Development of a survivorship screening tool in survivors of hematopoietic cell transplant

This study describes the development of a screening measure focused on the potential needs of hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) survivors at least 1-year post-transplant.

A multidisciplinary team met regularly to develop a screening measure to better understand the ongoing medical and clinical symptoms experienced by survivors of HCT. This measure was given to 299 patients presenting to an HCT survivorship clinic, with referrals offered for any issues reaching clinical threshold. A factor analysis was performed to examine the underlying factor structure of the measure.

Analyses indicated a 3-factor underlying structure, including physical, emotional, and practical concerns. Areas most consistently endorsed as ongoing areas of concern included fatigue, financial concerns, and worry about their future. Interestingly, while many patients were interested in referrals for these issues, some patients did not wish to have their symptoms managed at our center.

Survivors of hematopoietic cell transplant continue to experience symptoms well after their treatment has ended, including issues related to the emotional, physical, and practical impact of their illness and treatment regimen. It is vital that their providers understand the frequency of these concerns as well as patients' preference for intervention.

While HCT has become increasingly successful in treating hematologic cancers, many survivors experience a range of issues post-transplant. Survivorship care for these patients must include ongoing thorough assessment related to the practical, emotional, and medical symptoms experienced post-transplant, with appropriate intervention provided in-house where possible or in the community according to patient preference.