Background: Comprehensive care prior to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) can improve patient outcomes, yet psychological assessment prior to transplantation has been overlooked as a standard of care.
Objectives: This review summarizes the evidence on psychological assessment for patients undergoing alloHSCT and explores the impact of psychological distress and/or psychological disorders on clinical outcomes and overall survival.
Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed®, CINAHL®, Embase®, and PsycINFO® for studies focused on psychological screening of patients in the alloHSCT population.
Findings: alloHSCT is associated with patient psychological distress and disorders, which can result in negative outcomes such as poorer quality of life and overall survival. Future studies implementing a validated instrument for psychological assessment may allow for early identification of vulnerable patients undergoing alloHSCT and interventions, which may improve overall outcomes.