A survey of the support with education and jobs provided by hospitals for hematopoietic cell transplant survivors

Abstract

In 2021, we surveyed hematologists and pediatric hematologists in the Chugoku region of Japan to determine their opinions and attitudes about the support with education and jobs provided for patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. A questionnaire was sent to 31 doctors in 25 hospitals; 23(74%)doctors responded. Twelve hospitals(67%)had an employment assistance office, but more than half of them had no consultations during the year. Only three doctors considered themselves to be providing good job support. Seven doctors(41%)had experience with online classes. All hospitals evaluated themselves as providing insufficient support to high school and college students. Only 3 of 17 hematologists(18%)had experience in providing support for education. There were regional differences in the support systems for education and employment. Multiple professions need to cooperate, and relationships among neighborhood institutions must be strengthened, to support all patients, including adolescents and young adults.