The Bandung neurosurgery patient outcomes project, Indonesia (Part I): Methods, participant characteristics, and pre‐discharge outcomes

Introduction Little is known about neurosurgery patient outcomes in Indonesia. Our study sought to describe patient characteristics, health care pathways, health‐related quality of life, and health/rehabilitation care needs of patients admitted to, and discharged from, a major neurosurgery department. Methods Eligible patients were aged ≥18 years admitted to the Neurosurgery Department in a regional referral hospital in Bandung, Indonesia. Baseline data was collected on admission. An in‐person interview (in the Indonesian language) was held 1 to 2 days pre‐discharge. Sociodemographic along with clinical characteristics, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and EQ‐5D‐5L data were collected. Results A total of 217 patients were admitted, 37 died before discharge, and a pre‐discharge interview was undertaken by 178 (82%). Almost half (48%) were admitted because of injury, 38% brain tumour, 10% acute illness, and 4% other conditions. The mean age was 41 years. On admission, 63% had a mild Glasgow Coma Scale, 31% moderate, and 3% severe. The average hospital stay was 8 days for injury and 24 days for illness patients. Prior to discharge, one‐third, or less, of the 178 patients interviewed reported “no problems” in the EQ‐5D dimensions of mobility (32%), self‐care (27%), usual activities (16%), and pain/discomfort (32%), whereas 70% reported “no problems” with anxiety/depression. Conclusion A large proportion of patients are being discharged with considerable levels of difficulty in four of the five EQ‐5D dimensions. This stresses the importance of providing good follow‐up and support of patients and their families.