The perceptions of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation decision-making in patients with hematologic malignancies: a qualitative systematic review.
- 1Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School Of Medicine, 1367 Wenyi West Rd, Yuhang District, Hangzhou, 311121, Zhejiang Province, China.
- 2Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School Of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- 3Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School Of Medicine, 1367 Wenyi West Rd, Yuhang District, Hangzhou, 311121, Zhejiang Province, China. [email protected].
Abstract
Purpose
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains the primary curative option for many hematologic malignancies, yet its substantial risks make the treatment decision highly complex and high stakes for patients. Although current qualitative studies have explored how patients perceive HSCT, a comprehensive synthesis of these insights is still lacking. This study synthesizes existing research on patient perceptions of HSCT to guide shared decision-making in clinical practice.Methods
A literature search was conducted across eight databases: PubMed, CINAHL, PsycARTICLES, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global, spanning from their respective inceptions to February 2026. The Joanna Briggs Institute criteria for qualitative research were utilized to evaluate the quality of the studies, and a content analysis approach was employed to integrate the findings.Results
A total of 20 studies were included, yielding 4 new integrated findings: (1) constrained choices; (2) decision-making embedded in relational contexts; (3) the hidden toll: financial constraints and logistical hurdles; (4) concerns about restricted social participation and threats to identity caused by transplantation.Conclusion
HSCT decision-making is shaped not only by clinical risks and benefits, but also by constrained choice, relational contexts, practical circumstances, and concerns about future life. SDM-based decision support should therefore extend beyond information provision to clarify patients' understanding of the decision space, identify factors that constrain choice, and address the values and longer-term concerns that matter to them.
Related
- A qualitative exploration of the psychosocial burden and coping among adolescents and young adults with hematologic malignancies
- Long-term endocrine and reproductive outcomes in female adolescent and young adult survivors after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for hematological malignancies during childhood or adolescence
- Risk Factors and Outcomes of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium Bloodstream Infection in Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplant Recipients: A Case-Control Study
- Non‐Relapse Mortality With Bispecific Antibodies in Hematologic Malignancies: A Dual Systematic Review and Pharmacovigilance Analysis
- Global Burden of Disease Study on the Changing Landscape of Hematologic Malignancies and the Growing Impact of Elevated Body Mass Index — Asia, 1990–2023
BibTeX
@article{wu2026perceptions,
title = {{The perceptions of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation decision-making in patients with hematologic malignancies: a qualitative systematic review.}},
author = {QingYing Wu and DanQi Chen and Fei Yuan and ShuQi Huang and Pan Fu and Ying Zhang and HuaFen Wang},
journal = {Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1007/s00520-026-11381-8},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42909656},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - The perceptions of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation decision-making in patients with hematologic malignancies: a qualitative systematic review.
AU - QingYing Wu
AU - DanQi Chen
AU - Fei Yuan
AU - ShuQi Huang
AU - Pan Fu
AU - Ying Zhang
AU - HuaFen Wang
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/23
JO - Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
DO - 10.1007/s00520-026-11381-8
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42909656
AB - Purpose Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains the primary curative option for many hematologic malignancies, yet its substantial risks make the treatment decision highly complex and high stakes for patients. Although current qualitative studies have explored how patients perceive HSCT, a comprehensive synthesis of these insights is still lacking. This study synthesizes existing research on patient perceptions of HSCT to guide shared decision-making in clinical practice.Methods A literature search was conducted across eight databases: PubMed, CINAHL, PsycARTICLES, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global, spanning from their respective inceptions to February 2026. The Joanna Briggs Institute criteria for qualitative research were utilized to evaluate the quality of the studies, and a content analysis approach was employed to integrate the findings.Results A total of 20 studies were included, yielding 4 new integrated findings: (1) constrained choices; (2) decision-making embedded in relational contexts; (3) the hidden toll: financial constraints and logistical hurdles; (4) concerns about restricted social participation and threats to identity caused by transplantation.Conclusion HSCT decision-making is shaped not only by clinical risks and benefits, but also by constrained choice, relational contexts, practical circumstances, and concerns about future life. SDM-based decision support should therefore extend beyond information provision to clarify patients' understanding of the decision space, identify factors that constrain choice, and address the values and longer-term concerns that matter to them.
SN - 0941-4355
SN - 1433-7339
ER -