At-Home Care Versus Total Hospital Care Model for Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Adult Lymphoma Patients: A Pilot Case-Control Study.

Background: Lymphoma is the second most prevalent cancer treated with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Additional resources are required to enhance the provision of care for these patients.

Objective: To explore the complications and economic costs of home versus hospital care models for ASCT in patients diagnosed with lymphoma and to describe the experience of home care patients.

Methods: This was an observational pilot case-control study with 1:1 matching, in which all patients assisted at home were included. Data were obtained by reviewing medical records and data from the hospital's financial and resource management service. The IEXPAC scale version 11 + 4 was used to assess the care process experience as perceived by home care patients.

Results: The study included 34 patients, in which there was a significant decrease in neutropenic fever, both in frequency and duration (P = .001 and P < .001, respectively), in mucositis days (P = .038), and the rate of red cell concentrate transfusion (P < .001); however, there was a longer neutrophil recovery time (P = .044) in home care versus hospitalized patients. The overall cost was higher in the hospital care model (P = .001). Home care patients obtained high scores on the perceived experience of the care process scale.

Conclusions: The home ASCT model is associated with fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and more significant cost savings. The experience of the home care process was rated satisfactorily.

Implications for practice: This study provides evidence for a model that offers high-quality care and a comfortable experience for ASCT patients. Preparing more nurses for this home care model is imperative.