Patients' goals related to health and function in the first 13 months after allogeneic stem cell transplantation

Patient participation in goal setting and decision making is a core component of the rehabilitation process, but there is little information on what patients want to achieve after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). The aim of this study was to describe adult patients' perceptions of goals related to health and function, as well as self-perceived limitations and facilitating strategies in the first 13 months after allo-SCT.

Fifteen patients with a median age of 44 years (range, 22-65 years) were interviewed on one occasion during the first year after allo-SCT. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results showed that patients felt that time after allo-SCT largely concerned: "to be healthy" and "to participate in a normal life". Some patients felt it was easy to set goals while others found it difficult. Most described goals had a long-term character. Patients were faced with a wide variety of limitations of which a few did not link to a described goal. Several facilitating strategies were described that either had or could help patients to reach their goals.

Our results indicate that assistance with setting achievable goals, including individualised strategies and support from health care professionals to realise the goals, may assist in the rehabilitation to restore health and function after allo-SCT.