Delivering Seamless Education throughout a Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell Transplant (HPCT) to the Patient and Caregiver

Objective: A comprehensive understanding on the part of the patient undergoing an HPCT and caregiver regarding the experience during the hospitalization and the follow up care required.

Background: The process of HPCT can be a complex and confusing experience for a patient and their caregivers. Education is often provided in a single session when transplant is the chosen treatment. These sessions can be overwhelming and therefore much of the information is not always retained.

Purpose: To decrease feelings of anxiety and increase compliance by the HPCT patient in order to maintain his/her well being during the continuum of care.

Interventions: At NYU Langone Medical Center, the patient is given an educational document titled “Going Home After Stem Cell Transplant” by the Registered Nurse (RN) at the clinical cancer center. In collaboration with the outpatient RN, the inpatient RN continues utilizing this document once the patient is admitted. Throughout the hospitalization ample time is allotted with each patient and caregiver to discuss discharge plans. The admitting inpatient RN assesses several factors that may influence learning including language, literacy, willingness, and emotional well-being. Patients are continuously instructed at their own pace on topics pertaining to their disease process and lifestyle changes. Teaching techniques are individualized to patients and caregivers and include printed materials, verbal instruction and return demonstrations. The RN instructs the patient and caregiver to refer to the post-HPCT discharge document frequently and encourages them to ask questions as they arise.

Evaluation: Evaluation of the seamless education process is currently being conducted by reviewing patient satisfaction scores specific to patient education. Patients provide feedback during their follow-up visits in the outpatient cancer center through questions, answers and informal discussions.

Discussion: Patient and family education by nursing plays a key role in the experience of the HPCT patient, in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. Continuous education allows the patient to feel confident and knowledgeable on his/her disease and transplant. These teaching strategies allow the patient to take control of his/her care, increase safety and satisfaction while decreasing anxiety.