Team approach to care
All children referred for a stem cell transplant at Children's Memorial Hospital have a multidisciplinary team to support them before and after transplant. A doctor and advanced practice nurse (APN) function as the primary team, caring for the child throughout the transplant process. The goal of this team approach is to provide consistent, expert care from the point of referral to the completion of the transplant.
Patients and their families benefit from this tight team approach, which combines highly specialized education of all stem cell transplant specialists with the clinical experience of advanced practice nurses. Each APN focuses on a unique part of the transplant process, maintaining consistency and reinforcing continuity of care. In addition, a primary social worker and a psycho-social team with Child Life specialists play an integral roles in supporting the emotional, social, educational and developmental needs of the patient and family.
The status of patients preparing for a stem cell transplant is reviewed in dedicated meetings. Team members discuss diagnosis, transplant and donor options, treatment regimens, as well as any insurance, financial and family or cultural concerns.
When patients are seen in the outpatient setting, every effort is made to schedule when the primary doctor is present.
If children are admited to the hospital, they are cared for by the "on service" stem cell specialist, since doctors rotate through the inpatient unit every week or two. If you do not see your child's primary doctor, rest assured that communication between all stem cell specialists and the entire health care team occurs regularly. This team approach fosters multiple perspectives, building consensus on the best possible course of treatment.
Care after transplant
About a year after transplant, you will work with our Survivors Taking Action & Responsibility (STAR) Program. Led by Kim Dilley, MD, a board-certified pediatrician focused on research and long-term outcomes, the program supports children as they grow and mature, helping families cope with physicial, psychological and social issues.
Families continue to have a relationship with their child's primary hematologist, oncologist and referring physician. And Dr. Dilley and her team continue to communicate with your child's primary physicians — to complement the care your child is routinely receiving, as well as provide a comprehensive, long-term care plan.
During visits, you may meet with Dr. Dilley or one of the APNs, Karina Danner Koptik or Barb Lockhart. You will also meet Meg Crum, our licensed social worker to help throughout your journey. Dr. Dilley and her team study patient data on a regular basis to uncover similar trends, needs and successes to best serve patients and their families.