Nursing Training by The Sri Lanka College of Oncologists and EBMT Nurses Group

Blood and marrow transplantation (BMT) has been performed in Sri Lanka for over a decade; however, it remains a relatively new and evolving field. To date, continuous professional development for BMT nurses has not received sufficient attention. In collaboration with the EBMT Nurses Working Party, this programme aims to provide a dedicated platform for nurses to learn, train, and connect with international experts. Through shared expertise, discussion, and practical guidance, we aim to clarify clinical queries, standardise best practice, enhance patient care, and promote nursing-led research in the field of BMT.

By the end of this webinar programme, participants will be able to:

• Describe the principles and processes of blood and marrow transplantation (BMT), including conditioning regimens and cell infusion procedures.
• Explain the principles of peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) mobilisation and apheresis, and identify the nursing responsibilities associated with these procedures.
• Deliver safe and effective nursing care for immunosuppressed BMT patients throughout the transplant pathway.
• Apply evidence-based infection prevention and control measures, including hygiene practices, patient isolation, hand hygiene, and low bacterial diet recommendations.
• Recognise early and acute complications following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and implement appropriate nursing interventions.
• Assess, prevent, and manage mucositis and provide effective oral care for BMT patients.
• Identify and manage common treatment-related side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, neutropenia, and febrile episodes.
• Understand the principles of transfusion support and monitor patients for transfusion-related complications.
• Recognise the signs and symptoms of Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD) and apply appropriate nursing management strategies.
• Describe the pathophysiology, risk factors, and nursing management of Hepatic Veno-Occlusive Disease (VOD).
• Implement nursing interventions for the prevention and management of haemorrhagic cystitis in BMT patients.
• Demonstrate best practice in central venous catheter (CVC) management to minimise complications and support patient safety.
• Discuss the importance of quality management, standards, and continuous professional education in BMT nursing practice.
• Identify late complications following BMT and support patients in improving long-term quality of life and survivorship outcomes.
• Promote collaborative practice, clinical discussion, and nursing-led research to enhance standards of care in BMT nursing.

1. Introduction to EBMT website, organization and maintenance of a BMT unit. Recording data.
2. Transplants, principals of conditioning & cell infusion.
3. PBSC Mobilization and apheresis.
4. Nurses care of immunosuppressed BMT patients. Infection risks: Hygiene, isolation & hand washing Infections and infection control & Low bacterial diet.
5. Early and acute HSCT complication and nurses care.
6. Nursing management of graft versus host disease (GvHD).
7. Mucositis & oral care. Assessment and control of vomit/nausea and diarrhea & neutropenia and fever. Transfusion support.
8. Nursing management of hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD).
9. Management of haemorrhagic cystitis.
10. Quality management, stands & nurses education.
11. Late complications and Quality of life post BMT.
12. CVC management.