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 (ß = .152), education level (ß = -.245), double room (ß = .186), satisfaction with visiting hours (ß = -.174) and emotional support from nurses (ß = -.169) were independently associated with isolation-related suffering. Significant predictors of the relationship with oneself included body temperature (ß = -.179), fatigue (ß = -.192) and emotional support from nurses (ß = -.292). Factors independently associated with the relationship with others were education (ß = -.230), chemotherapy cycles (ß = -.218), pain (ß = .150) and satisfaction with visiting hours (ß = -.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.

Development and initial validation of a questionnaire to assess patients' perception of protective isolation following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

The aim of this study was to develop and psychometrically test a questionnaire assessing patients' perception of protective isolation following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The conceptual framework for developing the questionnaire was a three-dimensional model that emerged from a metasynthesis: isolation-related suffering, relationship with oneself and relationship with others. Item selection was performed through a focus group, comparison with the findings of two phenomenological studies, and content validity with 22 experts. Cognitive interviews with five patients were used to verify face validity. A validation study was conducted in 10 Italian centres, all members of the Italian Group of stem cell transplant (GITMO). Patients completed the questionnaires between 7 and 9 days post-transplant. Dimensionality was tested through exploratory factor analysis (EFA). A total of 17 items yielded a content validity index (CVI) of 0.88. Participants included 186 adult patients receiving autologous (48%) or allogeneic (52%) HSCT in protective isolation. The EFA yielded a three-factor solution, explaining 55% of the variance. The scale showed adequate psychometric properties, with the exception of three items, which were eliminated. Future studies should test the psychometric properties of the questionnaire through confirmatory factor analysis and verify its transcultural validity.

["Let me tell you about my little box": phenomenological study on the experience of living with a totally implantable central venous catheter]. / "Ti racconto della mia scatoletta": studio fenomenologico sull'esperienza di vivere con un catetere venoso centrale totalmente impiantato.

. "Let me tell you about my little box": phenomenological study on the experience of living with a totally implantable central venous catheter. INTRODUCTION: Many variables impact on the choice to implant a totally implantable long-term central venous catheter's (Port), in spite of its proven efficacy. The patients' perception is pivotal, and only few qualitative studies dig deep into patients' feelings and experiences. AIMS: To understand if, and how, the Port affects the patient's life. METHODS: Qualitative phenomenological study based on semi-structured interviews on a convenience sample of patients implanted a Port, selected in an oncohematology Day Hospital in Milan. The analysis was carried out by three researchers with a phenomenological method. RESULTS: Four main themes, and sub-themes, emerged from twenty interviews. Relief, both physical and psychological; the process of the choice of inserting the Port and the importance of thinking about its positioning since the beginning of the treatment course; the symbol- the device reminds of the disease and its removal is of utmost importance; the technology progresses- the need of trust in the health care personnel and in their competences. CONCLUSIONS: The Port improved the patients' quality of life. The study allows some reflections on the need of considering the actual and future conditions of the patient to make a shared and informed choice.