Navigating the Transition Home with Dr. Navneet Majhail

In this episode of the podcast, we welcome Dr. Navneet Majhail, the Physician-in-Chief of Blood Cancers at the Sarah Cannon Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program and a widely  respected leader in transplant. The focus of our discussion is the critical transitions of care that occur after patients undergo transplant and cellular therapy, a subject Dr. Majhail is deeply passionate about.

Dr. Majhail highlights the complexities of managing care transitions from specialized treatment centers back to patients' local communities. This process is crucial because it involves highly specialized care that is available only at transplant centers, making it a significant challenge for patients who do not reside in those cities. The journey doesn’t end at the treatment center; once patients return home, the role of the caregivers and community doctors becomes paramount in managing ongoing care and potential complications.

We delve into the multiple stakeholders involved in this process, including the primary care providers, hematologists, oncologists, behavioral health and physical therapy professionals, usually at the local level. The importance of a supportive care network, emphasizing that the caregivers take care of themselves is also highlighted

One of the key tools in ensuring smooth transitions is the survivorship care plan. Dr. Majhail describes it as a comprehensive document that includes information on the patient's cancer type, treatment details, potential complications, and follow-up care recommendations. It serves as a roadmap for both patients and their providers to manage long-term health outcomes effectively.

Throughout the discussion, Dr. Majhail stressed the individualized nature of post-transplant care, underscoring that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Each patient’s needs can vary significantly based on their specific circumstances, making personalized care plans essential.

To conclude, the conversation reinforces the importance of transitional care in the journey of recovery and long-term health management for transplant and cellular therapy patients. This holistic approach not only addresses the medical needs but also the psychological and social aspects, ensuring that patients can return to their lives with the best possible support and care.

Resources:

International Recommendations for Screening and Preventative Practices for Long-Term Survivors of Transplantation and Cellular Therapy: A 2023 Update: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266663672301713X

Sarah Cannon Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program https://sarahcannon.com/service/blood-cancer

Tristar Centennial of Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute https://tristarcentennial.com/specialties/sarah-cannon-cancer-institute/

PCORI (Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute) https://www.pcori.org/

CIBMTR (Center for International Blood & Marrow Transplant Research) https://www.cibmtr.org/

FACT (Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy) http://www.factwebsite.org/

Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Journal https://www.bbmt.org/

BMT Infonet https://www.bmtinfonet.org/

NMDP (National Marrow Donor Program) https://gvhdalliance.org/

GVHD Alliance https://gvhdalliance.org/

National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.

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