Accommodation for patients and carers during relocation for treatment for leukaemia: a descriptive profile

Abstract

Patients with haematological disorders and their families must adjust to a wide range of psychosocial stresses, including coming to terms with a life-threatening diagnosis and coping with aggressive and invasive treatment regimens. The stress of this situation is exacerbated for many patients who must relocate to a metropolitan area for specialist treatment. This discussion presents research findings that indicate that for many of these patients the need for accommodation during relocation for treatment is a problem that should be given serious consideration. It is anticipated that this descriptive profile of a successful response to the problem of accommodation for leukaemia patients will provide useful data for the development of such services elsewhere.