An exploratory study of recipients' perceptions of bone marrow transplantation

Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is now an established form of treatment for a wide range of malignant and non-malignant diseases. Research has led understanding and effective treatment of many side-effects of BMT. However, relatively little is known about how patients' perceive BMT, and how they view their experiences during transplantation. The purpose of this study was to describe the perceptions of a small group of BMT recipients. Audio-taped interviews were undertaken with six recipients of BMT who were well and in remission. This provided in-depth descriptive data of these individuals' experiences, which were analysed using latent content analysis. Five broad categories were identified under which data were grouped and discussed: mortality and death; luck; 'prison' (protective isolation); relationships; and physical effects. These revealed that patients attached relatively little importance to the physical effects of BMT, possibly because of the effectiveness of treatment. However, this led to a focus on other concerns, which the categories reflect. The importance of family members, particularly spouses, in sharing the burden of BMT, and the strengthening of family relationships were highlighted. The value of nurses was also emphasized. Protective isolation was found to be a stressor in two different ways. All of those interviewed reported concern with thoughts of their own mortality and possible death before and during BMT. Recommendations for nurses working in BMT units and suggestions for the direction of future research are made.