Identifying And Addressing the Long Term Needs Of the Adult Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant (SCT) Recipient Through A Survivorship Clinical Program
Year: 2009
Type: article
Abstract: Our center has developed an adult allogeneic SCT survivorship program with a clinic staffed by a nurse practitioner (NP). The program is structured to complement the follow up by the primary SCT physician with input from experts in pulmonary, ophthalmology, endocrine, cardiology, gynecology, etc. Evidenced based literature algorithms for management of abnormal findings have also been developed. The NP conducts a comprehensive assessment including the physical, cognitive, emotional, social and quality of life domains. This deliberate separate clinic visit shifts the focus from disease management to “Survivorship.” The survivorship status is introduced to the patient and caregiver at 3 months post transplant. Patients without signs of relapse or progression of disease participate in an evaluation and 1.5 hour class. The patient education class includes a PowerPoint presentation, interactive discussion, demonstration of self assessments, return demonstration and a verbal quiz. The class is individualized incorporating the patient's transplant history, social, and lifestyle information obtained through chart review, verbal report from the patient's outpatient NP, pre-class questionnaire, laboratory tests, interview and physical exam. A plan for referral, intervention, and continued monitoring is then prepared and communicated with the primary SCT physician as well as the community oncologist. This information, as baseline data has also identify previously undetected problems and helped us design research studies to improve the patient's health and quality of life after transplant. At subsequent survivorship visits (6 months, 12 months, 18 months and 24 months), the NP repeats the evaluation, collects time specific data and structures the educational component to build on the previous information. This clinic is an important method to provide education for empowerment, promote wellness, identify problems early, intervene quickly, and provide communication and direction to community health care providers to positively impact a long, healthy, happy survivorship journey for our patients.
Authors: K.R. Stolar, J. Neumann, U.R. Popat, A.M. Alousi
Institution: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Language: English
Topic: Cancer survivorship and care
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,650
OpenAlex ID: W2026011976