Patient's experiences of being discharged home from hospital following a diagnosis of malignant spinal cord compression.

<bold>Purpose: </bold>The purpose of this study is to explore experiences in the days and weeks following discharge home following diagnosis and treatment for metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC).<bold>Methods: </bold>Eleven participants took part in audio-recorded semi-structured interviews about their experiences at 1 and 3-4 weeks post-discharge home following a diagnosis of MSCC. Transcripts were analysed using a framework approach.<bold>Results: </bold>Time emerged as an overarching theme within the framework of four time points: past, present, near future and distant future. Themes included getting home, challenges at home, community support, getting back to normal, in limbo, long-term goals and coping strategies.<bold>Conclusion: </bold>Getting to a level of coping at home after discharge following MSCC can take time. Services need to address this so that patients can live well within the limitations they face. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]