PSYCHOLOGICAL-PROBLEMS AND CHANGES IN INTENSIVE-CARE MEDICINE AS EXEMPLIFIED BY BONE-MARROW TRANSPLANTATION

Bone Marrow resp. Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation (BMT/PBSC T) represents the only chance of cure for many patients with haematolo gical diseases. Treatment and convalescence place significant stress n ot only on patients but on partners, siblings (who are frequently dono rs) and medical staff. Stressors are the high risk of mortality and ch ronic disabilities, acute treatment side-effects and multiple psycholo gical and social demands. This requires support during long-term psych osocial sequelae. We present problems and possible interventions in an acute and a rehabilitative medical setting, discussing recent finding s in respect of donors' motivations, social support and quality of lif e, Psychosocial support in BMT should be given in a process perspectiv e systematically combining and assessing in- and outpatient interventi ons.