Palliative care of hematopoietic cell transplant recipients and families.

OBJECTIVES

To provide support for the early integration of palliative care into the care of hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients and families with the goal of improving care.

DATA SOURCES

Journal articles and on-line databases.

CONCLUSION

Early integration of palliative care for HCT recipients at high risk for complex symptom clusters, non-relapse mortality, or relapse offers an opportunity to clarify goals of care, advanced care planning, and improving the quality of care for both recipients and families.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

The palliative care service can support the HCT nurse in providing complex care to HCT recipients who are faced with significant side effects, toxicities, and complications of transplant.