Evaluation of symptom distress in a bone marrow transplant outpatient environment

To measure patient perceptions of autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT)-associated symptoms in the outpatient setting, assess the efficacy of the established antiemetic protocol, evaluate patient satisfaction, and report patient medication compliance.

A prospective, descriptive study of patients with breast cancer who were enrolled in an outpatient ABMT program.

Duke University Autologous Bone Marrow Transplantation Program.

Patient perceptions of 12 symptoms were measured by the Symptom Distress Scale (SDS) on the day of admission to the hospital, the day of discharge to the outpatient clinic, after bone marrow reinfusion, and before patient release from the clinic. The number of retching and vomiting episodes was recorded by each patient daily. Patient satisfaction was determined by a standardized personal interview conducted prior to discharge. Patient compliance was assessed by a review of patient medication documentation.

Twenty-eight patients were enrolled over 5 months. The median SDS scores for each symptom evaluated revealed that anorexia, nausea, fatigue, insomnia, and bowel problems were the most distressing symptoms patients experienced in the outpatient ABMT program. Scores for pain, negative outlook, cough, diminished concentration, and change in appearance indicated only mild distress associated with these variables. The total number of vomiting episodes ranged from 1 to 33 total episodes per patient per outpatient stay. The percentage of patients experiencing a complete antiemetic response ranged from 24% to 48% over the 4 days after chemotherapy but steadily improved thereafter to a peak of 90% 1 week later. Patient satisfaction results showed that patients preferred being out of the hospital and reported their anxiety controlled although most had some problems with the outpatient clinic or medications required.

Loss of appetite, fatigue, and insomnia have been identified as symptoms that are frequently present during the course of the outpatient ABMT program. Mild, intermittent nausea persists in the outpatient setting for up to 9 days after bone marrow transplant despite continuous combination antiemetic therapy. Patient interviews confirmed the belief that patients enjoy being out of the hospital. Medication compliance is more than 90% in this structured outpatient setting.