Perspectives on advance care planning in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a qualitative study

Advance care planning (ACP) engagement and completion of advance directives remain low in patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, despite the high risk of treatment-related mortality.

To understand the barriers to and facilitators of ACP in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

This qualitative study used interpretive description methodology. The researchers conducted audio-recorded semi-structured interviews with participants. The constant comparative method was used to analyse data.

A total of six patients, five family members and eight clinicians participated in the study. Perceived barriers to ACP included: lack of time, lack of process, lack of understanding of disease/treatment and ACP, need to keep positive and prognostic uncertainty. Potential facilitators of ACP included: early and frequent discussion of ACP, incorporating ACP into routine care, involvement of the multidisciplinary team and framing discussions on ACP as positive.

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation poses unique challenges for patients, families and clinicians when it comes to ACP. Introducing advance care planning as part of standard care and providing ongoing facilitation of ACP, including discussion of disease and treatment expectations at the outset and when complications arise may assist patients and families in recognising how ACP can fit into and enhance their care.