Creating a palliative educational session for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients at relapse

Area of Science:

• Oncology Nursing
• Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
• Cancer Survivorship Care

Background:

• Relapse post-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a significant stressor for patients and families.
• Existing research inadequately addresses the educational and psychosocial needs of HSCT recipients during relapse.
• This critical juncture in cancer survivorship requires tailored support interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To apply End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) principles to develop an advanced practice nursing research intervention for HSCT relapse.
• To create a structured educational session addressing relapse, family needs, and bereavement.
• To provide practical tools and case studies for tailoring interventions to individual patient scenarios.

Main Methods:

• Adaptation of ELNEC content principles for HSCT relapse.
• Development of a three-component nursing intervention: relapse-specific education, family-focused assessment, and bereavement follow-up.
• Illustration of intervention application through four diverse case studies and inclusion of teaching tools.

Main Results:

• The study outlines a practical, adaptable nursing intervention framework for HSCT relapse.
• Case studies demonstrate the successful tailoring of standard approaches to varied patient and family situations.
• Teaching tools and forms are provided for direct clinical application.

Conclusions:

• A structured, principles-based nursing intervention can effectively address the needs of patients and families experiencing HSCT relapse.
• Tailoring education and psychosocial support is crucial for optimizing care during cancer survivorship after HSCT.
• This intervention model enhances the capacity of advanced practice nurses to support HSCT recipients through relapse and beyond.