A Scoping Review on Outcomes and Outcome Measurement Instruments in Rehabilitative Interventions for Patients with Haematological Malignancies Treated with Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation

Abstract

Rationale: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is associated with increased treatment-related mortality, loss of physical vitality, and impaired quality of life. Future research will investigate the effects of multidisciplinary rehabilitative interventions in alleviating these problems. Nevertheless, published studies in this field show considerable heterogeneity in selected outcomes and the outcome measurement instruments used. The purpose of this scoping review is to provide an overview of the outcomes and outcome measurement instruments used in studies examining the effects of rehabilitative interventions for patients treated with allogeneic HSCT. Methods: We conducted a scoping review that included randomized controlled trials, pilot studies, and feasibility studies published up to 28 February 2022. Results: We included n= 39 studies, in which n = 84 different outcomes were used 227 times and n = 125 different instruments were used for the measurements. Conclusions: Research in the field of rehabilitation for patients with haematological malignancies treated with allogeneic HSCT is hampered by the excess outcomes used, the inconsistent outcome terminology, and the inconsistent use of measurement instruments in terms of setting and timing. Researchers in this field should reach a consensus with regard to the use of a common terminology for the outcomes of interest and a homogeneity when selecting measurement instruments and measurement timing methods.

Prospective analysis of the attendance behaviour of the participants of a facilitated support group for patients after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation

“…Support groups have become widespread in very different areas of life and, especially in the medical field, represent a supportive instrument for coping with crisis situations and stressful phases of life [ 1 ]. Patients who underwent an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) are confronted with medical, psychological, and social challenges [ 2 – 5 ]. One could therefore assume that particularly these patients develop a special need for support and that self-help groups should be of considerable importance.…”