Continued

When visiting hospitals, patients should remember to bring a list of questions. Although patients may not have a great deal of control over the natural course of their disease, they do have control over many other very important factors, including the selection of a transplant center. Patient education is a very important component in this process.

Transplant Center Considerations

1. Number of Transplants Performed (all allogeneic and unrelated specifically)
2. Type of Transplants Performed
3. Diseases and Disease Statuses Treated
4. Age Limitations
5. HLA match criteria (level of match)
6. Survival Rates specific to disease, stage, age and transplant type
7. Specific Treatment and Research Protocols
8. Disease Specialties
9. Experience with Graft versus Host Disease
10. Availability of Volunteers and Social Workers
11. Child Care & Schooling
12. Patient and caregiver education and post-transplant training
13. Visitation Policies
14. Transplant Ward
15. Outpatient Clinic
16. Unrelated Donor Search Coordination, Search Strategies, Experience & Update Policies

Transplant Team Considerations

1. Physician Training
2. Nursing Experience
3. Accessibility to Supportive Care
4. Patient Education
5. Psychological Support
6. Nutritional Support
7. Financial Planning
8. Cost of Treatment
9. Patient Financial Services
10. Advocating with insurance providers
11. Other sources of funding: foundations and community fundraising

Long-Term Follow-Up

1. Local Physician Support
2. Consultations
3. Patient Follow-up