Patients’ Lived Experiences During the Transplant and Cellular Therapy Journey: Harvest and Hope

The book was envisioned by bedside nurses caring for transplant and cellular therapy patients as a way to teach novice nurses and health care colleagues about the care required for this complex patient population. The nurse authors recruited an oncology nurse practitioner, transplant physician, nurse scientist and expert in medical humanities and health studies to join the project team. The dedication of the team and the willingness of the patients to contribute to the project, has led to a unique case study approach focused on the lived experience of patients and care partner(s) during the transplant/cellular therapy journey. The case studies are unique in that they encompass a qualitative narrative developed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and the inclusion of the individual's actual medical and nursing care from their health record. At every step along the trajectory of the illness, the medications and care received are described, interspersed with the voice of the patient and care partner(s) sharing their experiences.

 

The chapters follow the individual patients and their care partner(s) through all phases of their illness. The interviews were conducted, and case studies written by the bedside clinical nurses. Visual art and prose created by patients and care partner(s)s are included in the chapters. The book also includes an introduction written by the nurse authors, a methods chapter on the inclusion of IPA in a case study, and poignant epilogue. The premise of nursing support for survivorship is woven throughout the book, highlighting how giving back aids in recovery identity.

This book, full of beautiful artworks and poems, is the work of clinical nurses devoted to improving care for their patients by sharing the patient stories with others. It introduces a unique approach to the case study which could be replicated and applied to any diagnosis.