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The purpose of this paper is to review the evidence for the role of physical rehabilitation in stem cell transplantation patients. We will also review the literature and discuss professional experiences on how rehabilitation can play a role in stem cell transplant care and survivorship. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is a procedure that has evolved substantially over the years to help treat multiple conditions, particularly hematologic malignancies. HCT can be very stressful on the body and can leave patients weakened and sometimes quite debilitated. Supportive care measures have advanced to improve the quality of life and overall survival of HCT survivors. One key component of improved supportive care is gaining increased attention, and that is physical medicine and rehabilitation. Its role in HCT survivorship care is expanding, and new insight and research within the discipline have focused on fatigue, inflammation, exercise, and the development of structured rehabilitation programs to improve the musculoskeletal sequelae of transplantation. This literature review has demonstrated the utility of physical rehabilitation in HCT, its impact on cancer-related fatigue, and to outline the current state of the literature on these topics. The paper delves into a background of HCT. Cancer-related fatigue in HCT is then discussed and summarized, and the role that exercise plays in modifying such fatigue is outlined. We then outline the models and the impact that physical rehabilitation may play in HCT recipients.

Aim This study aimed to explore the experiences of haematology nurses while caring for patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Design A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. Methods We conducted semi‐structured interviews with 18 haematology nurses in six hospitals between May 2022 and December 2023. The data were analysed using traditional content analysis. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ) checklist guided this report. The data were saturated in the 16th interview, and two more were conducted to confirm data saturation. Results Through analysis, four themes and eleven sub‐themes regarding the caring experiences of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients have emerged: challenges of isolated spaces, including the ‘claustrophobic’ feeling in isolated environments, segregation of communication, and pressure to independently assess and manage patient care; moral distress from treatment decisions, encompassing struggles in weighing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation pros and cons during patient communication, providing ‘insincere’ encouragement to patients, and doubting the meaning of persistence; reciprocal dedication in nurse–patient relationships, characterised by nurses' emotional investment in care and patients' positive feedback as motivation; and increased sense of professional value, demonstrated through increased confidence in caregiving, enhanced self‐care ability, and achievement of job fulfilment. Conclusions This study explores the real and intuitive experiences of haematology nurses caring for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients in China, enhancing our understanding of the care process. It revealed haematology nurses' challenges and positive experiences in caring for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients. Impact This study provides evidence to optimise the haematopoietic stem cell transplantation nursing process and develop targeted support systems, which are crucial for enhancing nurses' sense of professional value and ensuring their well‐being. Patient or Public Contribution This paper benefited from the contributions of 18 haematology nurses, who shared their valuable experiences and emotions.

Oral mucositis (OM) is a common side effect experienced during haematopoietic SCT (HSCT), and it can have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients. A descriptive nurse-led study was undertaken in 19-member centres of the Italian national transplant group (GITMO) evaluating incidence, severity and duration of OM in patients undergoing HSCT. Data from 1841 patients between 2002 and 2006 was analyzed. Initial medical history and oral cavity assessment was performed. Assessment was repeated on the day of transplant, then daily, using the WHO (World Health Organisation) oral toxicity scale. A total of 71% of the patients evaluated developed mucositis and 21.6% developed severe mucositis. Duration of OM in most cases lasted for 10–14 days and resolved along with marrow reconstitution. Oral mucostitis is a frequent side effect in patients undergoing HSCT. The onset of severe mucositis seems to be related to the conditioning regimen used. This database provides a descriptive overview of the incidence and severity of mucositis and has encouraged participating centres to adopt routine evaluation and measurement of the oral cavity. The assessment tools are still used in some centres, providing a basis for further collaborative research projects.

The purpose of this integrative literature review of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for hematologic malignancies was to determine whether meaning-making might be helpful to improve coping and psychological adaptation as patients navigate HSCT. CINAHL®, MEDLINE®, and PsychINFO databases, and ancestry searches. Search terms included bone marrow transplant, hematopoietic stem cell transplant, hematologic malignancy, quality of life, lived experience, psychosocial, psychological, isolation, and social support. Twenty-four research articles published from 1989-2012 were included. Five major themes emerged: (a) lived experience, (b) coping style, (c) quality of life, (d) psychological morbidity, and (e) potential for post-traumatic growth. Meaning-making was a thread that ran through each of the key areas of the HSCT experience. Physical, psychosocial, and spiritual issues arise during HSCT that are unique among patients diagnosed with cancer. Meaning-making is key to adaptive coping and helps to reduce physical, psychosocial, and spiritual challenges, as well as assists patients in experiencing positive personal growth. Interventions focused on meaning-making should be tested in this population. Nurses are positioned to develop and deliver meaning-making interventions for patients undergoing HSCT and to assess patient-oriented outcomes.

ABSTRACT Objective: to know the care provided by family caregivers of children submitted to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Method: the Grounded Theory was used as methodology. The study comprised four sample groups, comprising 36 caregivers. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews and analyzed according to the coding proposed by Strauss and Corbin in three phases: open, axial and selective. Results: eight propositions were identified for the care provided to the child in the researched context, namely administering medications; attention to cleaning issues; care with water and food intake; care with the body; experiencing protective isolation; addressing the child’s need for emotional support; addressing the child’s self-care; and facing complications. Conclusion: the different aspects in which the caregiver acts in the care of the child were understood. Such care equips the health team to elaborate measures for guidance and preparation of home care that are effective and directed to the needs of the patient and their family. The understanding of the care that they accomplish enables the caregiver a greater understanding of their role, as well as of the decisions they will make by their being under treatment. RESUMEN Objetivo: conocer los cuidados realizados por el cuidador familiar del niño después del trasplante de células madre hematopoyéticas. Método: se utilizó la Grounded Theory como metodología; comprendió cuatro grupos de muestreo, totalizando 36 cuidadores; utilizó datos recogidos por medio de entrevistas semiestructuradas, los datos fueron analizados según la codificación propuesta por Straus y Corbin, en tres fases: abierta, axial y selectiva. Resultados: fueron identificadas ocho proposiciones para los cuidados realizados al niño en el siguiente contexto investigado: administrar medicaciones; prestar atención a las cuestiones de limpieza; cuidados con ingesta hídrica y alimentar; cuidados con el cuerpo; experimentar el aislamiento protector; trabajar la necesidad de dar apoyo emocional al niño; abordar el autocuidado del niño; y, encarar las complicaciones. Conclusión: fueron comprendidas las diferentes vertientes en las cuales el cuidador actúa en el cuidado al niño. Esos cuidados instrumentalizan al equipo de salud para orientar la elaboración de medidas de orientación y preparación, para el cuidado domiciliar, que sean efectivas y dirigidas a las necesidades del paciente y su familia. La comprensión de los cuidados que realiza viabiliza al cuidador obtener mayor entendimiento de su papel, así como de las decisiones que tomará auxiliar a su familiar en tratamiento. RESUMO Objetivo: conhecer os cuidados realizados pelo cuidador familiar da criança em pós-transplante de células-tronco hematopoiéticas. Método: utilizou-se a Grounded Theory como metodologia; compreendendo quatro grupos amostrais, perfazendo 36 cuidadores; com dados coletados por entrevistas semiestruturadas. Os dados foram analisados segundo a codificação proposta por Strauss e Corbin, em três fases: aberta, axial e seletiva. Resultados: foram identificadas oito proposições para os cuidados realizados com criança no contexto pesquisado: administrar medicações; atentar às questões de limpeza; cuidados com ingesta hídrica e alimentar; cuidados com o corpo; experienciar o isolamento protetor; trabalhar a necessidade de apoio emocional da criança; abordar o autocuidado da criança; e encarar complicações. Conclusão: compreenderam-se as diferentes vertentes em que o cuidador atua no cuidado com a criança. Esses cuidados instrumentalizam a equipe de saúde ao nortear a elaboração de medidas de orientação e preparo para o cuidado domiciliar que sejam efetivas e direcionadas às necessidades do paciente e da família. A compreensão dos cuidados que realiza viabiliza ao cuidador maior entendimento do seu papel, bem como das decisões que tomará pelo seu ente em tratamento.

IntroductionThis study examines caregiver quality of life (CQOL) 3–26 years after autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for patients with lymphoma. Using a framework that views the patient-caregiver dyad as a system of mutual influence, we argue that CQOL is associated with survivor functional health status and sense of personal control.MethodsNinety-nine autologous HCT survivor-caregiver dyads participated. CQOL was measured using the Caregiver Quality of Life Scale-Cancer. Survivor functional health status was assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General. Sense of control was examined using an instrument from the MIDUS II study. Clinical measures were collected from medical records.ResultsAfter controlling for sociodemographic and clinical covariates, caregivers with higher sense of control had higher CQOL. Poorer survivor functional health was associated with lower CQOL but only when the survivor reported low personal control. When the survivor reported high personal control, functional health was not a factor. Lower CQOL was observed for younger and more educated caregivers. In contrast, more education among survivors was linked to higher CQOL.ConclusionThese results (1) support using a mutuality framework for the study of long-term outcomes of caregivers, (2) suggest the importance of ongoing support for caregivers, and (3) help identify caregivers at risk for poorer adaptation. Poorer survivor functional health is a risk factor, but its adverse implications can be offset by higher caregiver and survivor sense of control, a psychological resource aiding caregiver adaptation. These findings can inform the development of support programs for long-term caregivers.

To examine symptom reports and physiologic parameters in adolescents using the Eating After Transplant (EAT!) intervention during recovery after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Repeated measures design. HSCT service at a pediatric teaching institution in the southern United States. 16 adolescents recovering from a first-time allogeneic HSCT. Use of EAT! was monitored electronically, symptom reports were obtained from a questionnaire, and physiologic parameters were obtained from the medical record at HSCT hospital discharge and 20, 40, and 60 days postdischarge. EAT! use, symptom prevalence, symptom-related distress, and physiologic parameters including weight, body mass index (BMI), pre-albumin, and albumin. Symptom prevalence was highest at hospital discharge and steadily declined; however, mean symptom distress scores remained stable. Mean weight and BMI significantly declined during the first 60 days postdischarge; pre-albumin and albumin markers were unchanged. No correlation was noted among use of EAT! and any research variables. The most frequent symptoms were not always the most distressing symptoms. Weight and BMI significantly declined during HSCT recovery. Nurses should assess symptom frequency and distress to fully understand patients' symptom experiences. Nurses should monitor weight and BMI throughout HSCT recovery.

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify the knowledge and ability of caregivers on hand hygiene in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Method: a prospective cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was used to identify the knowledge and it was observed the hygiene technique performance. Data were collected in two units (autologous and allogeneic transplant). Results: the 37 participants recognized the importance of hand hygiene and 95.5% related to removal of dirt or infection prevention. 91.9% stated that it was important to clean their hands with soap and water when entering and leaving the room, and 64.9% understood that it was necessary to apply alcoholic solution after washing. On average, the caregivers scored 6.16 steps, when demonstrating the washing technique and 3.91 steps in the friction with alcoholic solution. Conclusion: although they recognize the importance of the procedure, there are deficits related to the moment and the correct way of doing it, evidencing the need for strategies aimed at improving this process. RESUMEN Objetivo: identificar el conocimiento y la habilidad de los cuidadores sobre la higiene de las manos en el trasplante de células madre hematopoyéticas. Método: estudio transversal prospectivo. Se utilizó un cuestionario para identificar el conocimiento y se observó la ejecución de la técnica de higienización. Los datos fueron recolectados en 2 unidades (transplante autólogo y alogénico). Resultados: los 37 participantes reconocieron la importancia de la higienización de las manos y el 95,5% la relacionaron con remoción de suciedad o prevención de infecciones. 91,9% citaron ser importantes higienizar las manos con agua y jabón al entrar y salir de la habitación, y el 64,9% entendieron que era necesaria la aplicación de una solución alcohólica después del lavado. En promedio, los cuidadores acertaron 6,16 pasos, al demostrar la técnica de lavado, y 3,91 pasos en la fricción con solución alcohólica. Conclusión: aunque reconocen la importancia del procedimiento, hay déficit relacionados con el momento y la forma correcta de realizarlo, evidenciando la necesidad de estrategias para la mejora de ese proceso. RESUMO Objetivo: identificar o conhecimento e habilidade de cuidadores sobre higiene das mãos no transplante de células-tronco hematopoéticas. Método: estudo transversal prospectivo. Utilizou-se questionário para identificar o conhecimento e foi observada a execução da técnica de higienização. Os dados foram coletados em duas unidades (transplante autólogo e alogênico). Resultados: os 37 participantes reconheceram a importância da higienização das mãos e 95,5% a relacionaram com remoção de sujidade ou prevenção de infecções. 91,9% citaram ser importante higienizar as mãos com água e sabonete ao entrar e sair do quarto, e 64,9% entenderam ser necessária a aplicação de solução alcoólica após a lavagem. Em média, os cuidadores acertaram 6,16 passos, ao demonstrarem a técnica de lavagem, e 3,91 passos na fricção com solução alcoólica. Conclusão: embora reconheçam a importância do procedimento, há déficits relacionados aos momentos e à forma correta de realizá-lo, evidenciando a necessidade de estratégias visando à melhoria desse processo.

The literature continues to support that patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) receive early consultation with palliative care specialists. Nurses can be leaders in this initiative. This quality improvement project was conducted to determine whether patients undergoing HSCT, who were provided an early consultation with palliative care, would report increased knowledge and increased ability to access palliative services. Patients completed a postintervention questionnaire in which the majority of patients reported that they had increased knowledge about palliative care and learned how to access their services. Patient comments were positive about the successful intervention of early palliative care. The palliative care team, however, revealed a different view of the situation, showing that patients were often overwhelmed, anxious, and sometimes did not remember the content of their meetings.

Many patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for hematologic malignancies experience hyperglycemic events during treatment, leading to adverse outcomes. Understanding how hyperglycemia during the acute HCT treatment phase impacts outcomes is vital for preventing and mitigating adverse events. This integrative review evaluates the impact of hyperglycemia on adult patients undergoing HCT. PubMed, MEDLINE®, and CINAHL® electronic databases were used to identify relevant articles.Data Evaluation: The final sample for this integrative review included 12 empirical quantitative reports of clinical patient outcomes. Of the 12, 10 are retrospective, 1 is case-control, and 1 is prospective. Content analysis was used to synthesize and summarize findings.Presentation of Findings: A review of published literature found associations between hyperglycemia and infection, time to engraftment, development of acute graft-versus-host disease, length of stay, and overall survival. Patient-related risk factors for hyperglycemia included older age, preexisting diabetes, and insulin resistance (i.e., prediabetes). Patients of normal weight experiencing hyperglycemia had worse outcomes than patients who were overweight or obese. Treatment-related risk factors for hyperglycemia include dose and duration of immunosuppressants, specifically corticosteroids, treatment with antihyperglycemic medications, and use of total parenteral nutrition. HCT is one of the most complex treatments for hematologic disorders. The transplantation nurse, as part of an interdisciplinary team, plays an essential role in glycemic control during the acute phase of HCT. Understanding the effects of hyperglycemia, as well as factors that place the patient at risk for hyperglycemia, allows the nurse to make well-informed, proactive interventions aimed at glycemic control.