Construction of a nursing care protocol for children in post-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

OBJECTIVE

To construct a nursing care protocol for children in post-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

METHOD

Methodological research carried out from January to September 2019, in three steps: (a) integrative review (nursing care was identified); (b) theoretical structuring and organization of healthcare based on the Theory of Basic Human Needs and on the International Classification for Nursing Practice (supplementing the review data); and (c) development of a protocol in the three previously mentioned stages. Analysis of the understanding of the protocol's items/care was performed by three specialist nurses.

RESULTS

The care protocol consists of 40 nursing problems and is organized in accordance with the psychobiological, psychosocial, and psycho-spiritual needs of children undergoing transplantation, integrating practical and guidance care.

CONCLUSION

The care protocol is an important technology for nursing care to transplanted children, aimed to prevent and manage transplantation complications.

Construção de protocolo de cuidados de enfermagem à criança no pós-transplante de células-tronco hematopoiéticas

RESUMO Objetivo: Construir protocolo de cuidados de enfermagem à criança no pós-transplante de células-tronco hematopoiéticas. Método: Pesquisa metodológica conduzida entre janeiro e setembro de 2019 e, em três etapas: a) realização de revisão integrativa (cuidados de enfermagem foram identificados); b) estruturação e organização teórica de cuidados a partir da Teoria das Necessidades Humanas Básicas e da Classificação Internacional para a Prática de Enfermagem, complementando os dados da revisão; c) desenvolvimento do protocolo, cuja elaboração integrou as etapas anteriores. A análise de compreensão de itens/cuidados do protocolo foi realizada por três enfermeiros especialistas. Resultados: O protocolo de cuidados é composto por 40 problemas de enfermagem e está organizado de acordo com as necessidades psicobiológicas, psicossociais e psicoespirituais de crianças submetidas ao transplante, integrando cuidados práticos e de orientação. Conclusão: O protocolo é opção tecnológica para a assistência de enfermagem à criança transplantada, com vistas à prevenção e manejo das complicações.

Living with cancer in the COVID-19 pandemic: An Italian survey on self-isolation at home

Objective

To investigate the perception of self‐isolation at home in patients with cancer during the lockdown period resulting from the COVID‐19 outbreak in Italy.

Methods

A cross‐sectional descriptive study was conducted through an online survey of patients with cancer who were sheltering at home from 29th March to 3rd May 2020. Perception of self‐isolation was assessed using the ISOLA scale, after evaluation of its psychometric properties. Content analysis was used to analyse two open‐ended questions.

Results

The participants were 195 adult patients with cancer (female = 76%; mean age = 50.3 ± 11.2; haematological malignancy = 51.3%). They reported moderate isolation‐related suffering (M = 2.64 ± 0.81), problems in their relationships with others (M = 3.31 ± 1.13) and difficulties in their relationships with themselves (M = 3.14 ± 1.06). Patients who experienced significantly more social problems were older, had less education and were living without minor children. Overall, four main categories emerged from the qualitative content analysis: (1) lack of freedom and social life, (2) uncertainty and worries, (3) feeling supported and (4) dealing with isolation.

Conclusion

Living with cancer in the COVID‐19 pandemic was often perceived as an isolating experience, primarily in terms of detachment from loved ones.

Factors influencing the perception of protective isolation in patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A multicentre prospective study

OBJECTIVES

To identify which factors can influence the patients' perception of protective isolation following Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT).

METHODS

This is a prospective study conducted in 10 Italian centres, members of the Italian Group of stem cell transplant (GITMO). Patients' perception of protective isolation was assessed using the ISOLA scale between 7 and 9 days post-transplant. Statistical linear regression analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The participants were 182 adult patients receiving autologous (48%) or allogeneic (52%) HSCT in protective isolation. Male sex (β = .152), education level (β = -.245), double room (β = .186), satisfaction with visiting hours (β = -.174) and emotional support from nurses (β = -.169) were independently associated with isolation-related suffering. Significant predictors of the relationship with oneself included body temperature (β = -.179), fatigue (β = -.192) and emotional support from nurses (β = -.292). Factors independently associated with the relationship with others were education (β = -.230), chemotherapy cycles (β = -.218), pain (β = .150) and satisfaction with visiting hours (β = -.162).

CONCLUSION

Healthcare providers should pay greater attention in caring for those patients who are at risk for a negative isolation experience. Nurses should provide emotional support.