Palliative care of hematopoietic cell transplant recipients and families.

Objectives: To provide support for the early integration of palliative care into the care of hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients and families with the goal of improving care.

Data Sources: Journal articles and on-line databases.

Conclusion: Early integration of palliative care for HCT recipients at high risk for complex symptom clusters, non-relapse mortality, or relapse offers an opportunity to clarify goals of care, advanced care planning, and improving the quality of care for both recipients and families.

Implications For Nursing Practice: The palliative care service can support the HCT nurse in providing complex care to HCT recipients who are faced with significant side effects, toxicities, and complications of transplant.