The Five Phases of Patients' Recovery and Rehabilitation After a Stem Cell Transplantation: A Qualitative Study

This study aimed to refine the Five Phases of Recovery and Rehabilitation model in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients and autologous HSCT patients during the first-year post-transplant.

Two focus groups were conducted, one with allogeneic HSCT patients (n = 8) and one with autologous HSCT patients (n = 8). Participants reflected on their experiences during the first-year post-transplant. Data were audiotaped, anonymized, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using Directed Content Analysis.

Both allogeneic HSCT patients and autologous HSCT patients followed the successive five phases of the Five Phases of Recovery and Rehabilitation model. Over time, the focus shifted from physical recovery to phases psychological, social, and spiritual well-being. Additionally, this study demonstrated the need for support from both formal and informal caregivers. As patients progressed through rehabilitation, their need for professional healthcare support gradually transitioned to greater reliance on family caregivers. Formal support from cancer nurses remained essential throughout.

This study reinforces the evidence for the Five Phases of Recovery and Rehabilitation model, highlighting the complex survivorship needs of HSCT patients.

The refined model provides a structured framework for organizing complex cancer care, empowering cancer nurses to take a leading role in guiding patients and their families through the challenges of recovery, helping them to navigate the transition beyond HSCT treatment.