2015 Volume 4 Issue 3 Pages 66-73
Hematopoietic cell transplantation for the treatment of hematological diseases is performed in approximately 5,000 patients per year in Japan. This number is gradually increasing along with the survival rate due to expanded indications for treatments and supportive therapy and the fact that transplantation is now possible in the elderly. Many studies are now underway to clarify the effects of transplant therapy not only in terms of survival and complications but also quality of life (QOL). Recovery of post-treatment QOL takes years, and many problems such as physical, social, role function, cognitive function, fatigue and economic issues are noted. Patient QOL also affects the people who support these patients. When supporting the care of such patients, it must not be forgotten that depression is 3.5 times more likely to occur in the partners of such patients than in the healthy population, and that donors might experience complex emotions including anxiety and responsibility as well as positivity with regards to the donation. Thus, support devised together with the patient that responds to the patient's needs based on a sensitive understanding of the problems they and the people supporting them face may aid such patients and those supporting them in working out how to independently solve problems.
