A Structured Peer Support Intervention for Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

A Structured Peer Support Intervention for Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

This randomized clinical trial is evaluating the impact of a structured peer support intervention (STEPP) on psychological distress and quality of life among patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Although peer support interventions benefit patients throughout the cancer care continuum, most existing interventions have been developed and tested in patients with solid tumors. Patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can especially benefit from structured peer support interventions to potentially address persistent gaps in psychosocial care. In the absence of evidence-based structured peer support interventions for HSCT recipients, the study investigators developed the STEPP intervention. STEPP pairs patients with HSCT survivors who are trained by clinical psychologists to deliver five manualized phone sessions prior to transplantation and through acute recovery. With this multi-site randomized clinical trial, the investigators aim to find out whether STEPP can improve psychological distress and quality of life, compared to a minimally enhanced usual care control condition, using validated assessment tools.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult patients (aged 18 years and older) with hematologic malignancies, scheduled to undergo autologous or allogeneic HSCT
• Ability to speak, read, and respond to questions in English or Spanish to complete study procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients undergoing HSCT for benign hematologic conditions
• Patients with acute or unstable psychiatric or cognitive conditions (e.g., dementia) which the treating clinicians believe prohibits informed consent or compliance with study procedures
• Patients undergoing HSCT for the second time