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Patient perspectives on physical function after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a qualitative study

Bone Marrow Transplantation volume 52, pages 1483–1484 (2017)Cite this article

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Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a life-saving treatment for some patients with aggressive hematologic malignancies, but many recipients develop temporary or persistent impairments in physical functioning.1 There is increasing evidence that impaired physical functioning is prognostic for survival in transplant recipients.2, 3 Furthermore, preserved physical functioning is necessary for patients to live independently and achieve goals that support their overall quality of life.

There is no standard evidence-based intervention to preserve physical functioning. In assessing the utility of interventions to preserve physical function for transplant patients, the evidence is mixed. Small, intervention-based studies demonstrate varying degrees of benefit depending on intervention design and patient compliance.4, 5, 6 Given that patient compliance may predict success, the patient perspective should be considered when designing future interventions. Health coaching is a potential method for preserving physical function that has not yet been evaluated in the transplant literature. In this type of model, a registered nurse, physical therapist or advance practice provider would provide the patient with a personalized plan to maintain physical function.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

    A T Freeman, N S Grover, T C Shea & W A Wood

  2. Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

    A M Stover & B B Reeve

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  1. A T Freeman
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  2. A M Stover
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  3. N S Grover
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  4. T C Shea
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  6. W A Wood
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Correspondence to A T Freeman.

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Freeman, A., Stover, A., Grover, N. et al. Patient perspectives on physical function after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a qualitative study. Bone Marrow Transplant 52, 1483–1484 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/bmt.2017.176

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