Evaluation of quality of life and care needs of patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

This study was plannedin descriptive term to assess the quality of life and care needs of adult patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation performed. The sample of the research consists of 100 patients with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a foundation university hospital. Quality of Life was assessed by using Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Bone Marrow Transplant Scale [FACT-BMT] (4th Version). More than half (54%) of the sample was male and 37% were primary school graduates. While decrease in sexual functions, loss of hair, loss of taste, loss of appetite and sleep disturbances were the most common symptoms, dizziness, itching and constipation were found to be the least common symptoms, respectively. FACT-BMT scale total score (81.38±21.91) suggests that the quality of life of patients were affected at moderate level. Social/Family Well-Being subscale of quality of life of patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation were the least negatively affected dimension (20.81±4.26). Functional Well-Being (13.95±4.61), Emotional Well-Being (12.70±6.41) and Physical Well-Being (12.13±6.88) subscales were most adversely affected quality of life dimensions. The quality of life of self-employed patients, patienst who described their health as poor, and patients with the history of hospitalization in the acute phase of transplantation was affected more negatively (p<0.05). In accordance with research findings, it is recommended to assess the patients for possible negative effects on the quality of life, to develop nursing care interventions and education program for symptom management, and improve and support of the functional status and to provide emotional support during the transplantation process. It is also advised to enable the effecitve communication of patients with their family and friends using alternative communication devices such as phones in order to avoid social isolation during neutropenic process and after discharge, and encourage patients for developing effective leisure time activities. Keywords: Quality of life, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, care needs.