Health literacy needs in the diagnosis and treatment of acoustic neuroma patients from timing it right theory perspective: A qualitative study

Background

The incidence of acoustic neuroma (AN) has steadily increased in recent years. AN patients' post-surgical quality of life is closely linked to their health literacy. Previous research has indicated that AN patients encounter various challenges at different phases of the disease. Understanding patients’ experiences and health literacy needs throughout the diagnostic and treatment processes is crucial for improving their overall health outcomes. The Timing It Right (TIR) framework emphasizes patients’ needs evolving across phases which is highly consistent with exploring the evolving health literacy needs of AN patients.

Objective

To explore the challenges and the evolving health literacy needs of patients with acoustic neuroma (AN) in different phase across the diagnosis and treatment journey, using TIR framework and considering Eastern cultural influences in healthcare context.

Methods

This qualitative descriptive study was conducted based on TIR framework. A total of 51 acoustic neuroma (AN) patients at different phases of the diagnosis and treatment process were included. Semi-structured interviews were employed for data collection, with the interview data analyzed and organized using Colaizzi's phenomenological analysis method.

Results

The study identified themes reflecting the unique experiences and health literacy needs of AN patients at each phase of diagnosis and treatment: 1. Diagnosis phase: urgent need for disease information and sense of uncertainty, strong need for psychological support, anxiety in treatment decision-making. 2. Preoperative phase: need for individualized information about surgical treatment for AN. 3. Postoperative phase: need for timely healthcare services to address postoperative stress. 4. Home Recovery phase: need for information on recurrence prevention, demand for ongoing medical support, persistent challenges (complex negative emotions, social avoidance, and poor adaptability to physical sensations).

Conclusion

HL needs among AN patients evolve across treatment phases, shaped not only by clinical milestones but also by sociocultural values, family dynamics, and existential concerns. Culturally sensitive, phase-matched, and multidisciplinary care strategies are essential to improving patient empowerment and long-term well-being.

Practice implications

Clinicians should adopt phase-specific interventions that integrate personalized communication, cultural awareness, and digital tools. Constructing full-cycle care teams that align with the TIR framework can enhance HL support, patient engagement, and overall treatment outcomes.