CN56Factors influencing the level of emotional support from nurses perceived by patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in protective isolation

Abstract Background Patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are often hospitalised in protective isolation in order to reduce the risk of dangerous infection. However, they could experience isolation-related suffering, problems in relationships with others, and difficulties in relating to themselves. Oncology nurses might play an important role in mitigating perceived isolation and in providing emotional support. The aim of this study was to identify which factors can influence the level of emotional support from nurses perceived by patients with haematological malignancies undergoing HSCT in isolation. Methods A multicentre prospective study was conducted in 10 haematology centres of the Italian Group of stem cell transplant (GITMO). Emotional support from nurses was measured between day +7 and +9 post-transplant using the Scale Experiences on the Newcastle Satisfaction with Nurses Scale. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed. Results The participants were 186 adult patients receiving autologous (48%) or allogeneic (52%) HSCT in protective isolation. They were mainly male (61.6%) with a mean age of 50.1 (SD = 13.4; range=19-71). The regression model explained 23% of the total variance (p Conclusions Patients who reported high emotional support from nurses were female, with low pain, satisfied with information received, and hospitalised in double room in a ward with a low patients to nurse ratio. It is crucial to reduce the patients to nurse ratio in order to promote the role of nurses in providing emotional support. Legal entity responsible for the study Campus Bio-Medico di Roma University. Funding Has not received any funding. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest. Table: CN56 . Regression model predicting perceived emotional support from nurses (n = 186) β 95% CI P Sex (female) .193 (.056; .332) .006 Pain level -.147 (-.287; -.007) .040 First HSCT .099 (-.038; .234) .158 Double room .242 (.098; .378) .001 Satisfaction with info .403 (.264; .547) Patients to nurse -.168 (-.316; -.027) .021 P