Abstract
Patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and their caregivers can experience psychosocial complications pre-, during, and post-transplant. To meet the needs of the most patients and caregivers, a class was developed to prepare patients and caregivers to prevent and manage common psychosocial challenges. We evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of the class over a 5-month pilot period. Attendance in this class became part of standard pre-transplant care. Attendees were invited to complete a questionnaire (Likert-scale and open-ended questions) to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of this class. Data were collected over a 5-month period. Descriptive analysis was completed. Patients (n = 41) and caregivers (n = 40) were satisfied to very satisfied with the class. Patients (80%) and caregivers (65%) reported that the class met their expectations, with several describing it as worthwhile and informative. Information relating to finances and benefits were considered most helpful, followed by emotional support resources. Patients (73%) and caregivers (93%) reported that they would recommend the class to others. This education class should be provided as early as possible to ensure that psychosocial needs are addressed. Future research initiatives include further assessing the perspectives of patients, clinicians, and other stakeholders; evaluating delivery methods; and collaborating with other centers.
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Data collected was part of a routine service evaluation.
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Acknowledgements
We would like to thank our HCT colleagues, patients, and families for their contributions to this program development and evaluation.
Funding
We would like to acknowledge the Alberta Cancer Foundation and the Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, for funding the post-doctoral Fellowship of author FM.
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We utilized the local ethics board (HREBA) ARECCI ethics screening tool online (http://www.aihealthsolutions.ca/arecci/screening/447967/0fb64f9d6c05e853a5ff6be3f54a686c) and the project was deemed a Quality Improvement or Program Evaluation project and deemed to have minimal risk. Therefore, a formal ethics approval was waived.
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Formal consent to participate was not sought in this routine clinical care.
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The program evaluation was completed as part of routine service evaluation and development within the Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Rehabilitation. External funding was not sought. Author FM contributed to this project as a Clinical Fellow, a collaboration between the (1) Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, (2) The Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Rehabilitation, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Alberta Health Services, (3) Alberta Cancer Foundation, and (4) Cancer Care Alberta.
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Macleod, F., Pink, J., Beattie, S. et al. Program Evaluation of a Class Addressing Psychosocial Topics in Preparation for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: a Brief Report. J Canc Educ 38, 60–65 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-021-02078-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-021-02078-z