Last update:
21-Jan-2019

In recent decades, the need is developing for optimal provision of information to the sensitive population of patients with cancer, as emphasis is being placed on recognition of the right of patients to information and autonomy. The provision of systematic and personalized information is a constant challenge in clinical practice, but there are strong indications that this is associated with beneficial effects. The documented advantages include the active involvement of patients in decision-making, their better adaptation to the treatment care plan, reduction of their anxiety, and improvement in their overall health-related quality of life (HRQoL). In the particular group of patients with hematological malignancies who are undergoing the treatment option of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, although the patients seek as much information as possible their information needs often remain unmet. This review summarizes the parameters that clarify the concept of information, as a need and right of hematological patients and a fundamental obligation of medical ethics, and to identifies the role of systematic information provision in their HRQoL. In recent years, research has been focused on the introduction of new information practices, complementary to the traditional oral methods, which aim to enhance patient satisfaction with the information provided. Reports of evaluation of information intervention highlight the benefits of structured information in the holistic promotion of patient functioning. Such efforts should be reinforced by randomized, multi-center studies, focusing on the long-term impact of information intervention on the overall HRQoL of patients with hematological malignancies.

Key words: Hematological malignancies, Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, Information needs, Information provision, Quality of life.