information sharing, imaging surveillance, psychological impairment and coping strategies, and activities of daily living, all of which contributed to patient concerns. A total of 53.6% of patients achieved a Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score signifying at least mild anxiety and/or depression. Lifestyle changes most frequently affected after diagnosis included avoidance of straining‐intensive exercise, change in patterns of substance use, and work‐related performance. Multivariate analysis revealed no significant service or clinical predictors for anxiety or depression. Conclusion For some patients, an sUIA diagnosis appears to be associated, at least qualitatively, with a psychological burden. This is likely mediated through stressors related to the referral, diagnosis, neurosurgical consultation, and image surveillance. In the absence of evidence‐based guidelines regarding these aspects of the early patient journey, we offer suggestions aimed at improving both the neurovascular service and sUIA patient experience.