Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 2021 Oct;38(10):1212-1217. doi: 10.1177/1049909120986963. Epub 2021 Jan 12.

Implementation of Palliative Care in Clinical Practice in German Units for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Nationwide Survey.

The American journal of hospice & palliative care

William Krüger, Britta Buchhold, Dennis Nonnenberg, Thomas Neumann, Laila Schneidewind, Christian A Schmidt

PMID: 33433238 DOI: 10.1177/1049909120986963

Abstract

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) is a curative therapy for otherwise fatal diseases, however it is associated with a considerable morbidity and mortality. In consequence, it can be assumed that a considerable percentage of patients would benefit from high-quality palliative care (PC) during their course of disease. To assess the standard of PC in German transplant centers, a questionnaire was sent out to all German centers recognized from the EBMT membership list and the annually ZKRD report (n = 52). The response rate was not as high as expected with n = 27 (51,9%), even after reminding by phone calls or by e-mails. In brief, palliative care after allogeneic stem cell transplantation shows a wide variation in Germany. This is true for structures, processes and measures. A national standard for SCT-patients has not been established so far and there are no pre-conditions concerning palliative care after alloSCT for a certification by the EBMT according the JACIE standards. There is a considerable need for a crosslinking of alloSCT with PC. Clear standards should be established by the scientific societies concerning personnel, structure and processes.

Keywords: allogeneic stem cell transplantation; complications; end-of-life care; palliative care

MeSH terms

• Germany
• Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation*
• Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing*
• Humans
• Palliative Care
• Surveys and Questionnaires

Publication Types

• Journal Article