Psychosocial supportive care for children receiving stem cell transplantation: practice patterns across centers

Although pediatric stem cell transplantation is associated with elevated risks for quality-of-life (QOL) deficits, morbidity, and late effects, little is known about how supportive care needs are addressed across different pediatric centers. This study examined practice patterns among centers enrolled in the Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Consortium. In all, 65 centers (response rate=82.2%) were surveyed regarding QOL screening, psychosocial intervention services, and long-term follow-up care. Approximately 80% of centers provided routine screening for psychological difficulties and pain. A smaller number screened for fatigue (69.2%), cognitive deficits (52.3%), sleep difficulties (60.0%) or spiritual concerns (38.5%). Screening was conducted predominantly via interview; little use was made of standardized measures. Community-based centers screened some deficits more frequently than did academic ones (all P's