Search

Sufficient communication between hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) teams is pivotal for a successful advanced support in the PICU for HSCT-related complications. We evaluated perceived communication and barriers between both teams with the aim of providing recommendations for improvement. In this cross-sectional survey, a self-designed online questionnaire was distributed among ESPNIC and EBMT members. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Over half of HSCT respondents employed a transfer indication protocol and patient assessment tool, but less structured checklist prior to patient transfer. Nearly all PICU respondents perceived this checklist as improvement for communication. Most HSCT and PICU physicians have daily rounds upon patient transfer while this is mostly missing between nursing teams. Half of both HSCT and PICU nurses indicated that HSCT training for PICU nurses could improve communication and patient transfer. Most respondents indicated that structured meetings between HSCT and PICU nurses could improve communication. Overall there is good communication between HSCT and PICU units, although barriers were noted between members of both teams. Based on our findings, we recommend use of a structured and specific checklist by HSCT teams, HSCT training for PICU personnel, and structured meetings between HSCT and PICU nurses.

Purpose This systematic literature review identified publications evaluating the role and benefits of nurse-led care in the management of patients with a diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods The review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidance. Structured searches of the PubMed database and the EMCare nursing and allied health database were conducted (August 11, 2021). Eligible publications were English-language, full-text, peer-reviewed journal articles featuring HCC and/or RCC populations, interventions involving nurses, any/no comparators, and reporting any related healthcare outcomes. Data on study design and size, patient characteristics and impact of nursing care were extracted. Results Fifty-six relevant articles were identified (43 on HCC; 10 on RCC; 3 on HCC and RCC). The literature described the role and impact of oncology nurses across a variety of care functions, including in health promotion and screening, care coordination, holistic oversight, symptom and adverse event monitoring and management, and emotional support. Twenty-nine empirical studies/case reports were identified demonstrating benefit of nurse-led interventions in HCC/liver cancer (n = 28) and RCC (n = 1). Benefits were achieved through: improved patient participation in screening programs; reduced time to diagnosis; improved treatment adherence, reduced treatment complications, dose reductions and outpatient visits, and potential cost savings. Conclusions The oncology nurse plays a multifaceted role in the care of patients with HCC and RCC, but more evidence from nurse-led interventions is required to guide optimal multidisciplinary care of patients with these conditions.

Although it is considered a relatively rare disorder, veno-occlusive disease (VOD) is one of the main causes of overall, non-relapse mortality associated with haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). This article, based on the consensus opinion of haemato-oncology nurses, haemato-oncologists and pharmacists from both adult and paediatric services at the VOD International Multi-Disciplinary Advisory Board at the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) meeting, Istanbul, 2015, aims to explore the multidisciplinary approach to care for the management of VOD, with an emphasis on current challenges in this area. The careful monitoring of HSCT patients allows early detection of the symptoms associated with VOD and timely treatment, ultimately improving patient outcomes. As part of a multidisciplinary team, nurses have an essential role to play, from pretransplant assessment to medical management and overall care of the patient. Physicians and pharmacists have a responsibility to facilitate education and training so that nurses can work effectively within that team.

HSCT is a complex procedure, which involves a long and complicated pathway for the patient and the intervention of many health professionals. Within this multidisciplinary team, the transplant coordinator, usually a nurse, is the ‘essential marrow’, the heart and the vital backbone of this procedure; they are an essential transplant ingredient facilitating a fluidity of the pathway and a good transmission of information. Written information about the procedure is beneficial for patients either prior to clinic visit or during clinic to allow the patients and relatives to reflect on conversations. Transplantation carries a significant risk of morbidity and mortality, and these should be considered regarding the ‘need’ to transplant, based upon risk of disease, versus risk of the transplant. Pre-transplant assessments must also be undertaken, and the results of these along with suitable donor medical clearance and cell availability are essential to ascertain that transplant is a valid option and can proceed safely. Dealing with fertility preservation upon diagnosis of cancer is often challenging; this issue is even more complex for paediatric patients. PDWP recommends that counselling about fertility preservation opportunities should be offered to each patient receiving HSCT.This chapter also focuses on vascular access for optimal treatment of haematology patients because stem cell treatment cannot be performed without it. Constant advances in haematology have raised challenging ethical dilemmas concerning end of life, palliative care, patient information, donor concerns and impartiality and issues related to the risk we run to our patients. Nurses provide a key role in patient education, providing pre- and post-transplant advocacy and counselling, plan hospitalisations and consultations. They also act as educators and role models to nursing students and share knowledge in accordance with local policies and JACIE guidelines.