Pretransplant Psychological Assessment for Stem Cell Treatment
Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is a complex medical procedure with multiple psychosocial implications that both influence and are influenced by the medical course. Most transplant centers require that patients complete a pre-HSCT psychological evaluation assessing risk factors that may affect a patient’s ability to tolerate or adhere to the transplant process. A universal assessment methodology, however, is lacking. This article seeks to identify what topics and behaviors may be considered most imperative to assess with patients prior to HSCT. These nine areas include medical diagnosis and history, health literacy, communication with providers, adherence, prior psychiatric history, substance use, coping style, social support, and quality of life. The rationale for identifying these specific assessment points, as well as the implications of unaddressed or untreated areas of concerns, are elucidated.