Family Caregiver Experiences in the Inpatient and Outpatient Reduced-Intensity Conditioning Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Settings: A Qualitative Study

Many patients with high-risk hematologic malignancies and other illnesses that result in bone marrow failure syndromes undergo allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) [1 –3]. A potentially curative therapy, allo-HCT often involves a protracted treatment course traditionally delivered in the inpatient setting, where patients experience an intense 3- to 4-week hospitalization, with substantial toxicities resulting from the early transplantation process [4–6]. Seve ral factors, including increased options for round-the-clock staff availability, opportunities to relieve caregiver burden, ongoing close post-HCT follow-up care with the medical team, potentially higher patient quality of life in the home environment, reduced exposure to nosocomial infections, and cost containment, have led to allo-HCTs being increasingly performed in outpatient settings (outpatient HCT) as an acceptable alternative to inpatient HCT [7–11].
Source: Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation - Category: Hematology Authors: Tags: Supportive Care Source Type: research