Patients' experiences of appearance changes following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.
BACKGROUND
No previous research has explored the impact of the many appearance changes that can occur in patients following bone marrow transplantation (BMT).


OBJECTIVE
This research aimed to explore in depth patients' experiences of appearance changes following allogeneic BMT to address the lack of knowledge in this area.


METHODS
Semistructured interviews were conducted with 6 men and women who had received an allogeneic BMT within the previous 6 months to 2 years. Interviews were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.


RESULTS
The findings illustrated that appearance changes had an impact on participants' confidence. It was also found that participants appeared to prioritize and view their appearance changes in the context of having a life-threatening treatment and experiencing many adverse effects. Appearance changes were a low priority until the immediate dangers of treatment had subsided and participants were returning to their former roles. In addition, it was also found that the isolation that participants experienced while recovering from transplant seemed to lessen the effects of appearance changes by limiting their exposure to the reactions and perceptions of others.


CONCLUSIONS
The effects of appearance changes on confidence may become problematic if individuals are still experiencing an altered appearance when returning to former roles.


CONCLUSIONS
This study highlights the need to identify and support those with long-term appearance changes.
Centre for Appearance Research, UWE, Bristol, United Kingdom. charlotte2.russell@live.uwe.ac.uk
Charlotte
C
Russell
Diana
D
Harcourt
Lucy
L
Henderson
David Ian
DI
Marks
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001828:Body Image; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012649:Self Concept; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous