RCT of ACP for Transplant

A Pilot Randomized Control Trial of Advance Care Planning and Triggered Palliative Care for Cancer Patients Undergoing Stem Cell Transplantation (RCT of ACP for Transplant)

We aim to examine the effect of an online advance directive on decisional conflict and quality of life in patients undergoing stem cell transplant. We also aim to assess the effect of palliative care at the time of a sentinel event on quality of life.

Inclusion Criteria:

The inclusion criteria for Phase I (primary objective) are as follows:

• Age ≥ 18 years
• Hematologic malignancy diagnosis including any subset of myeloma, lymphoma, leukemia, or myelodysplastic syndrome
• Currently scheduled for autologous or allogeneic transplant at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

The inclusion criteria for Phase II (secondary objective) are as follows:

• Age ≥ 18 years
• Hematologic malignancy diagnosis including any subset of lymphoma, leukemia, or myelodysplastic syndrome
• Received an autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplant at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and experienced a sentinel event of either 1) disease relapse,2) severe (Grade III or IV) graft-versus-host disease, or 3) unplanned hospital admission with length of stay greater than 72 hours.

Exclusion Criteria:

The exclusion criteria for Phase I include:

• Inability to read and write English
• Not serving as the primary decision maker for their health-related decisions
• Having a non-hematologic malignancy reason for undergoing transplantation (e.g. aplastic anemia)

The exclusion criteria for Phase II include:

• Not completing participation in Phase I of the study
• Myeloma diagnosis