The aftermath of bone marrow transplant for parents of pediatric patients: a post-traumatic stress disorder.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the characteristics of a child's bone marrow transplant (BMT) experience that may precipitate a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the parent.


METHODS
Published articles, books, and the authors' clinical experience.


RESULTS
When viewed from the PTSD framework, parental reactions to a child's BMT offer striking parallels that include assessment of the event as traumatic, re-experiencing the event, intrusive thoughts, and a variety of emotional and cognitive responses. Interventions based on PTSD research can be implemented in clinical settings to diminish and treat these responses.


CONCLUSIONS
The PTSD framework holds promise for healthcare providers in devising strategies to help families of children undergoing BMT to cope with the experience.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses can use orientation, education, coaching, and peer support to help families before BMT and debriefing and counseling after BMT.
Heiney
S P
SP
Center for Cancer and Treatment and Research, Richland Memorial Hospital.
Neuberg
R W
RW
Myers
D
D
Bergman
L H
LH
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000359:Aftercare; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation; D003376:Counseling; D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012944:Social Support; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*