Hematopoietic cell transplantation: Training challenges and potential opportunities through networking and integration of modern technologies to the practice setting

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), particularly allogeneic HCT, is a complex and a high-risk procedure requiring expertise to manage potential treatment complications. Published data supports the value of quality management systems in improving post-transplant outcomes; however, there are no universally established, or agreed upon, criteria to assess adequacy of training of physicians, transplant or nontransplant, and supporting staff, among others. It is of paramount importance for transplant centers to identify the needed area(s) of expertise in order to seek appropriate training for their staff. Moreover, transplant physicians need to keep up-to-date with the rapidly occurring advances in the field. Outcomes of patients undergoing HCT are affected by various factors related to patient, disease, procedure, preventative, and supportive strategies, among others. Accordingly, availability of databases is necessary to collect information on these variables and use to benchmark future prospective clinical trials aiming at further improving clinical outcomes. Twinning with leading centers worldwide is helping to not only bridge the survival gap of patients diagnosed with cancer in the developing vis-à-vis the developed world, but eventually closing it. The advent of the World Wide Web and revolution in telecommunication has made access to information more readily available to various sectors including healthcare. Telemedicine is enabling healthcare delivery to remote and underserved geographic areas. In the setting of HCT, ensuring compliance to prescribed therapies and post-transplant surveillance are some areas where implementing telemedicine programs could fulfill an unmet need.