Children's experiences of donating stem cells to a sibling : -a literature review

Background: Allogen stem cell transplantation is an established treatment for manylife-threatening diseases. The treatment provides many benefits and a sibling is theideal donor. Limited data on the experience of a sibling donor. Aim: To describe theexperiences of children who donated stem cells to their siblings. Method: Asystematic literature review. Nine articles were included in the research data. Result:Three main categories emerged through the research. Challenges – The need forinformation – Positive and negative experiences of donating. Feelings of fear andworry prior to receiving information about the results, possible complications and sideeffects presented itself as the main concern amongst the participants. Theparticipating donors wanted to be included in the decisions about their own body aswell as their siblings’ treatment and wished for more support and relatableinformation from the health care providers. Stem cell transplantation was viewed as apositive experience, where the donors were able to contribute to their siblings’ healthand well-being, which created a close and special connection. Conclusion:Participation, information and support were deciding factors for the donors in order tominimize worry and fear. By emphasizing the unique experiences of sibling stem celldonation, negative effects were diminished and instead a greater sense of support wasestablished