Returning to Work Post-HCT
NMDP Explore Cell Therapy podcast season 2, episode 8
In this two-part "Explore Cell Therapy" podcast episode, Rachel Salit, MD, and Katie Shoeppner, MSW, discuss the recently developed evidence-based guidance for health care providers to assist patients in returning to work after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT).
Download a PDF of the full study summary with journal citation here: Research Brief
Listen as they share the complex challenges transplant patients face when returning to work. They highlight the importance of provider education, early communication with patients and employers, and resources for health care providers to individualize treatment plans. You'll gain insights into the role all health care team members play to ensure patients are supported throughout their transplant journey.
Key takeaways
- Personalization and advocacy for return-to-work planning: The standard return-to-work guidance (waiting a full year post-transplant) may need to be evaluated and personalized according to the patient's specific needs and type of work. Health care providers play a significant role in advocating for the patient, optimizing early communication across teams, and ensuring patients return to work safely. This is particularly important for patients in physically demanding jobs and those with socioeconomic pressures necessitating a return to work.
- Importance of patient-reported outcomes: Patient-reported outcomes–including physical functioning, mental health, social interactions and return to work–are important for assessing the quality of life in post-transplant patients and understanding the impact of HCT not solely based on clinical outcomes.
- Adaptation of workplace accommodations post-COVID: The COVID-19 pandemic inadvertently created a framework for flexible work. Practices such as working from home, flexible schedules and remote meetings have benefited post-transplant patients by allowing a more adaptable return-to-work environment.
- Multidisciplinary collaboration and clear communication: The journey of returning to work post-transplant isn't isolated to one profession within the medical team. It necessitates a collective effort involving a range of health care professionals, including transplant centers and community practices, to promote effective communication across transitions. It is especially important to establish frequent communication with employers and considerations for necessary accommodations.
- Evolving guidance and evidence-based approaches: Evidence-based guidance helps health care providers address misconceptions and facilitate patients' return to work. The future direction aims at more research specific to transplant patients returning to work, which would help refine guidelines and spread awareness.
This episode’s expert guests
Rachel Salit, MD
Associate Professor, Medical Oncology
University of Washington School of Medicine
Fred Hutch Cancer Center
Katie Schoeppner, MSW, LICSW
Director, Patient Services
National Marrow Donor Program® (NMDP)/Be The Match®
Dr. Salit trained at Loyola Stritch School of Medicine, University of Maryland, and the National Cancer Institute. She specializes in bone marrow/stem cell transplants and focuses on enhancing post-transplant quality of life. She has pioneered research to support survivors' reintegration into the workforce, resulting in the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy’s (ASTCT) Return to Work Guidance.
Katie Schoeppner has more than 15 years in the HCT field where she champions research-based interventions to ease patient access to care. Passionate about survivorship, mental health, and caregiving, she is dedicated to enhancing patients' quality of life through support and education. She was an integral member of the ASTCT Return to Work Guidance committee.
Featured programs discussed in this episode
Resources for hematology/oncology and transplant physicians
HCT Guidelines app
The new and improved HCT Guidelines app features our latest HCT Consultation Timing Guidelines, Post-Transplant Care Guidelines, tips to help identify GVHD, CME opportunities and more.
Transplant Center Directory for hematology/oncology physicians
This searchable database provides details on the transplant centers, such as center contact information, number of transplants by cell source, patient survival information and more.
Access the Transplant Center Directory
CIBMTR® Summary Slides and Reports
Use summarized CIBMTR data on outcomes and trends for clinical decision-making, presentations and research planning. CIBMTR is a research collaboration between the Medical College of Wisconsin® and NMDPSM.
Resources for your patients
NMDP Patient Support Center
Patients, caregivers and families receive free support, information and resources before and after transplant from our NMDP Patient Support Center team.
Get Patient Support Center details
Jason Carter Clinical Trials Search and Support (CTSS)
The CTSS program helps patients find and join clinical trials through one-on-one support and an easy-to-navigate website. Patients can receive financial assistance to help pay for travel costs to participate in a clinical trial.