Traditional Chinese Baduanjin Exercise With Nursing and Peer Group Support in the Care of Patients After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Evaluation of Application and Survival Analysis.

BACKGROUND

Sleep problems and anxiety are imperative for continuity of care and rehabilitation in patients following an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact on anxiety, sleep quality, and survival of integrating traditional Chinese Baduanjin exercises to track the control of continuous care in patients receiving an allo-HSCT.

METHODS

A total of 75 patients discharged after receiving an allo-HSCT were included. The control group received routine continuity of care, whereas the intervention group carried out Baduanjin exercises combined with 3C (company, clinical nurse, community nurse) support. Follow-up data were compared between the 2 groups using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale score for anxiety and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index for sleep quality.

RESULTS

Both the control and intervention groups showed that continuity of care measures were effective for improving sleep quality ( P  < .05). The continuity of care model and the time effect in the intervention group during the first 6 months of follow-up were associated with patient anxiety ( P  < .05). The median survival time was 26 months in the control group and 41 months in the intervention group, with this difference being statistically significant ( P  = .0239).

CONCLUSION

The 3C support group improved patients' compliance with continuity of care. Also, integrating Baduanjin exercises with continuous care alleviated anxiety, improved sleep quality, and prolonged median survival time in patients after an allo-HSCT.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The results indicate this model of care is potentially suitable for clinical promotion and application of allo-HSCT patients.