Journal of pediatric oncology nursing : official journal of the Association of Pediatric Oncology Nurses
-
J Pediatr Oncol Nurs · Jul 2011
ReviewHealth-related quality of life of hematopoietic stem cell transplant childhood survivors: state of the science.
The notion of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) holds unique significance in the treatment of patients who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Not only is transplant procedure inevitably associated with immediate and late medical effects along with high mortality and morbidity rates, but it can also significantly affect the HRQoL for the patient and family. ⋯ It provides information on the assessment of pre-HSCT variables to identify patient subgroups in need of more aggressive supportive care to improve HRQoL during transplant. Furthermore, it serves as a guideline for developing interventional strategies and the role of the advanced practice nurse and pediatric oncology nurse caring for the patient throughout and following transplant.