Implementation of Palliative Care in Clinical Practice in German Units for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Nationwide Survey. (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Krüger, William; Buchhold, Britta; Nonnenberg, Dennis; Neumann, Thomas; Schneidewind, Laila; Schmidt, Christian A.
• Is Part Of: American journal of hospice & palliative care. Volume 38:Number 10(2021)
• Page Start: 1212
• Page End: 1217
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: allogeneic stem cell transplantation -- complications -- end-of-life care -- palliative care; Hospice care -- Periodicals; Palliative treatment -- Periodicals; 362.175
• DOI: 10.1177/1049909120986963
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1049-9091

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.