Development and Implementation of an Advanced Practitioner–Led Survivorship Clinic for Patients Status Post Allogeneic Transplant

Abstract

Background: Survivor recovery from hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is long term, with significant physical and psychological morbidities that impact quality of life and reentry into personal and social lives. The optimal timing of when and how to deliver comprehensive HCT survivorship care is not well defined. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to design, implement, and evaluate an advanced practitioner (AP)-led pilot survivorship clinic incorporating an individual and group format for patients post HCT at the 1-year transition period. Methods: A survey assessing physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs and concerns was mailed to a sample of patients who underwent HCT between 2009 and 2014. This phase 1 survey was utilized in the phase 2 design of an AP-led pilot survivorship clinic for patients post allogeneic HCT. A total of 15 patients were approached, out of which 7 enrolled over a 12-month period in the pilot survivorship clinic. Results: The needs assessment survey noted the most prevalent moderate to high concerns were in the emotional domain, with 52% of respondents identifying fear of cancer returning and new cancer developing. The pilot survivorship clinic incorporating a group visit format with multiple sessions was not feasible for both patients and APs within the context of a small- to medium-sized HCT program. Conclusion: The needs assessment survey underscored the importance of addressing all four quality of life domains in cancer survivors. A hybrid survivorship clinic with one comprehensive group visit may be beneficial for HCT survivors at the 1-year transition for small- to medium-sized HCT programs.