An Integrative Review of Patient Education During Inpatient Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Abstract

Problem identification: Patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) have significant learning needs that nurses must provide. The review question was "What teaching methods and strategies have been examined to deliver education to patients undergoing HSCT?"

Literature search: The review was conducted in November 2022 using the following databases: Scopus®, Embase®, MEDLINE®, CINAHL®, PsycINFO®, and ERIC. The search comprised two main concepts: HSCT and patient education.

Data evaluation: The search yielded 1,458 records after duplicates were removed, and 3 studies were included in this review. The studies were critically appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and deemed to be of moderate quality.

Synthesis: Problem-solving training was the teaching method used in all three studies. Satisfaction was noted among patients and those delivering the intervention. The effect of the training on information retention or application was not measured.

Implications for practice: Additional research is needed to explore how to best educate patients undergoing HSCT while hospitalized. Structured teaching methods may have a sound theoretical basis and warrant additional investigation using more rigorous research methods.

Keywords: hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; patient education; teaching strategies.