Comprehensive Palliative Care After Stem Cell Transplantation: a Feasability Study

Summary

People who receive an allogeneic stem cell transplant often face important physical and emotional challenges during their recovery. Even after leaving the hospital, they may experience symptoms such as fatigue, pain, anxiety, uncertainty, or difficulties returning to their usual daily activities. Family caregivers may also experience a considerable burden during this period. Palliative care is specialized supportive care aimed at improving quality of life for people facing serious illness. It focuses on helping patients and families manage symptoms, cope with emotional and practical challenges, and receive care that is aligned with their needs and priorities. While palliative care is increasingly integrated into cancer care, it is not routinely offered to all patients recovering from stem cell transplantation. The COMPAS study aims to determine whether it is feasible and acceptable to systematically offer palliative care consultations to patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Participants will receive supportive consultations with a palliative care physician in addition to their usual transplant follow-up care. The study will evaluate whether patients are willing to participate, whether the consultations can be delivered as planned, and how patients and caregivers perceive this approach. Participants and caregivers will also be invited to complete questionnaires and some may take part in interviews about their experience. The results of this study will help determine whether a larger future study should be conducted and may contribute to improving supportive care for people recovering from stem cell transplantation.