Table 1.

Standard pretransplant optimization of older patients according to vulnerability

Domain impairedIntervention
Significant comorbid conditions Use preferred subspecialty consultants 
Optimization and stratification related to anticipated toxicities (rather than “clearance”) 
Ensure follow-up of comorbidity after HCT 
Impaired function Determine achievable functional gains 
Structured prehabilitation: exercises and physical therapy consultation 
Home safety assessment 
Falls Assist devices 
Educate on fall risks 
Define high-risk periods and precipitants (eg, hospitalization, IV fluids at night, sedative medications) 
Limited social support Pretransplant family meeting to widen support 
Assign “Team Captain” to coordinate caregivers 
Review short- and long-term patient needs to avoid nursing home or rehabilitation care 
Cognitive impairment More detailed cognitive testing and/or medical evaluation 
Delirium precautions (eg, avoid high-risk medications, educate patient and family) 
Education in writing and/or by recording 
Maximize caregivers availability, including 24/7 in hospital 
Depression or anxiety Consult for cognitive behavioral therapy ± pharmacotherapy 
Assess expected adherence post-HCT 
Weight loss Exclude concurrent medical and dental problems 
Avoid unnecessary dietary restrictions 
Bring preferred foods to hospital 
Nutritional supplements if needed 
Polypharmacy Stop unnecessary medications 
Evaluate interactions 
Pharmacist review of medication and use pill box 
Any impairment Evaluate underlying medical problems 
Elaborate on impairment in medical record 
Adjust preparative regimen 
Increase posttransplant follow-up frequency (visits/calls) 
Booster posttransplant day 30 MDC visit 
Harmonize patient and family needs and goals 
Domain impairedIntervention
Significant comorbid conditions Use preferred subspecialty consultants 
Optimization and stratification related to anticipated toxicities (rather than “clearance”) 
Ensure follow-up of comorbidity after HCT 
Impaired function Determine achievable functional gains 
Structured prehabilitation: exercises and physical therapy consultation 
Home safety assessment 
Falls Assist devices 
Educate on fall risks 
Define high-risk periods and precipitants (eg, hospitalization, IV fluids at night, sedative medications) 
Limited social support Pretransplant family meeting to widen support 
Assign “Team Captain” to coordinate caregivers 
Review short- and long-term patient needs to avoid nursing home or rehabilitation care 
Cognitive impairment More detailed cognitive testing and/or medical evaluation 
Delirium precautions (eg, avoid high-risk medications, educate patient and family) 
Education in writing and/or by recording 
Maximize caregivers availability, including 24/7 in hospital 
Depression or anxiety Consult for cognitive behavioral therapy ± pharmacotherapy 
Assess expected adherence post-HCT 
Weight loss Exclude concurrent medical and dental problems 
Avoid unnecessary dietary restrictions 
Bring preferred foods to hospital 
Nutritional supplements if needed 
Polypharmacy Stop unnecessary medications 
Evaluate interactions 
Pharmacist review of medication and use pill box 
Any impairment Evaluate underlying medical problems 
Elaborate on impairment in medical record 
Adjust preparative regimen 
Increase posttransplant follow-up frequency (visits/calls) 
Booster posttransplant day 30 MDC visit 
Harmonize patient and family needs and goals 
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