Exploring insights of a pediatric stem cell transplantation team

Background

The treatment options for children with childhood cancers have expanded to not only surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and biotherapy, but also hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). There are many challenges linked to this type of treatment. One of the challenges is the insight into how the stem cell team members perceive the treatment of the children.

Objective

To explore the insights of a paediatric stem cell transplantation team.

Design and methods

A qualitative study method was employed. Data were collected using face-to-face personal interviews with sixteen (16) eligible participants. Non-probability sampling method was used to select participants. Thematic analysis and coding were used to transcribe data. The setting was a private and public hospital in the Western Cape where hematopoietic stem cell transplantations were performed.

Results

The team was positive about this treatment option for childhood cancers. Selected members of the team experienced psychological encounters to practice in a hematological setting, especially with sick children. However, certain members could disconnect psychologically from the patients.

Conclusions

The management of hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients is complex, and the multi-disciplinary team must have a suitable approach towards these patients. Training of team members should include hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for children. Haematology practitioners must be well-informed about stem cell research in children. Health education in the community regarding stem cell transplantations should be conducted to create awareness.