Psychological Issues of Stem Cell Transplant

Abstract

Objectives To address the psychological impact of the transplant on quality of life including physical, psychological, social and spiritual for the patient and caregiver and to discuss the nurse’s emotional labor of caring and compassion fatigue for such an intense vulnerable population. Data Sources Psychological transplant studies, peer review journals, and textbooks. Conclusions The psychological impact after an experience of a transplant can leave an indelible impression on the patient, caregiver and nurse. Implications for Nursing Practice Suggestions are made for assessment and management of various potential psychological issues for the three mentioned populations. With these issues being better understood, nurses can actively lessen psychological morbidity.

Perception of late effects among long-term survivors after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Descriptive analysis and validation of the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire. A sub-study of the PROVIVO study

“…Severe forms of cGvHD can significantly impact a patient's overall health status, especially regarding functional impairment, activity limitation, and pain (Ferrara et al, 2009;Majhail and Rizzo, 2013). Additionally, the emotional burden can be immense: prolonged psychological distress, including significant levels of anxiety and depression, is associated with worse post-transplant physical health (Cooke et al, 2009;Syrjala et al, 2005). Patients already suffering from high numbers of late effects are particularly distressed by the resulting exacerbation of psychological and physical symptoms (Bhatia, 2011;Mosher et al, 2009).…”

Keep your mind off negative things: coping with long-term effects of acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

“…Although seeking social support has been identified as an important strategy to facilitate adaptation [17,33,34], seeking emotional support may not always be useful [35]. Venting of negative emotions and talking about unpleasant experiences may intensify negative mood states through focusing attention on negative feelings [36,37].…”

110 Awakening From the Cocoon – Family Members Transitioning Through 100 days Post Stem Cell Transplant

“…Pulmonary complications may include idiopathic pneumonia, chemotherapy and radiation therapy associated toxicity, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary edema and infection (Rimkus, 2009;Yen, Lee, Krowka, & Burger, 2004). This complex procedure is frequently associated with a long recovery period and accompanied with numerous physical and psychological setbacks (Cooke et al, 2009). …”