Psychosocial risks and psychological intervention in the transplanted bone marrow patients

Abstract

In the last years, bone marrow transplantation (BMT) has become a common medical practice for great number of hematologic and oncologic diseases. This has meant the specialization of patient care from a multidisciplinary approach. Bone marrow transplantation is a therapeutic process that consists of several phases and each one of them causes patients and their families, different needs and psychological and emotional reactions. The aim of this article is to conduct a bibliographical review we have based our research from Medline and PsycINFO computerized databases. Furthermore, we describe an assessment and psychological intervention program that allows the adjustment of the patient to the diagnosis and treatment process, so that it can be achieved an optimum maintenance of the psychological well-being and the quality of life. Currently, psychology has a variety of techniques to favour patient’s resources and potential. This intervention includes several approaches: psychoeducational groups, counselling, self-help groups and cognitive-behavioral interventions. In short, due to the complexity of the treatment and the needs of patients and their families, it is necessary the existence of assessment and intervention programs where psychological multicomponent therapy could be included with effective therapy components in cancer patients: relaxation training, information about the disease and treatment, an emotionally supportive context, behavioural and cognitive coping strategies, focused interventions for disease-specific problems and social support.