Why you should read this article:

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To appreciate the importance of providing regular late-effects holistic reviews for patients who have received haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT)

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To read about the results of an audit that identified the concerns of patients who have received HSCT

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To recognise that prehabilitation is vital to enable patients to develop physical and emotional resilience and potentially avoid complications post-HSCT

As survival rates among patients receiving haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) improve, there is increased recognition of patients’ long-term needs. In Sheffield, the post-HSCT needs of patients are evaluated in a nurse-led late-effects service through a holistic needs assessment using the Sheffield Profile for Assessment and Referral to Care (SPARC) questionnaire. An audit of SPARC data was undertaken to identify common concerns among 61 patients after receiving HSCT; 80% had reported moderate or severe distress caused by a physical symptom, most commonly tiredness, and 56% had reported moderate or severe distress caused by a psychological issue, most commonly anxiety. The proportion of patients reporting moderate or severe distress was significantly higher among those aged 50 years regarding changes in appearance, worry about the effect of illness on family and others and feeling misunderstood. The audit confirms the importance of the routine holistic assessment of patients’ post-HSCT needs and the provision of an individualised care plan promoting recovery. It also reinforces the importance of prehabilitation to prevent post-HSCT complications.